The debate about whether going viral is pure luck or skill has raged for years. My business partner believes it’s all luck, while I maintain there’s skill involved. After analyzing GaryVee’s perspective on this topic, I’m more convinced that virality requires skill and consistency, but skill and consistency are the foundation.
As someone who studies content strategies daily, I’ve noticed a pattern among successful creators. They don’t just randomly stumble into millions of views. There’s a method behind what appears magical to outsiders. GaryVee put it perfectly when he said, “Viral is not 100% skill; otherwise, I’d go viral every day, but it’s definitely not pure luck.” This resonates deeply with my experience.
The truth is that choosing optimism over cynicism is what separates successful content creators from those who never break through. When we attribute others’ success purely to luck, we’re often masking our own insecurities or justifying our lack of effort.
The Skill Behind Viral Content
Creating content that resonates requires understanding what people value. Whether it’s humor, attractiveness, information, or communication style, successful creators don’t judge what audiences want—they know and deliver it.
This approach requires humility, which GaryVee emphasizes is the foundation of true confidence. When I see content go viral that I don’t personally connect with, I ask, “Why did this resonate?” instead of dismissing it. This curiosity has helped me develop content that performs better than my competitors’.
The skills that contribute to viral content include:
- Understanding audience psychology and preferences
- Consistency in posting (showing up when others quit)
- Technical execution (quality, timing, platform knowledge)
- Storytelling ability that creates an emotional connection
- Adaptability to changing platform algorithms
These skills can be developed and refined over time. The more you create, the better you recognize patterns in what performs well.
The Marketing vs. Sales Dilemma
Many creators face a common dilemma: Should they focus on direct sales or invest in content marketing? While sales bring immediate revenue, marketing creates systems that generate sales without constant effort.
GaryVee acknowledges this tension, noting that sometimes focusing on sales first makes sense to establish financial stability before investing heavily in content. This matches my experience working with clients transitioning from side hustles to full-time businesses.
However, he also points out something crucial: a single viral post can outperform months of direct sales efforts. I’ve seen this firsthand with clients who struggled for months with direct outreach, then, one LinkedIn post brought in more qualified leads than all previous efforts combined.
The most effective approach often combines both:
- Use direct sales to establish baseline revenue
- Gradually allocate more time to content creation
- Reinvest early profits into content systems
- Scale back direct sales as content begins generating leads
This balanced approach reduces risk while building long-term assets.
The Self-Accountability Factor
What struck me most about GaryVee’s perspective was his emphasis on self-accountability. When we blame external factors for our lack of success, we surrender our power to change outcomes.
The most successful content creators I work with take full responsibility for their results. They don’t blame algorithms, competitors, or market conditions. Instead, they ask, “What can I do differently to get better results?”
This mindset shift is transformative. You start finding creative solutions when you stop making excuses about industry regulations, time constraints, or lack of resources.
“Excuses… I’m a perfectionist, I’m in a regulated industry, I’m this, I’m that… you don’t want to do the work.”
This statement hit home for me. How often do we hide behind seemingly valid reasons for not creating content consistently? The reality is that these are choices, not immovable obstacles.
Practical Steps to Increase Your Chances of Going Viral
If you’re struggling to gain traction with your content, here are actionable steps based on GaryVee’s approach:
- Study what’s working in your niche (day trading attention)
- Create consistently, even when results aren’t immediate
- Analyze performance data to refine your approach
- Focus on providing genuine value rather than chasing trends
- Develop your unique voice instead of copying others
Remember that even GaryVee didn’t start creating content for VaynerMedia immediately. He focused on sales first, then leveraged his brand to drive business growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
The path to viral content isn’t about luck—it’s about putting yourself in a position to be lucky through consistent, strategic effort. While not every piece will go viral, each one increases your skills and visibility.
Stop waiting for lightning to strike and start building your storm. The creators who succeed aren’t just lucky—they’re the ones who showed up consistently when everyone else quit.