How to go viral using frogs: virality vs content strategy
Bry Bird, Creative Strategist & Web Designer
Going viral can be exciting, but does it build real results? I share how a reel about flying frogs reached 133,000 views and why content strategy, not virality, is what creates meaningful growth.
My viral reel: 133,000 views from frogs
I posted a single reel on a one-week-old personal Instagram account that had around 50 followers. The reel was 15 seconds long, about flying frogs, and somehow 133,000 people watched it. The clip was based on a wordless picture book that is even used in some autism assessments, which I had to interpret during mine. The results:
133,192 views
80,760 accounts reached
7,250 likes
532 saves
Not exactly “a billion views” viral, but for a short reel on a brand new account, those numbers weren’t bad!
The viral power of memes
Memes are powerful because they act like a shortcut for recognition. They say “I see you” in seconds. When done well, they make your audience feel understood and spark conversation.
My reel was funny, niche, and relatable. For some people, it was weird enough to spark curiosity and comments. That engagement kept it circulating.
Why virality isn’t mystical
FThis wasn’t my first viral moment. It was actually my fourth, across different niches (I even went viral on Tumblr in 2024... yes, Tumblr still exists). So I had some idea of what to expect.
Going viral isn’t about hacking the algorithm with secret tricks. It usually comes down to a simple formula:
Trend + humour + relatability
Here’s what worked for my reel:
Warming up the algorithm by posting like a real person first
Picking a clear niche (autism, since I’m autistic)
Making a meme with trending audio
Using a trending video format
Choosing a joke that was both funny and highly relatable
Virality vs content strategy
Here’s the truth: despite 133,000 views, I gained just 17 followers. That may sound like failure, but it was actually the best reminder. Virality brings attention, but attention isn’t the same as trust.
People laugh and move on. But if you want content that connects and converts, you need content strategy, not just random viral moments.
To test this, I quietly launched a free resource, The Gentle Guide to Starting a Side Hustle, in the same week. It didn’t go viral, but it was shared strategically. Here’s what happened:
26 downloads
1 feature in a Substack newsletter
A few kind donations
3 thoughtful reviews
1 glowing review that nearly made me cry
That’s the real difference. Virality gives you numbers. Content strategy gives you relationships, results, and impact.
Final thoughts on virality and content strategy
Going viral is exciting and can boost visibility, but it won’t grow your business on its own. A strong content strategy builds trust, consistency and connection with your audience.
If you want your content to do more than just entertain, focus on the strategy behind it, because that’s what turns reach into results.
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About the writer
Hi, I’m Bry, an Essex-based Creative Strategist and Web Designer!
I help small businesses and neurodivergent founders break through the noise with standout branding, premium visuals and content strategy that connects with your ideal audience.
I also specialise in inclusive design that makes your brand accessible, authentic and impossible to ignore.