Let’s face it: the internet can feel like a stage where everyone’s in a race to show the most skin, spark the biggest scandal, or flaunt the fanciest lifestyle. But here’s a truth that doesn’t get enough airplay: you don’t have to bare it all to break the internet.

In fact, some of the most memorable viral moments have nothing to do with nudity or shock value—they’re just creative, authentic, or downright hilarious. The key to going viral? It’s all about tapping into human emotions, relatability, and curiosity. And guess what? You’ve got everything you need to make that happen.

Here’s how to make the internet yours—fully clothed and fully authentic.

1. Be Funny, Not Thirsty (Well, Maybe Just a Little Thirsty)

Humor is the secret sauce to virality. Why? Because everyone loves to laugh. If you can make someone chuckle—or better yet, laugh so hard they snort—they’ll share your content faster than a cat video (and we all know how much the internet loves cat videos).

But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to be a stand-up comedian. It’s about finding humor in the little, everyday moments that people can relate to.

For example, say you accidentally spill coffee on your shirt five minutes before a meeting. Instead of just groaning about it, turn it into content. Caption your photo: “When Monday reminds you who’s boss.” Or make a quick video reenacting the disaster in slow motion, complete with dramatic music.

Now, sprinkle in just a hint of thirst. A cheeky smirk, a playful wink, or a “look at me pretending not to know I’m cute” selfie can add that extra spice. Think charming, not desperate people who love confidence with a dash of self-awareness.

Remember the viral sensation, Leslie Jordan? The late actor turned quarantine into comedy gold with his Southern charm and hilarious takes on the mundanity of staying home. No thirst traps, no over-the-top antics—just relatable humor that resonated deeply with millions.

2. Play the “Relatable Card” Like a Pro

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Do you know what’s more viral than a perfectly posed selfie? A moment that makes people say, “OMG, this is so me!”

Relatability is your golden ticket to shareability. We all have weird, awkward, or downright annoying moments that make us human. The trick is to turn those moments into content.

Running out of toothpaste and squeezing the tube like it’s a life-or-death situation? Content. Struggling to assemble IKEA furniture while questioning all your life choices? Content. Trying to look cool at the gym but tripping over your own feet? Content.

The more real and unpolished you are, the more people will connect with you. And when people feel seen, they share—because nothing says friendship like tagging someone in a post and saying, “This is us.”

Case in point: Elyse Myers. She went viral simply by telling a story about the world’s worst first date. No fancy setup, no glossy production—just her, a camera, and a hilariously relatable tale about buying 100 tacos for a guy who didn’t even bring his wallet. Her relatability skyrocketed her into internet stardom almost overnight.

3. Tell Stories That Stick

Humans are wired for storytelling. From campfires to TikTok, we’ve always been drawn to tales that make us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats. So, if you want to go viral, learn to tell a good story.

The best stories are the ones that are raw, unexpected, or just plain ridiculous. For example, at that time, you accidentally texted your boss instead of your best friend (“Thanks for being the worst human alive”—oops). Or when you tried to parallel park and created a six-car traffic jam.

You don’t need a perfect life to tell great stories. In fact, the more chaotic, the better. People love seeing the messiness of real life because it makes them feel a little less alone in their chaos.

Pro Tip: Structure your stories with a hook, a build-up, and a punchline or emotional payoff. Start with something intriguing (“So I did a thing today…”), build the suspense, and end with a bang.

And if you want inspiration, look no further than TikTok creator Brittany Broski. She went viral as the "Kombucha Girl" after posting a hilarious reaction to trying kombucha for the first time. Her facial expressions told a story more vividly than words ever could, and her authenticity made it impossible not to laugh along.

4. Jump on Trends—But Make Them Yours

Every week, a new trend sweeps across social media like wildfire. From viral dances to quirky challenges, there’s always something you can hop onto. But here’s the secret: don’t just follow the trend—own it.

Let’s say the latest trend is lip-syncing to a breakup song. Instead of just standing in your room mouthing the words, add your spin. Maybe you’re lip-syncing while dramatically packing your ex’s stuff into a box labeled “Trash.” Or you’re singing to your dog, who wants no part of your drama.

When you add your unique twist to a trend, you make it fresh and memorable. People will share your version because it stands out from the sea of copycats.

Take comedian Sarah Cooper, for example. During the pandemic, she jumped on the lip-syncing trend by mimicking political speeches with deadpan humor and spot-on timing. Her quirky twist on the trend turned her into an overnight sensation and even landed her a Netflix special.

5. Get Weird (Like, Just the Right Amount)

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Here’s a secret: weird is shareable. The internet thrives on the unexpected. Think about all the times you’ve sent someone a video with the caption, “What did I just watch?”

Weirdness doesn’t mean being over-the-top bizarre. It’s about adding a layer of quirkiness to what you already do. Maybe you’re dancing in the kitchen while your dog judges you in the background. Maybe you’re narrating your morning routine like you’re hosting a cooking show.

The trick is to balance weird with charm. Too much, and you’re that guy. Just enough, and you’re everyone’s favorite meme.

A perfect example? Remember the guy on TikTok who went viral for skateboarding to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” while casually sipping cranberry juice? That’s peak internet weirdness—unexpected, chill, and completely unforgettable.

