The Artist Within: Going Viral Part I

by Lauren Walker

So what do you do when your Instagram video takes off? I posted a video on my Instagram page, @theartistwithin86, and it blew up past my wildest expectations. By the time this article gets published, I'll have almost 3 million views. It is overwhelming, to say the least.

Uncharted Territory

This is uncharted territory for me. I believe these moments are rare and fleeting, so I feel like I'm riding a wave, until it settles back in to the vast social media ocean. An unexpected increase in attention is not something anyone expects, in such a large pool of people. How does this happen?

The Dreaded Algorithm

It is hard to understand if you're not well versed in technology. I have a vague understanding, at best. When you post something on an ideal day and time, it is like a drop in the ocean. The algorithm turns that drop in to a wave which reaches the furthest corner of the earth. When it reaches people, they keep spreading the wave, and it just keeps going. The good news is, it eventually dies down but it is something no one expects. It invites a lot of good (mostly) and a little bit of bad. It's important not to let it knock you over.

Unnecessary Opinions

I discovered a wonderful feature which allows you to turn commenting off. The algorithm loves controversy, so I let it play out for a week and then I had to shut it off. I admit, I wanted to hit a large number of views. It started affecting my anxiety levels, so I had to shut it off, for my sake. For such a short video about string and canvas, people had a lot of unnecessary opinions. I engaged the positive comments and ignored the negative. Can't win everyone over!

What's next?

I had to turn the noise off, so I've actually been laying low on social media the last few weeks. I am currently looking in to Social Media Marketing agencies, who can help move my career forward the right way.

Look forward to part 2 of my "Going Viral," next month.

Happy Painting!

@theartistwithin86