A viral loop gets created when an idea provokes a reaction in the person who is exposed to it, they (un)willingly help spread it and expose more people to it. Each new reaction continues to spread the idea, the process repeats and it grows exponentially. A reaction and action to that reaction are crucial in keeping the ball rolling.

So you need to think of ways to keep the conversation flowing. Ways to keep the reactions sparked and passing the flame along. The fidget spinner encouraged this behaviour by:-

Tagging friends in FB post comments

Sharing thoughts on social media

Inveigling creators and publishers to news-jack

Using memes as a running joke

Getting polarised opinions for the right amount of controversy and spinning discussions off those

Offline discussions and word-of-mouth marketing

First off, making something viral means it could either be your original idea, or you can ride the wave of a trend, making use of the opportunity to get pre-created interest in the subject.

Timing is what makes a trend viral. One way to go about it is to look up a topic on Google (because more interest means more searches for it). Reddit is a good platform for exposure and a good start to a viral trend. Watch how people or news organisations engage with it.

Although a trend may die down once the hype subsides, there is an overwhelming demand while it lasts. With the fidget spinner the case differs a little in that the toy is firstly marketed as a stress-buster, a focus channeller, a tool for ADHD kids, and toy! So just think of the numerous markets it is catering to, as well as the many variations being produced – high end titanium, batman logos, with LED lights, or even fitted with Bluetooth speakers! Putting the fad aside, it still is considered a collectible! Many online stores are incorporating them into their product catalogues and even offline stores are displaying them in their windows to ride the crest of this trend.

Content is still king. It is accessible and can be leveraged to reach a wide range of people. It even makes those who don’t actually want it still talk about it.

The fidget spinner folks capitalised on the viral loop by creating a marketing process that evoked a reaction from one person, who then passed it along, who then passed it along… a viral loop could quite simply be an incentive – referral discounts, giveaways etc.

So there you have it – marketing ideas that helped an explosive trend explode! And while trends wax and eventually wane, and they depend a good amount of how people react to the idea, the next time you come up with a great idea, you will understand how trends turn online!