CASE STUDY: SOCIAL MEDIA

@viraldiyz was the origin story of Trew Media—an experimental launch in early 2017 built around a single goal: prove that algorithmic virality could be engineered. We tested early growth mechanics such as watch-time optimization, engagement velocity, and trend mimicry at scale, long before these tactics became mainstream.

The results were immediate and massive. The account gained over 1 million followers in under a year, with one video surpassing 20 million views and reaching an estimated 50–100 million people organically. On its best-performing day, @viraldiyz gained over 100,000 followers in just 24 hours.

This success allowed us to refine a repeatable viral growth system: precise hashtag selection, exact post timing, engagement triggers within the first 60 seconds, and editing formats built for shareability. More than just a breakout success, @viraldiyz became the blueprint for scalable digital influence, setting the stage for every brand Trew Media would launch after.

When Trew Media launched @think, Instagram had shifted into a more engagement-first, algorithm-driven space. Instead of relying on outdated tactics, we leaned into carousel posts, save-based CTAs, and optimized for watch-time and post depth. This allowed us to grow 100,000+ followers and land multiple multi-million view posts in under six months.

@think stood out by delivering content that felt meaningful while still engineered for reach. It appealed to users craving clever, shareable ideas and proved that smart strategy and fast iteration could outperform even in a restricted viral environment.

This project became our testbed for modern platform strategy. It showed us how to drive engagement through content mechanics, not just trends—insight that continues to shape how we build today.

When Trew Media acquired @hacks in 2020, the opportunity wasn’t just to grow a page it was to redefine it. We began with a full audience analysis, revealing a broader, more global and mature demographic compared to our other properties. That insight informed a strategic shift in content, focusing on life hacks, food visuals, and universally engaging formats that resonated with a wider audience.

We established a rigorous content schedule, posting over 50 branded story assets daily alongside multiple feed posts, all supported by strict internal workflows and editorial planning. Within just three months, the account added 400,000 new followers, ultimately reaching 3.3 million—becoming Trew Media’s largest and most active account.

The success of @hacks became a clear example of our ability to scale engagement through operational excellence, audience precision, and post-acquisition brand reinvention.

As @viraldiyz surpassed 1 million followers, Trew Media began monetizing the account through sponsored advertisements from other e-commerce entrepreneurs, mobile app developers, and emerging brands. Across a span of 3–4 years, the account—and the broader social media network it helped spark—generated over $250,000 in revenue, with the most success coming from performance-based promotions such as pay-per-download app deals and product placements.

While Instagram served as the visual backbone of the operation, it was Snapchat that became one of the most profitable platforms for driving action. Thanks to its industry-leading swipe-up rates and younger demographic, we were able to scale audiences and convert attention into revenue with exceptional efficiency. Though often less visible in portfolio stats, our Snapchat network mirrored our Instagram strategy—built around theme-based viral content and tightly managed posting systems.

Over time, we realized the business model was resource-intensive, requiring a significant content volume, full-time staffing, copyright monitoring, and constant adaptation to platform changes. As we neared the $250,000 milestone, we strategically began transitioning to e-commerce, which allowed for higher profit margins and leaner operations—a natural next step for a team deeply familiar with viral growth.