This week I was watching a ton of viral videos, so I figures I would make my post here on viral videos. I went into TED.com in search of TEDtalks about viral videos. I found a short video on why videos go viral by Kevin Allocca, the trends manager at Youtube. Outlining three core influences a video requires to become, or at least have the potential to be come a viral video.

Taste makers, communities of participation and unexpectedness.

Beginning with taste makers being those who introduce us to new and interesting things, and bring it to a larger audience using their popularity and social status. After the introduction of the video from a taste maker the community is required to participate by re-sharing the video introducing it to other communities who would not have been reached by the initial injection from the taste makers. Lastly, and perhaps more importantly a video must be unexpected.

Link to original video: http://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_allocca_why_videos_go_viral.html