Your content doesn’t need to be flashy. It needs to be real

You don’t need viral gimmicks or high-end edits to win hearts online.

You need realness.

You need structure.

You need purpose.

Here’s what Ryan Trahan taught me about content and why authenticity wins every single time.

WHICH BTW…

You need to check out his channel for the most wholesome content ever. Check out the new 50 States in 50 Days series he’s doing right now (while raising millions of dollars for charity) :

Anyway… Let’s dive into how Ryan cracked the code for viral content by utilizing the power of being HUMAN 👇🏽

✦ He doesn’t use clickbait

His thumbnails feel raw. Real. No over-the-top fonts or staged faces.

Why? Because when the video is the hook, you don’t need to fake it.

People click because they trust him.

✦ He tells stories that feel

Ryan’s “50 States, 50 Days, 50 Airbnbs” isn’t just a wild challenge; it’s a story with emotional depth.

There’s a fundraising goal for St. Jude’s, real-time stakes, and human moments that make you root for him.

If you’re interested, donate here: https://www.stjude.org/50states

(I’m not affiliated at all. Just think this is an incredible cause)

✦ He creates with limits on purpose

Instead of maxing out budgets, he adds constraints.

1 penny challenges. Time pressure. Real obstacles.

These limits build tension—and invite viewers into the problem-solving process.

✦ He uses the Harmon Circle

It’s not just rambling vlog content. His storytelling has structure:

↳ Setup → Conflict → Resolution

It’s how he gets high retention without fancy edits, loud intros or even captions.

✦ He doesn’t create alone

There’s a think tank behind every idea.

This isn’t luck—it’s strategy.

He brainstorms with intention to stay fresh and aligned with his values.

Want to grow an audience that actually cares?

Here’s what to take away:

➊ Stop trying to game the algorithm—connect with people
➋ Use constraints to make your content stronger, not weaker
➌ Let your story carry the weight, not the aesthetics
➍ Involve your audience—make them feel like they’re part of it

Because real content scream. It resonates.

Final thought:

Authenticity isn’t just being yourself.

It’s telling honest stories with creative constraints that pull people in.

That’s what builds connection. That’s what creates fans.

What’s your take—are you team genuine content or team viral gimmick?

Hit reply. Let’s talk.