went viral

USAGE SUMMARY

"went viral" is an acceptable term to use in written English.
It is used to describe when something, typically information or media, suddenly becomes very popular and spreads rapidly. For example: "The video of the singer's surprise performance on the street quickly went viral last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

went viral.

The New York Times

The video went viral.

The New York Times

The article went viral.

The New York Times

The image went viral.

The New Yorker

Both went viral.

The New York Times - Books

The piece went viral.

The New Yorker

The story went viral.

Independent

The Square went viral.

The New York Times - Tech

The statement went viral.

The New York Times

The message went viral.

The New York Times

It quickly went viral.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went viral" to describe content that rapidly spreads across the internet or social media, gaining widespread attention in a short period. Ensure the context clearly indicates the content's rapid dissemination.

Common error

Avoid using "went viral" for content that has only moderate or slow growth in popularity. The phrase implies a rapid and exponential increase in views or shares within a concentrated timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went viral" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has rapidly spread and become popular, particularly online. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went viral" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe content that rapidly spreads across the internet. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it indicates a sudden surge in popularity and widespread sharing. While generally neutral in tone, its use should be considered in light of the formality of the writing context. Alternatives like "became an internet sensation" or "spread like wildfire" can be used for variety, but "went viral" effectively captures the essence of rapid online dissemination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became an internet sensation

Emphasizes the internet as the medium of spread and the resulting fame.

spread like wildfire

Uses a simile to describe the rapid and uncontrollable dissemination.

gained massive traction

Focuses on the momentum and widespread adoption of the content.

exploded in popularity

Highlights the sudden and significant increase in popularity.

circulated rapidly

Emphasizes the quick and widespread distribution of the content.

became widely shared

Focuses on the act of sharing as the driver of popularity.

took the internet by storm

Emphasizes the dramatic and overwhelming impact on the internet.

achieved widespread recognition

Highlights the broad acknowledgment and awareness of the content.

became a trending topic

Highlights immediate recognition of an element as fashionable.

attracted significant attention

Focuses on the considerable interest and notice the content received.

FAQs

How do you use "went viral" in a sentence?

You can say, "The video of the flash mob "went viral" within hours of being posted online." It describes something that becomes very popular quickly.

What's another way to say "went viral"?

Alternatives include "became an internet sensation", "spread like wildfire", or "gained massive traction", all of which convey the idea of rapid spread and popularity.

Is it appropriate to use "went viral" in formal writing?

While "went viral" is widely understood, consider the formality of your context. In some formal writing, a more neutral phrase like "achieved widespread recognition" might be more suitable.

What causes something to "go viral"?

Content often "went viral" due to its humor, relatability, emotional impact, or unique value, prompting widespread sharing across social media and other online platforms.