B2adjectiveinformaltechnologymedia
US/ˈvaɪ.rəl/
UK/ˈvaɪ.rəl/
spreading very quickly and widely online, as a video, photo or message that many people share
More often (adjective): caused by a virus, or relating to viruses
In context
The ad went viral overnight and brought thousands of new customers to the shop.
Marketing teams often hope to create a viral video on a small budget.
A viral post can change public opinion before anyone checks whether it is true.
Words that go with viral
verb + adjective
- go viralHer recipe video went viral last week.
- become viralThe photo became viral within hours.
adjective + noun
- a viral videoA viral video made the small café famous.
- viral marketingViral marketing relies on people sharing content.
- viral campaignThe charity ran a viral campaign on social media.
- a viral sensationThe singer became a viral sensation.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The video is viral very much.Correct: The video went viral.