Memes obviously find their way around but what does it take to be viral?
According to this excellent TED video with Derek Sivers, there are a few important features of a “Movement”.
1) The meme must be easy to replicate. The less time it takes to copy or learn the meme, the more prone it is to be viral.
2) There is immediate recognition. The benefiting of adopting the meme is obvious and will be realized quickly. In this example the leader or meme-starter embraces followers as equals.
3) There is low risk to participating in the meme. In this case, Derek mentions that the leader must be prepared to take risk and stand out. Early followers must be able to tolerate risks associated with the meme!
4) Public. The meme can be exposed to people because it is visible. Even if you are not a direct tie of the person starting or propagating the meme, you can still get on board. So the meme can propagate over weak ties.
5) The call. The first follower is “… calling out to his friends…”.
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