I loved your context about driving different kinds of viral notes. It is so mysterious, what makes something take off. Maybe it has to be relatable to a lot of people, plus you need someone with a lot of followers/subscribers to restack as well. A hot combo of both, and off it goes!
In the terrible movie Mystery Men (I love it) one of the characters has the powers of invisibility, but only when no one is looking at him. When he finally manages to use his powers for good, the other characters obviously see him and he ends up standing there, naked and exposed while everyone stares at him.
I think that's how I'd feel if ever a note went viral.
I love that film! I didn't feel naked, though, just surprised. And paranoid that I'd made a typo in my note.... Ooofff. I suppose I could've styled it out and claimed it was intentional.
The Blue Raja with his cutlery! And the skull in the bowling ball! What a cas. It's such an ingenious film. I love that bit when it all comes together at the end - each of their quirks pay off.
I've gone semi-viral with about 3 notes (a couple of 100 likes if that constitutes "viral"?!). The last one was a one-liner I wrote above a quote from a piece by Poe. I could not, for the life of me, figure out why it got so many reactions?! Other things I put much more thought and effort into got nothing or a handful of reactions.
I did not experience the "rush" so many others describe when they go viral. If anything, I felt like I wasn't doing the people writing comments justice because it got hard to keep up, so I started leaving short, surface-level replies for people who actually spent time and effort writing something meaningful under my posts. I didn't like that because engaging with the people here is my favourite part...
I guess it's kind of like when rock stars say they prefer the intimate gigs in small venues to the stadium tours?! (And no, I'm not comparing myself to a
I know what you mean about writing comments and I'm so often terrified that I've missed a comment, I feel bad at the mere thought of ignoring someone (accidentally). On Substack I'm happy to respond to comments, but on other platforms where I feel I have to post to promote my book, 'brand', etc (uggghhh!) I am genuinely worried that if I do start getting more views then it might mean more comments, and I HATE responding to Instagram comments.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's paranoid about missed comments. I thought it might be a result of deep-rooted people-pleasing tendencies I've yet to overcome, but it's normal, apparently.
I'm not on Instagram, but I can understand that you don't like replying to comments there. I generally don't enjoy interaction on social media other than on Substack.
Oooffff yes, I did my best to keep up and reply but I ended up doing it in bursts rather than as soon as they replied (especially as it was a working day - can't skive off!). And after a certain number of replies, Substack gets glitchy and I was worried I was missing comments from people. The page was shooting up and down!
Uggghh, I know! I was paranoid about missing comments as well. I actually went through all of them at a certain point to be sure I hadn't ignored someone 🙈
I recently had a few “viral” Notes. One at a whopping (for me) 7.7K where I penned a Dear Cancer letter with a best-selling line Not Today. And another about a dress I almost didn't wear, I think it’t at 2.5K and going. Mostly I have a smallish tribe of peeps 1K+ and so I wasn't prepared for the flush of good will, though certainly most appreciated, but then I felt compelled to comment and that felt like work. I started to gauge who to comment to and what I would say. If they sent a thoughtful message then I would send a message back. Somebody who gave an emoji or wrote a one off (Brava!) then I would tap the heart. It was a lot. I mean, ffs I was strategizing how to respond! And was so glad when it started to taper off! Haha
This is so funny and I totally hear you, even though I’ve never had a note get nearly as many likes as any of yours. 7.7K is whopping for anyone I’d say! One thing I failed to mention in my post is how some of the people getting a ton of likes and going mega viral have a mere smattering of subscribers (but maybe a ton of followers?).
Even with a handful of comments on my notes or posts, I definitely gauge how to divvy up my responses and how much effort to put in. If I comment on someone’s note or post, I’m happy to get a mere ‘like’, at least they acknowledged it. When I’m left hanging, then I wonder if they’ve even seen it and I think ‘did I waste my time writing another response?’
A lot of us probably strategise how (and whether) to respond! Ridiculous, really.
Great read, Daniel, and enjoyed the excellent contributions.
I've had one note do moderately well on here (1500ish likes) and it was exciting at first. However, I came to dislike it in the end because every notification I ever got related to that bloody note rather than anything new I posted.
Thanks for reading, the contributions definitely carried the post!
That was the Leeds owl post, right? I know what you mean about the notifications. I particularly hate the ones that are mere likes on my comments to other notes. Highly anti-climactic.
