go viral

USAGE SUMMARY

"go viral" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to describe when something gains rapid popularity, often on the internet. For example, "The cute video of the dog eating a donut quickly went viral on social media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Let's go viral!

Independent

Sometimes they go viral.

The Guardian - Business

That will go viral".

The Guardian

Why do sexts go viral?

The New York Times

The Improv videos go viral.

The New York Times

Long conversations don't go viral.

The New Yorker

They did not go viral.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Going viral!

The New York Times - Arts

went viral.

The New York Times

Going viral has gone viral.

The Guardian

The video went viral.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go viral" when you want to describe the rapid spread and popularity of content, especially on the internet. Ensure the context implies widespread sharing and engagement.

Common error

Avoid assuming content will "go viral" simply because it's shared a few times. Virality implies a massive, rapid, and often unexpected level of dissemination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go viral" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process or action of rapid dissemination and widespread popularity, especially on the internet. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is commonly used and follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go viral" describes the phenomenon of content rapidly spreading across the internet, achieving widespread popularity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it characterizes content that gains significant traction quickly. When aiming for content to "go viral", remember that elements such as humor, emotional resonance, and shareability are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become an internet sensation

Emphasizes the sudden and widespread popularity on the internet.

gain widespread attention

Focuses on the broad reach of awareness the subject achieves.

spread like wildfire

Highlights the rapid and uncontrollable manner of dissemination.

take the internet by storm

Illustrates a powerful and impactful wave of popularity.

become a trending topic

Specifically refers to popularity on social media platforms.

explode in popularity

Suggests a sudden and significant increase in fame.

achieve massive visibility

Highlights the widespread exposure and notice something receives.

be shared extensively

Focuses on the act of sharing and proliferation across networks.

circulate rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and extent of distribution.

sweep across the web

Depicts the pervasive and all-encompassing nature of online spread.

FAQs

How can I use "go viral" in a sentence?

You can use "go viral" to describe content that spreads rapidly and widely across the internet. For example, "The funny cat video "went viral" within hours."

What does it mean for something to "go viral"?

When something "goes viral", it means it spreads rapidly and extensively across the internet, reaching a large audience in a short period.

What are some alternative phrases for "go viral"?

Alternatives include "become an internet sensation", "gain widespread attention", or "spread like wildfire", depending on the context.

What factors contribute to content "going viral"?

Content that "goes viral" often has elements of humor, surprise, strong emotion, or novelty. It also needs to be easily shareable and relevant to a broad audience.