Synonyms for
Viral
Definition
relating to the spread of information, images, or videos via the internet or social media platforms
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- go viral
- viral marketing
- viral video
- viral load
- viral outbreak
- viral content
- viral sensation
Word family
Usage note
While 'viral' originally referred to disease, its common modern usage relates to rapid online spread. Avoid using it for biological contagion unless the context is clear.
Example sentences
- The meme went viral on Instagram.
- The news about the new product launch went viral on Twitter.
- The video of the cat playing the piano went viral on YouTube.
- The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter went viral on social media.
- The TikTok dance challenge went viral among teenagers.
Quotes
'Going viral' is not an outcome; it's a happening. Sometimes it happens; sometimes it doesn't. Just remember, fans are vanity and sales are sanity.' - Lori Taylor
'The power of social media is that it forces necessary change.' - Erik Qualman
'The Internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn't understand, the largest experiment in anarchy that we have ever had.' - Eric Schmidt