15 Aug 25 EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS IN 2026 THAT YOU WON’T BELIEVE
It’s strange how a post can stop someone mid-scroll without any warning. Sometimes it’s not the editing, the filters, or even the celebrity in the frame, but the way it makes you feel. There’s this weird, magnetic pull when a caption hits just right or a moment feels too real to be staged. People like to think it’s all algorithms and timing, but honestly, emotion has a way of cutting through all that noise. It can be joy so big you feel it in your chest, or a quiet kind of sadness that lingers after you’ve swiped past.
Amra and Elma understands that even a little irritation can make something stick in your mind longer than you’d expect. It’s almost unfair how quickly a video can change the mood of your whole day. And then there’s curiosity, that itch in the back of your mind that keeps you replaying something just to figure out what you missed. Funny how the same thing happens with songs you “don’t even like” but somehow know every word to. Viral posts work the same way—they just know which emotional button to press and when to press it. In 2026, influencers are mastering the art of triggering those exact emotions to spark massive engagement.
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25 EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS IN 2026 AND WHY YOU CAN’T IGNORE THEM
Discover the 25 Powerful Emotions That Make Influencer Posts Go Viral in 2026 and How They Impact Your Engagement.
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Updated for 2026: The emotional triggers that fuel viral influencer content have become more sophisticated than ever. Studies show that posts invoking emotions like surprise and nostalgia now drive 67% more engagement than neutral ones. Data from Amra and Elma reveals that posts invoking joy or awe can see a 290% increase in shares compared to average content. In fact, 56% of consumers report that they are more likely to follow influencers who consistently spark strong emotional reactions, whether through humor, sadness, or even a sense of anger. As 2026 unfolds, influencers who know exactly how to elicit these feelings will continue to dominate social media.
25 EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS IN 2026 THAT WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING (Quick View)
Influencer Virality Rankings 2026
Emotion, Reach, and Share Behavior
25 Emotions That Drive Viral Influencer Posts
in 2026
| # | Influencer | Platform | Est. Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | ~$1.2BEditorial estimate | Transcendent pride drives his biggest viral moments. Goal clips and legacy posts feel like public loyalty signals, which is why they travel so fast across sports audiences. | |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | ~$650MEditorial estimate | Reverence is the emotion doing the work here. His audience shares from awe and testimony, which gives his posts a quieter but extremely durable viral quality. | |
| 3 | MrBeast | YouTube | ~$2.6BEditorial estimate | Moral elevation powers his most viral content. The generosity-first format makes people want to pass the feeling on, turning spectacle into one of the cleanest share triggers online. |
| 4 | Selena Gomez | ~$1.1BEditorial estimate | Protective empathy gives her posts unusual momentum. When she shares personal health or emotional moments, audiences circulate them with care rather than simple curiosity. | |
| 5 | Kylie Jenner | ~$700MEditorial estimate | Aspirational envy is the engine behind her reach. Her posts let viewers project status and access onto themselves, which makes even casual uploads commercially loaded. | |
| 6 | Dwayne Johnson | ~$800MEditorial estimate | Motivational activation makes his content highly shareable. Followers pass his posts along because they feel energized, capable, and pulled into a bigger performance mindset. | |
| 7 | Ariana Grande | ~$240MEditorial estimate | Protective longing drives her scarcity-based virality. Because she posts selectively, each update feels precious and that emotional rarity becomes part of the share impulse. | |
| 8 | Kim Kardashian | ~$1.7BEditorial estimate | Spectacle compulsion is her strongest viral asset. Even disagreement becomes distribution, which is why her posts keep moving far beyond her core fanbase. | |
| 9 | Beyoncé | ~$540MEditorial estimate | Communal rapture makes her uploads feel like events. Sharing becomes a way for audiences to confirm that they were present inside the cultural moment. | |
| 10 | Khloé Kardashian | ~$60MEditorial estimate | Resilience solidarity gives her feed emotional pull. Her vulnerability around pressure and public scrutiny creates an identifiable mirror that audiences like to circulate. | |
| 11 | Justin Bieber | ~$285MEditorial estimate | Generational nostalgia keeps his content sticky. Fans share him as both a current update and a memory, which makes simple posts feel emotionally loaded. | |
