Cashing In

We all remember  Charlie Bit My Finger , the adorable Talking Twin Babies , and the guy that rocked out generations worth of dance moves in Evolution of Dance.  Everyone and their mother created a Harlem Shake video, and we were blown away by Susan Boyle’s Debut as she dreamed a dream that has since come true.  So what has come from these viral videos?  Publicity and money, mostly.

Judson Laipply, Evolution of Dance guy, was clear in this interview that for him it’s all about the free publicity.  However, Charlie and his big brother Harry have reportedly made their family $158,000, according to this article in Time.  The talking twins are said to have made enough money to pay for both their college educations.  Susasn Boyle has 4 albums out and now owns 2 houses, one that she calls “Posh House.”  And since figuring out that all you need is a viral video to make lots of money, some folks are trying to cash in.

Two years ago, North Ridge Church in New Hampshire decided to follow President Obama’s fundraising ideas to make money.  They made a video asking for just a $1 donation, hoping it would go viral.  After just a few weeks, it had reached to 9 countries.  The information of how much the video made doesn’t seem to be available.  Perhaps their idea worked, but it seems the best way to make money on viral videos is to not try so hard.

Casey Johnstones’ dad, Ron, made a video of his son’s fifth-grade graduation speech.  Casey talked about being a Dodgers fan in a school full of Giants fans, and now his family has had to figure out what do with the money they’re making on the video.

If you’re looking to make your millions through a viral video, here’s a an article that will give you some pointers.  Of course, the best advice is to make a video of content that people want to see.  Following that would be to make videos without the intention of making money.

Don’t believe there’s that much money in the vid biz?  Check out the Economics of Going Viral Infographic.  Have a video that you think is worth advertising dollars?  Let us know where we can see it.

Want to waste hours of your time?  This is a pretty inclusive list of some of the most  viral videos out there.