How to Write Songs That Actually Go Viral
In today’s music industry, going viral can change everything for an artist. A hit song can catapult you to overnight fame, land you on major playlists, and even open doors to record deals. But what separates a viral song from one that just fades into the background? The key isn’t just the song itself—it’s the content around it. Instead of just writing a song and hoping it takes off, start by thinking of a content idea first, then build a song around that idea. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Step 1: Think of a Content Idea First
Most artists make the mistake of creating a song first and then trying to force it into content later. But in today’s social media-driven world, people don’t like being “sold” music. They want to discover it organically through entertaining, relatable, or emotional content. That means your content strategy should come first.
Ask yourself: What’s an entertaining or engaging idea that would naturally attract attention online? This could be a funny scenario, a relatable situation, a dance challenge, a storytelling moment, or an emotional hook that resonates with a wide audience.
Example Content Idea: “The Ex That Won’t Go Away”
Imagine creating a short, funny video series about an ex who keeps popping up at the worst times. Maybe they text you every time you’re finally moving on, or they show up in your dreams even when you don’t think about them.
This is a highly relatable concept that would naturally get shares, comments, and engagement on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Once you have this concept, you can now build a song around it.
Step 2: Write the Song to Fit the Content Idea
Now that you have an engaging concept, it’s time to create a song that enhances it. This ensures that when people see your content, they’re naturally drawn to the music without feeling like you’re forcing it on them.
For our “Ex That Won’t Go Away” idea, the song could have:
A catchy, easy-to-sing hook that people can use in their own videos (e.g., “Why you texting me again? Thought we were done, my friend”)
A bouncy, upbeat feel to contrast the frustration (making it fun to use in content)
Lyrics that match the exact situation in the content series
Step 3: Create Shareable and Interactive Content
Now that you have your song, create multiple pieces of content that make people want to engage with it.
Short-Form Videos – Film skits, meme-style videos, or challenges that use your song as the background music.
Encourage User-Generated Content – Get fans to use your song in their own videos by prompting them with challenges (e.g., “Post your funniest ‘ex won’t leave you alone’ moment with this sound!”)
Collaborate With Influencers – Reach out to content creators to use your song in their videos to boost engagement.
Step 4: Distribute the Song Strategically
A viral moment is wasted if your song isn’t available everywhere. Make sure your track is uploaded to:
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube
TikTok’s sound library so users can easily access it
Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts for maximum discoverability
Step 5: Keep the Momentum Going
If your song starts gaining traction, don’t stop! Engage with fans in the comments, make response videos, and keep pushing new content using your song. The longer you stay active, the more chances your song has to reach new audiences.
Final Thoughts: Music Should Be Discoverable, Not Forced
The biggest mistake artists make when trying to go viral is pushing their music too hard instead of letting people discover it naturally. By starting with a content-first approach, you create an entry point for people to enjoy your music in a way that feels organic. Viral success isn’t just about having a good song—it’s about giving people a reason to share it.
