How one goes viral overnight is a question that has been pondered by many in our generation. What makes something worthy enough to be shared and viewed by thousands of people within the time frame of only a few hours? It may be due to the quality of the video, the intensity of it or maybe even sheer luck.
Former Mississippi State University student Sean Rader and his friends Jennifer Smith and Patrick Remington may have found an answer to this puzzling question. The trio went skydiving out of a helicopter over Navarre Beach in Santa Rosa County, Florida this summer.
Remington compiled a video of their jump titled “Navarre Beach Helicopter Jump.” Within two days, the video had over 20,000 hits and is now up to over 286,000 hits. The trio was contacted by news channels such as CNN and Fox8 to offer further insight into the jump. Remington was surprised at the attention the viral video brought about.
“I was shocked to see the amount of feedback we received from the video,” he said.
The video has the perfect combination of excitement, skill and a scenic area. Radar said these three factors may have contributed to its overnight success.
“I think the fact that the jump was over a beach helped a lot with its popularity,” he said.
Many of the comments on the video include the fact that most people have only dreamed of doing something like this. Our generation loves the look of a thrill-seeking adventure, but for many, it is just that; a look. Many of these people may not necessarily choose to go skydiving after seeing a video like this.
The video even made its way to Australia during the first two days of its being posted. The group somehow found a way to make its video special and, therefore, it grew in popularity–very quickly.
Smith said the instant fame of the viral video was elating.
“It was exciting to see a skydiving video like this spread so quickly,” Smith said.
The secret to viral success may never be fully uncovered; however, the right combination of event and setting may aide in the process.
You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47tPJ4L_8z4
