Ever wondered what makes one video explode online while a hundred others barely get a view? A few years ago, we got a front-row seat to exactly that.
We were approached through our Mykidstime Facebook page by Epic Productions Ireland, who asked if we’d like to share a video they’d made for Dan Sweeney Personal Training, all about sugar and kids. Dan Sweeney, working with Naomi Sirmans of Mosaic Marketing, wanted a low-budget branding video with genuine viral potential. After a concept development meeting with Epic Productions, the “sugar content” idea was born — and just ten days later, the finished video was ready to share.
We posted it on our Facebook page, and it took off. Within days, it had reached millions of people, racked up huge view numbers, and been shared by tens of thousands of parents who wanted to pass it on to friends and family.
It’s always fascinating to look at why a piece of content goes viral on social media. So take a look at the video for yourself, then read on for our thoughts on how to create a viral video in 5 easy steps.
#1. Tell a simple story with a twist
The storyline of this video is easy to understand and impactful straight away. The moment you see the first sugar pouring out, you’re shocked — which is exactly what’s intended. But the story itself stays simple: it’s just a family getting ready for their day, so you instantly identify with it.
Remember, it’s the “something that stops you in your tracks” moment that makes content more likely to be shared.
#2. Make sure it looks good
It’s a good-looking video. The kitchen is lovely, the people are nicely dressed and appealing, and it’s shot cleanly in one room. (A few comments on our post even asked “why aren’t the family fatter if they’re eating all that sugar” — proof people were paying close attention!)
Good-looking people aren’t essential, but strong visuals and a pleasant setting help draw people in. Combine that with a powerful message, and you’ve got something people want to share.
#3. Try to make it on-topic
Healthy eating and childhood nutrition are topics parents care deeply about. This video taps directly into concerns people already have, and by showing and educating them, it becomes far more shareable.
#4. Help people
Even with more nutritional information available these days, there’s still plenty of confusion about what’s actually good for kids and what isn’t.
This video shows, very clearly and simply, how much sugar is hiding in a bowl of children’s breakfast cereal, a chocolate spread sandwich, a can of soda, and a jar of baby food. That visual clicks instantly, in a way that reading “20g of sugar per 100ml serving” on a label never quite does.
Because it helps people understand something useful, they’re more likely to want to pass it on to others.
#5. Share it with a genuinely engaged audience
We shared it on our Mykidstime Facebook page, which not only has strong reach but — more importantly — has fans who are genuinely engaged. Engaged followers are far more likely to share something they believe others will find helpful.
You can see this in the way people tagged friends and family in the comments. Tagging someone else is a sign of trust — it means they’re happy to put their own name behind passing it on.
Well done, and thank you, to Dan Sweeney and Epic Productions for a brilliant piece of content. We were simply glad to give it that extra bit of momentum to help it reach so many families.
You can find out more about Epic Productions Ireland on their website and Facebook page.
Over to you now — what did you think of the video? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a video go viral?
There’s no single formula, but viral videos tend to share a few things in common: a simple, relatable story, a strong visual hook, good production quality, a topic people already care about, and content that genuinely helps or informs the viewer. Sharing it with an engaged audience first also gives it the early momentum it needs to spread further.
Do I need a big budget to make a viral video?
No. The video in this case study was made on a low budget over just ten days. What mattered far more than production spend was a clear concept, a relatable story, and a message that felt genuinely useful to parents.
Why do people share videos with their friends and family?
People usually share content that makes them feel something — surprised, informed, or reassured — and that they believe will genuinely help someone they know. Tagging friends in the comments is a strong sign that viewers trust the content enough to put their name behind it.
Does the platform I share on matter?
Yes. Sharing content with an engaged, trusting audience — rather than just a large one — makes a real difference. Engaged followers are more likely to share content further, which is often what gives a video its early momentum.
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