5 Types of Content That Go Viral in Canada

You’ve probably seen it happen: a video, a meme, or a post seems to explode out of nowhere, getting shared by everyone you know. This is what we call “Go Viral in Canada.” For a business or creator in Canada, creating viral content is like hitting the jackpot. It gives you massive exposure, builds your brand’s reputation, and can bring a flood of new followers and customers. But how do you make content that resonates with millions of Canadians? It’s not just luck; it’s a mix of understanding human emotions, jumping on trends, and knowing your audience.

We’ve analyzed what makes content spread like wildfire in Go Viral in Canada. Here are five types of content that have a real shot at going viral.

1. Relatable and Authentic Humor

Canadians love to laugh, but they appreciate humor that feels real and down-to-earth. The days of slick, overproduced comedy are gone. Today, people connect with content that shows the genuine, often messy, side of life.

This is especially true on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Brands that show the human side of their business—like a video of a team member making a funny mistake or a sarcastic take on a common problem—do incredibly well. A great example of this is a Go Viral in Canada small business owner venting their frustration in a funny way about a minor problem. People see themselves in the struggle and share the video because it feels real. This type of content builds trust and makes your brand feel less like a faceless corporation and more like a friend.

So, don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself or your brand. Show your audience you get them by creating a video about a relatable Canadian experience, like the struggle of dressing for unpredictable weather or the universal love for Timbits.

2. Content That Sparks High-Arousal Emotions

Go Viral in Canada content doesn’t just entertain; it makes people feel something. The most shareable content triggers what researchers call “high-arousal emotions”—feelings like awe, excitement, inspiration, or even anger and frustration.

A video of a breathtaking Go Viral in Canada landscape, a heartwarming story of a business helping its community, or a post that makes you say, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” all fall into this category. People share this kind of content because it makes them look good. When they share something that inspires or amazes, they feel like they are contributing something valuable to their friends’ lives. Similarly, content that triggers a strong opinion—a controversial take on a hot topic or a post that makes people feel a sense of outrage—can also Go Viral in Canada. The key is to be intentional with the emotions you want your audience to feel.

For Canadian audiences, content that celebrates national pride, showcases natural beauty, or highlights social good often hits an emotional sweet spot.

3. Hyper-Local and Culturally Specific Content

Canada is a huge country with diverse cultures and regional pride. Go Viral in Canada that speaks directly to a specific city or community has a strong chance of going viral within that area. People share this content because it celebrates their identity and local community.

Think about a video that perfectly captures the feeling of a cold winter morning in the Prairies or a post that references a specific street or landmark in downtown Toronto. This type of content builds a sense of belonging. Businesses can use this to their advantage by creating content that specifically targets their local market. For example, a restaurant in Vancouver could create a video showing off a famous local spot while inviting people to come by for a meal.

In 2025, bilingual content is also a key factor. Creating content in both English and French not only shows respect for Canadian culture but also helps you connect with a massive audience in Quebec and beyond, giving your content a wider reach and a bigger chance to Go Viral in Canada.

4. Interactive and User-Generated Content

People don’t just want to watch content; they want to be a part of it. When you create content that encourages participation, you increase the chances of it going viral. Interactive content gets a lot of early engagement, which tells social media algorithms to show it to more people.

• Polls and quizzes: These are easy ways to get people to engage. You can create a poll on Instagram Stories or a quiz on TikTok to get people’s opinions on a topic.
• Challenges: Create a fun challenge that your followers can participate in. A branded hashtag can help you track who is taking part and get your brand name in front of new eyes.
• User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage your followers to post their own content using your products or a specific hashtag. When you feature their posts on your page, they feel special and are more likely to share your content with their friends. This is free, authentic marketing that works like a charm. It also builds a sense of community around your brand.

5. Trendjacking and “How-To” Videos

Staying on top of what’s trending is crucial for going viral. A trend can be a popular sound, a specific dance, or a viral challenge. When you jump on a trend quickly, you can ride its wave and get your content in front of a huge audience. The key is to make the trend relevant to your brand in a creative way.

Educational content also performs incredibly well. People love to learn something new. Short, “how-to” videos that show a quick tip or a clever life hack often go viral because they provide instant value. A quick video on “how to organize your desk in under 60 seconds” or “3 kitchen hacks you didn’t know you needed” can get a lot of shares and saves. The key is to make it easy to understand and quick to watch.