I got so distracted by your Substack bingo I realised I hadn't responded to this post, which I really enjoyed. I love what Lindsey said and I was one of the 9k that liked Helen's Note! I wonder if there is some tipping point (in general, not with these excellent examples) where people see it's a popular Note and so like it for that reason alone...
Funnily, I'm sometimes the opposite - if I see a note with a ton of likes, I think, 'what's the point of liking it then?' If I see a lot of comments, I probably won't comment either since there's less chance anyone is reading the 77th comment. One of my viral comments on a mega viral note was the first one and it got about 150 likes. And I think I'm proud to say that on Lee's note, I might've been the first like. Does that mean I get some credit for its virality? Why yes, I think it does!
Of course it does - you celebrate your virality! And I’m the same as you, if I see something with loads of likes, I don’t bother. Except Helen’s cus I just liked it so much, and Helen.
Thanks a million for letting me take part in this! It was fascinating to read about the other Substackers' experiences--especially since I'd come across both of those viral notes already. As I recall, I liked (and "liked") both of them.
I remember that epic bin picture, it was a damn good one tbf. It fit in so perfectly - what's there not to like? I'm pretty sure I was one of the early likers, so I'm glad I helped it on its journey to virality.
I don't think there's any rhyme or reason. Too many variables to consider. Seems that the moral of the story, especially after reading your interviews, is you can't plan to go viral. Much like a regular virus, it just happens....or so they want you TO BELIEVE!!!
Indeed. It will happen or it won't. Maybe I should start a 'let's try to go super viral' challenge with a few other participants (totally tongue in cheek, of course). Might be fun...or not.
This is funny ! I totally agree , I’ve never had a note go viral, after a YEAR !! I don’t think I’ve passed 22, I usually get 5-10 hahaha. But I’m so confused that so many subscribe after a note ! But I don’t think they then read your posts. The aim is to get authentic subscribers, slow and steady wins the race 🤣🤣 well that’s what I convince myself and my lonely little pathetic notes 😭😭😂😂🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
You write such good notes though! That should count for something. I swear that the vast majority of super viral notes I see I think 'huh? why?' I truly don't understand. Some of them are just so meh. I remember back in September when I was more active on notes I posted a quotation about writing for yourself and not worrying about an audience (but far more eloquent) and then I saw someone with a similar sized following post that exact same quotation a few weeks later, but formatted differently and that thing blew up, hitting mega viral territory!
No way , how frustrating! And odd ! I don’t understand the ones that just introduce themselves and before you know it they have 10k views 😆🤷🏻♀️ We can be in the non viral note gang , fine by me 😁
I’m with Lindsey: if having a note go viral helps me add new subscribers that will enjoy reading my work, then I’m all for it.
Otherwise, who really cares. People spent a decade going viral on twitter and now it’s basically dead. Tik Tok and Insta now but the same thing will happen there too. And Substack as well.
Absolutely. It actually befuddles me that people subscribe based on notes though. I've never done that. Sure, I'll check out the person's profile and if I like their stuff then I might subscribe, but I'm slow to subscribe to others. I do a lot of following and then might eventually subscribe. To be honest, I'm so disorganised most of the time that I can't even keep up with who I'm subscribed to!
I'm bemused by people liking certain notes though, especially the ones where they seem desperate to go viral (and how is it people fall for it?)
Thanks for my first-ever Substack interview, Mr P!
Thank YOU for being such an enthusiastic and willing guest! You and your fellow interviewees carried the post :)
I loved your context about driving different kinds of viral notes. It is so mysterious, what makes something take off. Maybe it has to be relatable to a lot of people, plus you need someone with a lot of followers/subscribers to restack as well. A hot combo of both, and off it goes!
In the terrible movie Mystery Men (I love it) one of the characters has the powers of invisibility, but only when no one is looking at him. When he finally manages to use his powers for good, the other characters obviously see him and he ends up standing there, naked and exposed while everyone stares at him.
I think that's how I'd feel if ever a note went viral.
Great way of putting it, I think I'd feel the same.
I love that film! I didn't feel naked, though, just surprised. And paranoid that I'd made a typo in my note.... Ooofff. I suppose I could've styled it out and claimed it was intentional.
It's a brilliant film. William H. Macy's egg salad speech still makes me laugh to this day.
I haven’t seen it, but I shall add it to my list.
It's very silly, lots of fun and has a great cast.
