The Art of Content Curation: Creating Viral Posts by Curating Content

Content curation is a powerful strategy in today's digital landscape. Instead of creating brand new content from scratch, content curators seek out and share the most valuable and relevant existing material, adding their own insights and commentary. This approach not only builds trust, credibility, and a wider audience reach but also helps in achieving specific marketing goals. In this article, we will explore the concept of content curation, provide examples of viral posts generated through this method, and highlight ethical considerations in content curation.

What is Content Curation?

Content curation involves the act of collecting, organizing, and sharing high-quality, valuable content from various sources on the internet with your own audience. This content can be articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, and more. By carefully selecting and presenting the best materials, content curators enhance their audience's experience and often lead to increased engagement and trust in the curator.

Benefits of Content Curation

Content curation offers several significant advantages:

Builds Credibility: When you curate content from reputable sources, it enhances your brand's credibility and authority in your niche. Time-Saving: Content curation saves time compared to creating new content from scratch. Engagement: Curated content can attract and engage your target audience more effectively. Broadens Audience Reach: Sharing well-curated content can introduce your content to a broader audience. Learning and Growth: Curating content keeps you updated with the latest industry trends and insights. Goal Achievement: Content curation can be a vital tool in achieving specific marketing goals, such as increasing brand awareness or driving engagement.

Examples of Viral Posts Generated by Content Curation

Here are some examples of viral posts that have been created by curating content from other sites:

1. BuzzFeed Quizzes

BuzzFeed's quizzes are an excellent example of successful content curation. They often share a variety of quizzes on topics ranging from personal traits to lifestyle choices. These quizzes are designed to be shareable and highly engaging, often leading to immediate virality. Examples of popular quizzes include 'What English Word Are You?' and 'Do You Make People Stop and Look?' These quizzes are compelling and interactive, often including humorous graphics and engaging text, making them highly shareable and share-worthy.

2. Upworthy Compilations

Upworthy is known for sharing powerful and inspirational content. They curate short videos, images, and articles that spark joy, inspire hope, or highlight positive social issues. For instance, their "Good News" series often features heartwarming stories and eye-opening information. By presenting these compelling stories and visuals, they engage their audience and make their content highly shareable. An example of a viral compilation includes '3 Things Every Dog Owes Its Human.'

3. Twitter Threads

Twitter threads are a form of content curation where an individual shares a series of tweets on a specific topic, often in response to a trending issue. These threads can become viral if they capture the interest of a large number of people. For example, during the pandemic, many Twitter threads were used to provide information, share experiences, and offer practical advice. These threads typically include links, images, and additional resources, making them informative and engaging. An example of a viral thread includes 'The Ultimate Guide to Working from Home Amidst the Pandemic.'

4. Reddit Communities

Reddit communities, such as r/Funny and r/AskReddit, curate content to create engaging and shareable posts. For instance, r/Funny often shares humorous GIFs, memes, and videos, while r/AskReddit encourages users to share life stories and anecdotes. These communities frequently feature content that is relatable, entertaining, and often categorized to help users find exactly what they are looking for. An example of a viral community topic might be 'Why do Cats Latch Onto a Specific Person?' providing insights and humor that resonate with the community.

Ethical Considerations in Content Curation

While content curation is a valuable tool, it's essential to approach it ethically:

Give Credit: Always provide proper attribution to the original authors and sources. Add Value: Ensure that your curation adds unique value to the curated content. This can be through commentary, analysis, or added context. Respect Copyright Laws: Be mindful of copyright and use fair use when necessary. Engage Authentic Conversations: Use the content to start conversations rather than just sharing it for the sake of sharing.

Conclusion

Content curation is a powerful tool in the digital marketing arsenal. By carefully selecting and presenting high-quality content from various sources, you can build trust, engage your audience, and achieve your marketing goals. From BuzzFeed quizzes to Twitter threads, there are countless examples of successful content curation. By following ethical guidelines, you can enhance your own content curation efforts and create viral posts that resonate with your audience.