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“Just Make It Viral”: The Risk of Chasing Trends Without Purpose

In many content meetings, there comes a moment when someone says it—usually with a mix of excitement and urgency: “Let’s make it go viral.” But this ambition, while understandable in a digital-first world, can often derail strategic thinking—especially within institutions whose goals extend far beyond momentary fame.

The Allure of Virality

Going viral brings visibility. It’s instant feedback, dopamine hits, and sometimes, budget justification. But viral content isn’t always valuable content. A trending dance challenge might rack up views, but if your organization’s mission is public health awareness, citizen engagement, or environmental advocacy, does that trend actually serve your purpose?

When Trends Overshadow Strategy

The pressure to stay relevant online can lead teams to mimic trends that don’t align with their message or audience. This not only confuses the public but can damage credibility. Institutions aren’t influencers—they’re stewards of trust and authority. Misplaced humor or a tone-deaf meme can have real consequences.

How NAAS Digital Helps

At NAAS Digital, we believe in sustainable content strategy. That means building momentum through consistent, values-aligned storytelling—not chasing virality for virality’s sake. We help clients identify which trends can be adapted to their mission—and which ones should be left alone.

Virality with Intent

A truly effective campaign doesn’t just trend—it translates. Into action. Into deeper engagement. Into a stronger connection between institution and audience. Viral moments can be powerful, but only when rooted in context, clarity, and a long-term vision.

NAAS Insights

Some of our most successful campaigns weren’t the ones that went viral—they were the ones that were saved, shared within communities, and cited in policy discussions. At NAAS, we measure success not in speed, but in staying power.