The Blue Raja with his cutlery! And the skull in the bowling ball! What a cas. It's such an ingenious film. I love that bit when it all comes together at the end - each of their quirks pay off.
Cas? CAST!!! (See, this is why we can identify with the typo....)
I've gone semi-viral with about 3 notes (a couple of 100 likes if that constitutes "viral"?!). The last one was a one-liner I wrote above a quote from a piece by Poe. I could not, for the life of me, figure out why it got so many reactions?! Other things I put much more thought and effort into got nothing or a handful of reactions.
I did not experience the "rush" so many others describe when they go viral. If anything, I felt like I wasn't doing the people writing comments justice because it got hard to keep up, so I started leaving short, surface-level replies for people who actually spent time and effort writing something meaningful under my posts. I didn't like that because engaging with the people here is my favourite part...
I guess it's kind of like when rock stars say they prefer the intimate gigs in small venues to the stadium tours?! (And no, I'm not comparing myself to a
rock star 😉)
Must be tough being a rock star 😂
I know what you mean about writing comments and I'm so often terrified that I've missed a comment, I feel bad at the mere thought of ignoring someone (accidentally). On Substack I'm happy to respond to comments, but on other platforms where I feel I have to post to promote my book, 'brand', etc (uggghhh!) I am genuinely worried that if I do start getting more views then it might mean more comments, and I HATE responding to Instagram comments.
The rock star life is rough, indeed 😌😉
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's paranoid about missed comments. I thought it might be a result of deep-rooted people-pleasing tendencies I've yet to overcome, but it's normal, apparently.
I'm not on Instagram, but I can understand that you don't like replying to comments there. I generally don't enjoy interaction on social media other than on Substack.
Oooffff yes, I did my best to keep up and reply but I ended up doing it in bursts rather than as soon as they replied (especially as it was a working day - can't skive off!). And after a certain number of replies, Substack gets glitchy and I was worried I was missing comments from people. The page was shooting up and down!
Uggghh, I know! I was paranoid about missing comments as well. I actually went through all of them at a certain point to be sure I hadn't ignored someone 🙈
I know the feeling! After someone's taken time to comment, it doesn't feel right not to reply. I didn't want people to think that I was ungrateful.
Barbie note still going strong 🤭 this was a fun read!
Thanks, glad you liked it. I love that Barbie note!
It makes absolutely no sense to me. I've seen absolute gems get fuck-all, and (sorry but it's true) crap cabaret get thousands 🤷♀️
Crap cabaret is such a perfect way of putting it.
Thanks, I was proud of that one too 😂
I'm 100% being a twerp here, but I don't think farts fester in the wind. They disperse, no? 😅😁
Valid point, and I'm glad someone picked up on this. Clearly no one else has quite the fart expertise.
I recently had a few “viral” Notes. One at a whopping (for me) 7.7K where I penned a Dear Cancer letter with a best-selling line Not Today. And another about a dress I almost didn't wear, I think it’t at 2.5K and going. Mostly I have a smallish tribe of peeps 1K+ and so I wasn't prepared for the flush of good will, though certainly most appreciated, but then I felt compelled to comment and that felt like work. I started to gauge who to comment to and what I would say. If they sent a thoughtful message then I would send a message back. Somebody who gave an emoji or wrote a one off (Brava!) then I would tap the heart. It was a lot. I mean, ffs I was strategizing how to respond! And was so glad when it started to taper off! Haha
This is so funny and I totally hear you, even though I’ve never had a note get nearly as many likes as any of yours. 7.7K is whopping for anyone I’d say! One thing I failed to mention in my post is how some of the people getting a ton of likes and going mega viral have a mere smattering of subscribers (but maybe a ton of followers?).
Even with a handful of comments on my notes or posts, I definitely gauge how to divvy up my responses and how much effort to put in. If I comment on someone’s note or post, I’m happy to get a mere ‘like’, at least they acknowledged it. When I’m left hanging, then I wonder if they’ve even seen it and I think ‘did I waste my time writing another response?’
A lot of us probably strategise how (and whether) to respond! Ridiculous, really.
Ridiculous is such a fun word! I’ll channel that today. Thanks Daniel.
Great read, Daniel, and enjoyed the excellent contributions.
I've had one note do moderately well on here (1500ish likes) and it was exciting at first. However, I came to dislike it in the end because every notification I ever got related to that bloody note rather than anything new I posted.
