Instructor: More than luck is involved in getting a video to go viral. As I've discussed, three elements predict whether or not a video is seen by more than just your friends. First, you need a well-produced brief video with good audio. Also, focus your video on topics people care about, what social scientists call emotional resonance, especially those geared towards young adults and women as they're more likely to share videos that they like. And finally, it helps if you can get the attention of a public opinion gatekeeper. It doesn't have to be Jimmy Fallon, but that certainly wouldn't hurt.

Jenna Marbles has over eight million subscribers to her YouTube channel and she's just an ordinary girl talking about ordinary things. Just imagine the possibilities if your ideas go viral. Thank you.

[applause]

OK. I'm glad to take any questions if someone has something to ask. Kate.

Kate: You said there's research that predicts which videos are likely to go viral, right? Come on. Are you really telling me that scientists are actually making a study of whether someone singing with a plastic cup is going to be more popular than a cat playing piano?

Instructor: Well--

Kate: I don't believe it.