If the only way to go viral is to be someone you’re not, the views belong to a stranger.

Attention attaches to whatever you performed, not to you. Build an audience on a character and you have to keep playing that character to keep them, which means the reward lands on somebody who does not exist while you handle the upkeep. Being known for something false is lonelier than not being known.

Before you post the thing that would do well, ask whether you would be happy making it weekly for a year. Post the version you could stand behind in front of your family instead. A smaller number of people who like the real thing lasts longer.