6. Engage Like Your Life Depends on It

Going viral isn’t just about posting—it’s about connecting. Reply to comments, even the silly ones. Post stories that ask your followers questions. Start polls, challenges, or games that get people involved.

Engagement isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce to building a loyal audience. And the more engaged your audience is, the more likely they are to share your content.

Here’s a hack: comment on other viral posts. Not random stuff like “lol,” but witty, thoughtful, or funny replies. People will notice you—and some will even check out your profile.

For example, influencers like Hank Green are masters of engagement. He doesn’t just post; he interacts with his followers, answers their questions, and dives into debates—all while staying authentic and entertaining.

7. Master the Art of Teasing

Curiosity is a powerful thing. Use it to your advantage. Post teasers that make people want more.

For example:

“I tried something today that I swore I’d never do… stay tuned.”

“This was either the best idea ever or a total disaster. You’ll find out soon.”

It’s human nature to want to know what happens next. And if you can keep your audience guessing, you’ve hooked them.

8. Quality Over Quantity (But Also, Quantity)

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Yes, posting consistently is important. But here’s the deal: quality matters more. A single, well-thought-out post can do more for you than 10 rushed ones.

That said, don’t overthink every little thing. Some of the most viral moments happen when you’re just being spontaneous. The key is to strike a balance. Aim for a mix of planned content and off-the-cuff posts.

And remember: the internet loves authenticity. So even if your video isn’t perfectly edited, if it’s funny, relatable, or emotional, it’ll resonate.

9. Don’t Chase Viral—Let Viral Chase You

Here’s the ironic truth: the harder you try to go viral, the less likely it’ll happen. Why? Because people can sense when something feels forced.

Instead of obsessing overviews, focus on creating content that feels you. Post things that make you laugh, cry, or think. Share what you’re passionate about. When you’re genuinely having fun, it shows—and people can’t resist that energy.

And if you do go viral, don’t stop there. Use that moment to build connections, grow your audience, and keep the momentum going.

Step 10: Embrace the Power of Visual Storytelling

Here’s the deal: visuals rule the internet. And we’re not just talking about pretty pictures or fancy edits. We’re talking about the kind of visuals that tell a story without needing a single word.

Think about Nathan Apodaca, the guy who casually skateboarded into our hearts while sipping cranberry juice and vibing to Fleetwood Mac. He didn’t have a script, a fancy setup, or even a plan. What he did have was a vibe. The wind in his hair, the sound of wheels on asphalt, and a song we all forgot we loved—it was pure magic.

So how do you create your own visual story? Start with your environment. Is your cat doing something ridiculous in the background? Use it. Is your morning coffee steaming like a Hollywood dream sequence? That’s content. Are you walking through a park while narrating the life struggles of a pigeon? Golden.

The key is to make your visuals a character in your content. Let them amplify the story you’re trying to tell. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect—raw and relatable wins every time.

Step 11: Collaborate Like a Pro (Because Two Creators Are Better Than One)

Do you know what makes people stop scrolling faster than anything? Two creators teaming up for a crossover they didn’t know they needed. Think of it like an Avengers movie but for social media.

Collaboration isn’t just about sharing audiences—it’s about combining your unique styles to create something fresh and exciting. Maybe you’re great at storytelling, and your collaborator is a genius at visual effects. Or maybe you’re the funny one, and they’re the quirky one. Together, you’re unstoppable.

Take Hank Green, for example. He’s known for his science content, but he often collaborates with other creators to dive into niche topics or just have a little fun. The result? Content that feels fresh and engaging, while introducing each creator to a whole new audience.

Pro tip: don’t just collaborate for the sake of it. Find someone whose vibe complements yours. It’s like dating—you’re looking for chemistry. And when it’s right, the internet will feel it.

Step 12: Be Unapologetically You

If there’s one thing, we’ve learned from all the viral creators out there, it’s this: people connect with authenticity. Not the curated, filter-heavy kind of authenticity, but the messy, hilarious, sometimes awkward reality of being human.

Think about Elyse Myers. She didn’t go viral because she had a perfectly polished feed or a flawless video aesthetic. She went viral because she told a story about buying 100 tacos on a disastrous first date—and she told it like it was. No pretension, no trying too hard. Just real, raw, relatable chaos.

The same goes for Brittany Broski. Her kombucha reaction video wasn’t planned or rehearsed. It was a genuine moment of confusion, curiosity, and delight—and it resonated with millions of people.

So here’s the takeaway: stop trying to be what you think the internet wants. Be yourself. The weird, wonderful, slightly awkward version of you that your friends love. Because here’s the secret: if you’re having fun, your audience will, too.

And when you inevitably hit that viral moment, it won’t just be a flash in the pan. It’ll be the beginning of something real—an audience that sticks around because they love you, not just your content.

Final Thoughts

Going viral without taking your clothes off isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. It proves that you’ve got the creativity, personality, and wit to stand out in a crowded digital world.

So the next time you’re tempted to post a thirst trap, remember this: you’ve got more to offer than abs and angles. You’ve got stories to tell, laughs to share, and an audience waiting to be entertained.

Now go out there and break the internet—fully clothed, and fully you.