Article last updated on:
October 24, 2024
Initially published on:
October 26, 2024
  • You went viral
  • But now you’re not sure what to do
  • And you want to make money out of your virality

πŸ’ΈGreat News: The hard part is over. You’re not open to a horizon of money-making opportunities!

Let me show you what to do to!


What is a Viral Video?

Definition: A viral video is a video that quickly gains massive popularity through social media sharing, resulting in millions of views in a short period. It spreads rapidly across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook due to its engaging, humorous, emotional, or highly relatable content.

Viral videos often rely on factors like catchy hooks, shareable moments, and social trends to attract viewers, and they typically lead to increased visibility and interaction for the creators or brands behind

What is considered a viral video?

A video is generally considered viral when it reaches a significant number of views, shares, and engagement in a short time.

Here’s a viral video:

The specific threshold for “viral” can vary based on the platform and audience, but typically:

  • View Count: Millions of views within days or weeks.
  • Shares: High levels of sharing across social media, driving organic reach.
  • Engagement: Lots of likes, comments, and reactions, sparking conversation or trends.
  • Speed of Growth: Rapid increase in views and interactions shortly after posting.

A viral video often taps into emotions, humor, trends, or shock value, making it highly relatable or entertaining.

What happens if you make a viral video?

  1. Rapid Exposure: Your content gains massive visibility across social media platforms, reaching millions of people.
  2. Increased Followers: You’ll likely see a spike in followers or subscribers, as people who enjoy your viral video may explore your other content.
  3. Monetization Opportunities: Platforms like YouTube may bring ad revenue, sponsorships, or collaborations as brands look to leverage your newfound audience.
  4. Media Attention: If the video is unique or impactful, media outlets may cover it, expanding your reach beyond social media.
  5. Reputation Boost: It can enhance your credibility or social standing, especially if the video showcases your skills or aligns with a particular niche.

It’s only for the best!


How to Make Money with a Viral Video

To make money with a viral video, monetize it through ad revenue, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing, and sell related merchandise.

Additionally, leverage platform creator bonuses and repurpose the content for long-term engagement.

1. Ad Revenue from Platforms

If your video goes viral on YouTube, you can enable monetization through Google AdSense.

Screenshot of Google Adsense's landing page

This allows ads to be displayed on your videos, and you earn money based on views and ad clicks. The more viral your video, the more ad revenue it can generate.

2. Sponsored Content

Brands often seek out creators with viral videos for sponsored deals. They might offer payment in exchange for a product placement, shoutout, or collaboration. Reach out to relevant brands or wait for them to approach you to negotiate a sponsorship deal.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products or services related to your viral video through affiliate marketing.

Screenshot of sendshort.ai/affiliate
Join SendShort’s Affilitate Program!

Add affiliate links in the video description or within the content itself. When viewers purchase through these links, you earn a commission, making it a simple way to capitalize on the audience.

4. Selling Merchandise

Capitalize on your viral fame by creating and selling merchandise related to your content. T-shirts, hats, or digital products can be offered through platforms like Teespring or Shopify. Use your video as a promotion tool to drive traffic to your online store.

5. Platform Creator Bonuses

Many social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts offer creator funds or bonuses for viral videos.

Check the eligibility requirements and sign up for these programs to receive direct payments for high-performing content.

6. Repurpose the Content

You can extend the life of your viral video by repurposing it.

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Create follow-up videos, behind-the-scenes content, or tutorials.

Turn the viral moment into a long-term series that keeps your audience engaged and generates more revenue opportunities.


Tips for Monetizing Viral Videos

To maximize the financial potential of viral videos, creators should adopt a multi-faceted approach to monetization. Building a loyal audience is crucial, as it opens the door to various revenue streams.

TipDescription
Ad RevenueEnable monetization on platforms like YouTube to earn from ads displayed in your videos.
Affiliate MarketingPromote relevant products or services with affiliate links in your description to earn commissions.
SponsorshipsPartner with brands for sponsored content that aligns with your videos, negotiating payment.
MerchandisingSell custom merchandise related to your brand or content to your audience.
CrowdfundingUse platforms like Patreon to receive direct support from fans, offering exclusive perks.
Online Courses/WorkshopsCreate and sell courses or workshops based on skills showcased in your videos.
Cross-PromotionPromote other content, such as blogs or social media accounts, to diversify revenue streams.
Email List BuildingCapture emails from viewers to market future content or products directly.
LicensingNegotiate licensing fees if your viral content attracts attention from media outlets.
EngagementEncourage viewers to subscribe, like, and share your content to expand reach and monetization.

Additionally, understanding the audience’s interests and preferences is key to successful monetization. By aligning sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and merchandise with what resonates with their viewers, creators can foster a sense of community and loyalty.

Creating exclusive content for platforms like Patreon can enhance this connection and provide an additional income stream. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, adaptability and creativity are essential for maximizing earnings from viral videos.


Frequently Asked

1. Do you get paid if your video goes viral on TikTok?

Answer: You don’t get directly paid for a video going viral on TikTok, but you can earn through the TikTok Creator Fund if you meet the eligibility requirements. Additionally, viral videos can lead to sponsorship opportunities and increased brand partnerships.

2. Do you get paid for viral videos on Instagram?

Answer: You don’t receive direct payment for viral videos on Instagram, but you can earn through brand partnerships and sponsored content. Viral engagement can attract more followers, leading to potential monetization opportunities like affiliate marketing.

3. What platform pays the most for viral videos?

Answer: YouTube typically pays the most for viral videos due to its robust ad revenue system and the YouTube Partner Program. Creators can earn significantly through ad placements, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, especially if they build a loyal audience.


Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort

About the author

David leads the editing team at SendShort. With this help, the team delivers the latest guides on using your favorite social media apps and creating short-form content.