Why do some LinkedIn posts go viral while mine don’t?

Feb 16

2 min read

0

Ok, we need to pause. Stop it right now.

Let’s ask yourself—why do you want to go viral in the first place?

I’ve had a few—accidental—viral posts, and here’s what I learned.

Before chasing virality, let’s break it down. What does going viral actually mean, and how can it serve you?

Viral posts don’t just get reactions—they spread. And the biggest driver? Shares.

A post gains momentum when:

It gets shared beyond your network. Comments and likes boost reach, but shares put it in front of new audiences.
It rides the wave of a trending topic. If your post connects to something timely, it’s more likely to take off.
It taps into emotion. People share content that makes them look insightful, feel something, or align with their beliefs.
It’s easy to consume and pass on. Lists, punchy takes, and strong visuals increase shareability.
It uses formats that LinkedIn amplifies. Video posts and carousels tend to perform better than text alone.

Going viral is a mix of timing, positioning, and structure. But is it always a good thing?

A viral post sounds great—until you’re suddenly flooded with noise.

More reach means more opinions. Expect heated discussions, and not all will be positive.
Scammers and opportunists show up. A surge in connection requests doesn’t always mean the right people.
Engagement doesn’t stop in a day. Viral posts keep circulating—meaning you need to moderate comments days, even weeks later.

If you’re not available for discussions, your reputation can take a hit instead of a boost.

If your goal is influence, leads, or credibility, focus on this instead:

Be timely and relevant. Jump on trending discussions—but add real value, not just noise.
Make your posts easy to share. Give people a reason to pass it on.
Use video and visual formats. They stand out in the feed and get prioritized by LinkedIn.
Build trust, not just reach. The right audience matters more than numbers.

Forget chasing likes. Focus on content that earns shares and engagement:

Hook them fast. The first line decides if they keep reading.
Share a fresh insight. Say something that challenges or simplifies.
Make it easy to share. Lists, frameworks, or unexpected takes perform best.
Revisit your post daily. A viral post keeps circulating—your job isn’t done when you hit publish.