Contagious
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Contagious

Jonah Berger

4757 learners

Ever wondered why some products, ideas, or videos blow up overnight while others fade into obscurity? In *Contagious*, Jonah Berger breaks down the six core principles driving viral spread—social currency, triggers, emotion, public visibility, practical value, and storytelling—with relatable real-world examples. From Hotmail’s genius email signature hack that grew its user base to 8.5 million in a year, to Subway’s Jared story that turned a regular guy into a brand icon, and Dove’s *Evolution* video that sparked global conversations about beauty standards, Berger demystifies the psychology behind sharing. Packed with actionable insights for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to amplify their message, this book gives you the tools to turn ordinary content into something the world can’t stop talking about.

Social ProofstorytellingProspect TheoryTriggersViral Marketing
Concept

Definition of Social Currency

Social currency refers to shareable things that help people build a desired positive personal image, making them look smarter, cooler or more exclusive when talking about them to others.

Social PsychologyViral MarketingSocial Currency
Method

Sales by Price Point

High-price (CEO sells to big clients like NASA), mid-price (start small like Box), low-price (viral marketing like PayPal).

PricingSales Strategy
Scenario

Changba Viral Growth

Changba offered free full song library + sound beautification, added sharing (rankings, chorus) → 10M users in 80 days.

Viral MarketingSocial SharingUser Growth
Method

Boost Product Public Visibility

1. Add distinct, eye-catching brand marks on product surfaces 2. Add auto-ad tags on user-generated shared content 3. Design free swag for public use to create behavior residue.

Viral MarketingPublicityBrand Growth
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