How to create viral content with Jason Morris!

Creating viral content isn’t about chasing trends or relying on gimmicks — it’s about understanding your audience, crafting emotionally resonant stories, and packaging them in a way that’s impossible to scroll past.

We recently sat down with filmmaker and creative educator Jason Morris — a content creator known for his thoughtful, cinematic work across YouTube and Instagram. In our latest YouTube episode, Jason shared his approach to making viral content that actually matters — the kind that builds trust, earns engagement, and keeps people coming back.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced creator looking to sharpen your edge, here’s a breakdown of Jason’s key strategies for creating viral content in 2024.

Grab Attention in the First 3 Seconds

The first few seconds are critical. In Jason’s words, “If your content doesn’t stop someone mid-scroll, you’ve already lost.” Today’s algorithms prioritise watch time and retention, so your hook needs to be instant and visual.

Try These Viral Hooks:

• Shoot from unexpected angles (e.g. overhead, inside objects, extreme close-ups)

• Use large, animated on-screen text to reinforce your message

• Incorporate dramatic music or ambient sound to set the tone

• Open with a surprising moment or a bold statement

A strong visual hook earns that crucial pause — and that’s often the difference between going viral and going unnoticed.

Build Curiosity, Don’t Give It All Away

One of the most overlooked tactics in creating viral content is pacing. Jason emphasises the importance of building curiosity, rather than front-loading your entire message. Audiences are more likely to watch — and engage — when there’s a clear payoff coming.

Proven Curiosity Tactics:

• Start with a “before” scene and reveal the “after” later

• Overlay a bold question like: “Can you really film a cinematic video with a $200 camera?”

• Use behind-the-scenes clips to hint at the process or final result

• Introduce common pain points, then delay the solution

The longer your audience stays engaged, the more the algorithm rewards your content.

Emotion Over Perfection

Perfection doesn’t equal connection. In fact, polished content that lacks authenticity often performs worse than content that’s raw, vulnerable, and emotionally driven. Jason’s best-performing videos tap into real-world challenges, moments of doubt, and personal wins.

“People don’t go viral for being perfect. They go viral for being honest.”

Emotional Triggers That Perform:

• Share your creative struggles and how you overcame them

• Talk about imposter syndrome, burnout, or failure

• Highlight universal frustrations like “not having the right gear”

Relatability is the fastest path to viral reach.

Keep It Simple and Scannable

Don’t over-teach or over-talk. Your audience isn’t here for a masterclass — they want quick wins, clever insights, and inspiration they can apply instantly.

Jason recommends limiting your key points to 1–3 per video and making sure the takeaway is crystal clear.

What Audiences Really Want:

• A simple process they can repeat

• A transformation they can believe in

• A reason to comment, save, or share with others

The best viral content is structured like a conversation, not a tutorial.

Focus on the Three E’s: Educate, Entertain, Engage

Jason swears by what he calls the “Three E’s” — a simple content framework that increases your chances of going viral across any platform.

The Three E’s of Viral Content:

1. Educate – Share a tip, trick, or insight that your audience didn’t know before.

2. Entertain – Use humour, emotion, or visual storytelling to keep people watching.

3. Engage – Ask questions, invite feedback, and respond to comments to encourage interaction.

Content that balances all three is more likely to resonate — and rank — long after you’ve posted.

Bonus Tip: Optimise for the Algorithm, Not Just Aesthetics

While Jason prioritises storytelling, he’s also clear that formatting matters. Every piece of viral content he creates is designed with the platform in mind — vertical framing, on-screen captions, engaging thumbnails, and short titles that tease value.

“Your content can be amazing, but if no one sees it, it’s not going to go viral.”

So yes, shoot beautifully — but package it in a way that’s algorithm-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Viral content isn’t magic — it’s method. Jason Morris proves that the most shareable videos are the ones built on clarity, honesty, and intent. By combining strong visual hooks, emotional storytelling, and platform-smart structure, your content can cut through the noise and actually connect.

You don’t need fancy gear or viral luck — you just need to think differently about how and why your audience watches.