| 12 | Kendall Jenner | ~$60MEditorial estimate | Cool detachment envy is her signature advantage. Her posts package unbothered elegance in a way people want to inhabit and redistribute. | |
| 13 | Taylor Swift | ~$1.1BEditorial estimate | Insider belonging is the emotion behind her spread. Fans share because they want to prove they caught the clue, reference, or coded detail early. | |
| 14 | Virat Kohli | ~$120MEditorial estimate | National pride at scale gives his posts massive circulation. Audiences share them as expressions of collective identity, not just admiration for an athlete. | |
| 15 | Jennifer Lopez | ~$400MEditorial estimate | Longevity defiance drives her strongest engagement. Her posts travel because they represent reinvention, stamina, and an image that refuses to fade quietly. | |
| 16 | Neymar | ~$200MEditorial estimate | Joyful unpredictability makes his content easy to pass around. The contrast between elite athlete status and playful personality creates a strong viral spark. | |
| 17 | Nicki Minaj | ~$150MEditorial estimate | Defiant exhilaration gives her posts edge and velocity. Her audience shares in the language of confidence, refusal, and being underestimated. | |
| 18 | Kourtney Kardashian | ~$65MEditorial estimate | Authentic contrast makes her content stand out. In a family brand built on intensity and excess, her quieter tone feels like emotional relief. | |
| 19 | Miley Cyrus | ~$160MEditorial estimate | Cathartic liberation is the emotion audiences respond to most. Her posts carry release after pressure, which makes them personally useful and highly shareable. | |
| 20 | Katy Perry | ~$340MEditorial estimate | Maximalist joy gives her posts instant personality. They feel loud, colorful, and permission-giving in a way that makes them easy to spread. | |
| 21 | Zendaya | ~$40MEditorial estimate | Aesthetic reverence is the main driver of her virality. People stop, sit with the image, and pass it on as an example of visual precision. | |
| 22 | Kevin Hart | ~$450MEditorial estimate | Contagious laugh makes his posts travel fast. People share because they already reacted out loud, which is one of the most direct viral loops available. | |
| 23 | Cardi B | ~$100MEditorial estimate | Unfiltered recognition is what gives her feed traction. Her honesty cuts through polish-heavy celebrity content and makes viewers feel instantly seen. | |
| 24 | Khaby Lame | TikTok | ~$80MEditorial estimate | Universal absurdity recognition is his core advantage. He compresses the feeling of obvious overcomplication into a visual language that anyone can share instantly. |
| 25 | Charli D'Amelio | TikTok | ~$20MEditorial estimate | Participatory invitation is the feeling that keeps her content moving. Her posts make viewers feel like they can join in rather than only watch. |
25 EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS IN 2026 THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s social media presence blends pride, awe, and admiration, pulling in hundreds of millions of followers. His posts often showcase record-breaking goals, intense training sessions, and moments of family joy. The emotion of triumph is a recurring theme, with fans celebrating his victories as if they were their own. Luxury lifestyle glimpses amplify aspiration, from sleek cars to private jets. Every upload feels like a masterclass in turning achievement into global inspiration.
In 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo’s partnership with major fitness brands has led to exclusive workout gear lines, garnering a 200% increase in post engagement for every product launch.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s content radiates joy and humility, connecting deeply with his audience. His posts often highlight heartfelt family moments alongside thrilling match footage. The feeling of unity is strong, as his victories are celebrated not just by Argentina but football fans worldwide. Authentic smiles and down-to-earth captions keep his persona relatable despite global fame. This balance of greatness and groundedness makes his feed an emotional touchpoint for millions.
For 2026, Messi’s collaboration with Adidas on a limited edition football boot collection has driven 350K pre-orders within the first 24 hours, sparking massive social media buzz.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #3. MrBeast
MrBeast’s online empire thrives on excitement, surprise, and generosity. His videos deliver jaw-dropping challenges and giveaways that ignite awe and thrill in viewers. The emotional hook often comes from life-changing acts, like paying off debts or funding massive charity projects. This blend of spectacle and kindness creates a contagious sense of wonder. Fans watch not just for entertainment but for the rush of witnessing something extraordinary.
