What Makes a Viral Wedding Video?

by Phil Gerbyshak on August 6, 2009

Almost 17 million page views. For a wedding video! WOW!

What video am I talking about? Watch the video below. Then keep reading to find out why it worked so well.

Click for the viral wedding video.

So why does this video work?

Lots of reasons probably. I’ll share a few that worked for me.

  • Authentic participants – The people in the video are normal people. They’re folks you and I can relate to. Heck, they look like people I know, and probably like people YOU know! I love to watch what I can relate to. What about you?
  • Authentic feelings – You can tell by the look on the faces of the folks dancing that they are really excited to be part of this wonderful day. This WEDDING day! No fake smiles.  
  • Authentic fun – Sure, there’s some choreography that went on but really, these aren’t professional dancers. These folks are dancing their hearts out and sharing that with all of us watching and they are having fun! Even the guests look happy.  Again, I can relate to authentic feelings. Can you? Even the pastor looks like she was having a good time. NOT typical for a wedding where folks often look scared, or like they HAVE to be there. They’re smiling because they WANT to be there and because they are having FUN!
  • Unexpectedness – It’s a wedding ceremony. You don’t expect it to be fun, you expect it to be reverent. Look at the beginning of the video. It starts out traditionally, then it busts out into unexpected fun! How can you not smile when you watch this? Dare ya!
  •  

    Go ahead, watch it again. Tell me you don’t smile again. :)

    Questions to ponder

    What could you do that was authentic, on an important day, that was fun and unexpected, and that you could share that with your friends and family?

    Better yet, how could you apply this to your business, on a grand opening, or for a special customer appreciation day?

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    3 Other Comments

    { 7 comments… read them below or add one }

    Pete Jones - Desmoinesisnotboring.com August 6, 2009 at 6:08 am

    I bet this was the most amazing wedding reception ever since everyone was so ‘jazzed’ up. Oh, I wish I was there.

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    Tiffany August 7, 2009 at 8:55 am

    I absolutely love this video and you are so right about knowing someone like these participants. The crazy thing is I actually DO know one of the participants. I almost fell off my chair when I saw it. One of the groomsmen is a good friend of my sister-in-law. We partied many times. Oh how I wish I could have been there. I keep this video as a fave when I need a good ole smile!

    Reply

    Scot Herrick August 7, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    It has to be good — there is now a parody out on it about the “divorce six months later…”

    Nice post, Phil.

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    Hilary August 8, 2009 at 1:49 am

    Hi Phil .. that was great .. loved it .. sparked up my morning .. I’ll be thinking of that for days ahead ..

    Thanks .. and as you say they were all real, wanting to be there, support their friends, be with their families .. fantastic ..

    Have a great weekend – Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

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    Marci J. August 24, 2009 at 8:19 pm

    I was honored to be a part of the “decorating committee” for Kim and Jason’s wedding…..what fun we had with white organza, strings of white lights, streamers, balloons and rolling wall partions…..nothing fancy-schmancy, just a bunch of college friends enjoying the opportunity to celebrate with and honor K&J!! One of my treasured memories…..blessed to have our friendship! :)

    This comment was originally posted on Escape Adulthood with Kim & Jason

    Reply

    Debbie Frazier August 25, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    This wedding video was incredible, thanks for sharing it! I passed it along to some others to enjoy!

    This comment was originally posted on Escape Adulthood with Kim & Jason

    Reply

    Jason August 25, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    Yep, that was a pretty Adultitis-free day as well, wasn’t it? :)

    This comment was originally posted on Escape Adulthood with Kim & Jason

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