The Viral Post Formula: 7 Elements Every Reddit Hit Has

I dissected 300 posts with 1,000+ upvotes to find what they have in common. Every single viral post has at least 5 of these 7 elements.

'$47,832 in 6 months' beats 'I made money'. Specific numbers create credibility and curiosity. Vague claims get ignored.

'I failed 3 times before this worked' beats 'Here are tips'. Personal risk and vulnerability create connection.

'Why X is overrated' beats 'X is great'. Challenge conventional wisdom and people engage to agree or argue.

Screenshots, charts, before/after images. Text claims get skepticism. Visual proof gets upvotes.

Readers should walk away able to DO something. 'Here's the exact template' beats 'consider trying X'.

End with a question that invites opinion. Not 'Thoughts?' but 'What would YOU do in this situation?' Specificity drives replies.

Headers, bullet points, short paragraphs. Walls of text don't get read on Reddit. Make it skimmable but rewarding to read fully.

1. Does my title have a specific number or bold claim?
2. Am I sharing personal experience, not just tips?
3. Is there something that challenges common thinking?
4. Did I include screenshots or visual evidence?
5. Can the reader take action after reading?
6. Does my ending invite discussion?
7. Is the format scannable?

Aim for 5 out of 7. That's your viral potential threshold.

MediaFast runs this checklist automatically before you post. Or read the deep dive on virality.