What Does “go viral” mean?
Definition:
If something such as a video, an article, an image goes viral, it spreads rapidly and widely on the Internet.
Origin
The phrase originates from the late twentieth century. It has become widely used from the beginning of the twenty-first century.
The term viral is an adjective used to describe something related to or caused by a virus. When people are contaminated by a virus, the disease spreads fast and millions of people might be infected.
Very much like viral diseases, going viral involves the spread of information quickly and widely. Social media have contributed to the rapid spread of information. Videos of celebrities, cute puppies, articles, blog posts, pictures, and the like may become viral if liked and shared by people.
Viral marketing is another phrase that uses the concept of the rapid spread of information. This is a type of advertising that relies on an audience to share the message of a product or service.
Example(s)
I can’t believe how this poor-quality video went viral.
The image of the princess went viral on social networks.
Within hours the video of the puppy went viral.