"Check out my new stuff, guys..."
Silence.
Thanks for reading, the contributions definitely carried the post!
That was the Leeds owl post, right? I know what you mean about the notifications. I particularly hate the ones that are mere likes on my comments to other notes. Highly anti-climactic.
Oooh hahaha. Fun article. If you ever go viral...take some antibiotics with you. Chortle.
Enjoyed the interviews and truly no one had 1 damn clue what's gonna go viral. But it's kinda fun when it does!
None of us have a clue about anything!
I got so distracted by your Substack bingo I realised I hadn't responded to this post, which I really enjoyed. I love what Lindsey said and I was one of the 9k that liked Helen's Note! I wonder if there is some tipping point (in general, not with these excellent examples) where people see it's a popular Note and so like it for that reason alone...
Funnily, I'm sometimes the opposite - if I see a note with a ton of likes, I think, 'what's the point of liking it then?' If I see a lot of comments, I probably won't comment either since there's less chance anyone is reading the 77th comment. One of my viral comments on a mega viral note was the first one and it got about 150 likes. And I think I'm proud to say that on Lee's note, I might've been the first like. Does that mean I get some credit for its virality? Why yes, I think it does!
Of course it does - you celebrate your virality! And I’m the same as you, if I see something with loads of likes, I don’t bother. Except Helen’s cus I just liked it so much, and Helen.
Thanks a million for letting me take part in this! It was fascinating to read about the other Substackers' experiences--especially since I'd come across both of those viral notes already. As I recall, I liked (and "liked") both of them.
And thanks a million for going viral and allowing me the opportunity to get your thoughts!
Haha this is great, Daniel! You truly can not predict what will resonate. I was shook when a picture of my bathroom bin got over 2k likes, so 🤷♀️
I remember that epic bin picture, it was a damn good one tbf. It fit in so perfectly - what's there not to like? I'm pretty sure I was one of the early likers, so I'm glad I helped it on its journey to virality.
You gotta give the people what they want! (Bins and glaring typos)
I don't think there's any rhyme or reason. Too many variables to consider. Seems that the moral of the story, especially after reading your interviews, is you can't plan to go viral. Much like a regular virus, it just happens....or so they want you TO BELIEVE!!!
Indeed. It will happen or it won't. Maybe I should start a 'let's try to go super viral' challenge with a few other participants (totally tongue in cheek, of course). Might be fun...or not.
This is funny ! I totally agree , I’ve never had a note go viral, after a YEAR !! I don’t think I’ve passed 22, I usually get 5-10 hahaha. But I’m so confused that so many subscribe after a note ! But I don’t think they then read your posts. The aim is to get authentic subscribers, slow and steady wins the race 🤣🤣 well that’s what I convince myself and my lonely little pathetic notes 😭😭😂😂🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
You write such good notes though! That should count for something. I swear that the vast majority of super viral notes I see I think 'huh? why?' I truly don't understand. Some of them are just so meh. I remember back in September when I was more active on notes I posted a quotation about writing for yourself and not worrying about an audience (but far more eloquent) and then I saw someone with a similar sized following post that exact same quotation a few weeks later, but formatted differently and that thing blew up, hitting mega viral territory!
No way , how frustrating! And odd ! I don’t understand the ones that just introduce themselves and before you know it they have 10k views 😆🤷🏻♀️ We can be in the non viral note gang , fine by me 😁
I’m with Lindsey: if having a note go viral helps me add new subscribers that will enjoy reading my work, then I’m all for it.
Otherwise, who really cares. People spent a decade going viral on twitter and now it’s basically dead. Tik Tok and Insta now but the same thing will happen there too. And Substack as well.
True connection is what lasts.
Absolutely. It actually befuddles me that people subscribe based on notes though. I've never done that. Sure, I'll check out the person's profile and if I like their stuff then I might subscribe, but I'm slow to subscribe to others. I do a lot of following and then might eventually subscribe. To be honest, I'm so disorganised most of the time that I can't even keep up with who I'm subscribed to!
I'm bemused by people liking certain notes though, especially the ones where they seem desperate to go viral (and how is it people fall for it?)
But you said it best: "who really cares" (!)
Yeah, same here. Unless I know unequivocally right away that someone is in my wheelhouse I’ll follow them first.
Writing about going viral is the saddest form of trying to go viral
I can think of at least a dozen sadder ways tbh