Virality: The K-Factor Math

THE BRUTAL REALITY: VIRALITY IS NOT LUCK

"Going viral" is not about a funny video or a lucky tweet. It is a cold, mathematical engine.

The Conflict: Most people try to "buy" virality with referral bonuses. This is expensive and temporary.

The Truth: A product is truly viral only when every new user brings in more than one *other* user for free.

The Fix: Focus on the "K-Factor." If K > 1, you have exponential, unstoppable growth.

1. INHERENT VS. INCENTIVIZED VIRALITY

Inherent virality is when the product *only works* if you invite others (e.g., WhatsApp, Zoom). Incentivized is "Invite a friend for $10." Inherent virality is 100x more powerful because it's built into the core utility.

2. VIRAL CYCLE TIME

How long does it take for a user to invite a friend? If it takes 2 days, you are a rocket ship. If it takes 2 months, you are a turtle. Your goal is to shorten the "Cycle Time" by making the invite the default, easiest action.

SMART WORDS

K-FACTOR

The "Contagion." The number of additional users each existing user generates.

VIRAL CYCLE TIME

The "Speed." The time it takes for a user to complete the invite loop.

INHERENT VIRALITY

The "DNA." Virality that is a fundamental part of the product's function.

TACTICAL DIRECTIVES

1. Calculate K: (Total Invites Sent x Conversion Rate) / Total Users. Know your number.

2. Shorten the Cycle: Put the "Invite" prompt on the screen *before* the user even finishes onboarding.

3. Shared Value: Make the invite about the *friend's* immediate benefit, not the *user's* reward.