Definition
When a piece of content spreads rapidly and widely across social media, reaching millions of users organically through shares, likes, and algorithmic promotion.
Example Usage
Her funny TikTok about her cat went viral and she gained 500,000 followers in a week.
Origin
Uses 'viral' in the metaphorical sense of spreading like a virus; applied to internet content since the early 2000s with the rise of viral videos.
Fun Fact
Some of the earliest viral videos include 'Charlie Bit My Finger' (2007) and 'Gangnam Style' (2012), which reached tens of millions before TikTok's algorithmic acceleration existed.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “went viral” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator