virality

[ vahy-ral-i-tee ]

noun

1. the condition or fact of being rapidly spread or popularized by means of people communicating with each other, especially through the internet:

   We’re looking for ways to increase the virality of our web content.

Word History and Origins

Origin of virality¹

Fist recorded in 1975–80; viral + -ity

Example Sentences

Rife is best known for his quick-witted crowd work, which earned him TikTok virality in 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the past two seasons — after almost 20 years and 500 episodes — the show has grabbed hold of Gen Z viewers through its canny use of TikTok, casting of younger dance pros and the chance virality of “wow moments” from routines.

From New York Times

Hahrie Han, a Johns Hopkins political science professor who has done research on why certain activist campaigns work, says that social media platforms have made it possible for 21st-century social movements to arise through virality, as with some Arab Spring protests and the Facebook group that spawned the Women’s March.

From Slate

The copycat post banks on the proven virality of its parts and the fact that many users haven’t seen the original posts yet.

From Slate

Despite bursts of virality and media coverage, the movement is still far from mainstream, and given its decentralized online existence, there is no concrete data on how many South Korean women actively identify as “4B.”

From Los Angeles Times