Disclaimer: I did not come up with the term “Webelebrity.” It was spoken to me quite seriously at the Podcast & New Media Expo in the sentence, “I’m a webelebrity.†For the uninitiated, a “webelebrity†is a web celebrity.
The Wall Street Journal published an interesting article titled “Tips From Web Greats On Becoming a Legend In Your Spare Time.†The author interviews several YouTube stars on how one can go about achieving similar fame.
Some of the points Lee Gomes makes are obvious (“Tenacity and self-confidence also should be in your arsenalâ€), and some wonderful insights might have been added by citing TubeMogul’s Web Video Marketing Best-Practices 
– but the examples used by Gomes in the article really give you something to ponder.
Tay Zonday notes that his “Chocolate Rain†song really took off because the his looks and deep voice are “unconventional†and “even a little freakish.†Matt Harding of “Where the Hell is Matt?†shares the secret of not “closing the loop†and “leaving something for people to figure out.†Wise words, and if you check out his website, you can see from his “Frequently Asked Questions†that he leaves plenty for people to ponder.
These examples both get back to Seth Godin‘s message on virality which we harp on again and again – make it remarkable. The things that seem a little off or leave you asking questions also typically lead you to comment to others. Spreading the word is the key – these tips on gaining Webelebrity status are also tips on how to make your web videos viral!
Why not have another look at Mr. Zonday. You know you want to.
