Based on our study, Reddit engagement peaked around 10 p.m. and again between 12 a.m. – 4 a.m. EST.
When you look across major time zones, this timeframe engages multiple markets at peak hours, as people tend to scroll on their phones most when they first wake up and again while winding down for bed.
Dig deeper: SEO beyond Google: Building your brand on Reddit, Quora, TikTok and more
3. Leveraging specific story archetypes increases engagement between 20-23%
People connect deeply with relatable, emotional stories that convey resilience, conflict and growth.
Story archetypes like “Triumph Over Adversity” and “Conflict-Driven Narratives” increased engagement scores between 20-23%.
Stories following the “Hero’s Journey” and “Redemption Arc” create a transformational narrative, increasing comment interaction by 17%.
The journey of a character facing obstacles, experiencing growth and ultimately redeeming themselves encourages empathy and reflection, prompting more comments and discussion.
Conflict-driven themes earned 23% more comments, with themes like “Good vs. Evil” or stories of tragedy driving the most comments.
These narratives spark contrasting emotions like anger and sadness, pushing audiences to interact and voice their opinions.
DIg deeper: 5 behavioral strategies to make your content more engaging
How content marketers can leverage the science behind viral marketing
The best marketers understand the art and science of viral content creation lies in understanding your audience’s emotions and behaviors in relation to your services, products and industry.
What would surprise them?
What are they trying to overcome?
How can your brand relate to them and help them problem-solve?
By consistently applying high-arousal emotional triggers, timing insights and impactful storytelling to your marketing content, you can create campaigns that reach, engage and convert your target market.
This small sample of headlines from our agency’s earned media illustrates how brands can create emotionally evocative, relatable content that earns viral, authoritative brand coverage, backlinks and engagement.
Paychex: “Retirees Rejoining the Workforce”
“How droves of employees are now being forced BACK to the workplace as inflation hammers their savings” – Daily Mail
“1 in 6 Retirees Are Considering Going Back to Work” – Fool
“This Is The Biggest Mistake We Make In Retirement Planning” – AARP
“Baby Boomers: Your talent shortage secret weapon” – HR Morning
“Tapping into tenure: Re-engaging retirees to fill skill shortages” – HRD Connect
“8 In-Demand Jobs for Retirees and Seniors” – Go Banking Rates
Consumer Affairs: “What is House Poor?”
“69% of Homeowners Feel ‘House Poor.’ Did You Buy Too Much House?” – Motley Fool
“Half of Americans consistently struggle to pay their bills on time, survey says” – Fox Business
“Most American homeowners are ‘house poor’ – and 40% of them have taken second jobs to afford a mortgage, survey says” – Business Insider
“25% of Homeowners Rely on Emergency Savings. Here’s Why You Need to Build Some Before Buying” – NASDAQ
CouponFollow: “Top Cities to Thrift”
“7 Common Myths About Shopping at Thrift Stores” – Go Banking Rates
“Here Are the Designer Items That Resell the Best” – The Street
“Home Decor You Should Thrift Instead of Buy New, According to Experts” – Real Simple
“Thrift Shop Like a Pro: Your Guide to Scoring Great Secondhand Clothing” – The Penny Hoarder
Viral success isn’t accidental – it’s a deliberate approach to connecting with audiences on an emotional level.
Try these science-backed tips in your next marketing campaign and observe how your engagement metrics respond.
By focusing on the most impactful emotional and thematic drivers, you can create content that’s seen, shared and discussed widely.
Dig deeper: The complete guide to optimizing content for SEO (with checklist)
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