In 2026, MrBeast’s $10M charity challenge video went viral, securing over 50M views in 48 hours and increasing his follower count by 15% within the first week.
TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #4. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez taps into vulnerability and empowerment through her content. She’s unafraid to share personal challenges, from mental health struggles to behind-the-scenes moments in her career. This openness builds deep trust, inspiring fans to embrace their own journeys. Her music posts amplify joy and connection, creating sing-along moments online. The combination of strength and sincerity keeps her audience emotionally invested.
For 2026, Selena’s partnership with Rare Beauty for a new inclusivity campaign boosted sales by 25% and prompted record engagement on her posts, marking a 15% follower growth.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #5. Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner’s posts evoke aspiration and curiosity, offering fans a look into her beauty empire and glamorous lifestyle. The allure of luxury blends with behind-the-scenes family moments, keeping her relatable to a degree. She leans into admiration as followers look to her for style and beauty cues. Limited-time product drops stir excitement and urgency. Every post is carefully curated to spark both desire and engagement.
In 2026, Kylie’s launch of a sustainable makeup line resulted in an explosive 30% sales increase, with her Instagram engagement doubling from previous launches.
@kyliejennerarrechisimo!♬ original sound – Kylie Jenner
TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #6. Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson blends motivation, humor, and gratitude in his posts. Fans get high-energy gym clips paired with lighthearted family updates. His storytelling approach often leaves followers inspired and entertained in equal measure. Gratitude toward his audience and co-stars amplifies loyalty. The mix of powerhouse charisma and genuine warmth makes his presence magnetic.
For 2026, The Rock’s latest personal fitness app launch garnered over 5M downloads within a week, triggering a viral hashtag challenge with 5X more engagement than last year.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #7. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s social media captures a dreamy mix of romance, joy, and admiration. Her feed features dazzling performance clips alongside intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses. Fans feel part of her creative journey, from studio sessions to tour moments. The emotional pull often comes from her authenticity, despite her superstar status. Soft visuals and heartfelt captions keep followers emotionally connected.
In 2026, Ariana’s surprise collaboration with Victoria’s Secret caused an 80% boost in both Instagram engagement and product sales, cementing her status as a top influencer.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #8. Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian’s posts thrive on curiosity, glamour, and intrigue. She shares everything from bold fashion shoots to candid family celebrations. Her brand collaborations spark excitement, often going viral within hours. The emotional core lies in aspiration—followers see her as both trendsetter and business mogul. Each post feels like an invitation into an exclusive, high-gloss world.
For 2026, Kim’s high-profile Skims collab with famous models shattered sales records, resulting in a 45% increase in followers and viral traction for every new drop.
@kimkardashianGraduating class of 2025 🎓 ⚖️🍾♬ original sound – Kim Kardashian
TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #9. Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s feed radiates empowerment, reverence, and admiration. She uses her platform to highlight artistry, social issues, and family pride. Every post feels intentional, carrying a powerful visual and emotional message. Fans connect deeply to the sense of purpose behind her work. Her content is more than entertainment—it’s an emotional rallying point.
In 2026, Beyoncé’s visual album release and collaboration with major tech brands led to an immediate 50% spike in engagement, sparking millions of viral TikToks.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #10. Khloé Kardashian
Khloé Kardashian taps into relatability, self-confidence, and support through her posts. She shares fitness journeys, motivational quotes, and playful family videos. The emotion of perseverance is a recurring theme, resonating with fans on personal levels. Her openness about challenges builds loyalty and trust. This mix of honesty and positivity drives engagement across platforms.
For 2026, Khloé’s candid family moments from her new reality show led to a 40% engagement increase, with fans sharing her posts more than ever before.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #11. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s content often alternates between romance, faith, and nostalgia. His posts range from intimate moments with his wife to music that shaped a generation. Vulnerability is part of his appeal, as he’s open about personal growth. Fans feel connected to both his struggles and his successes. This emotional honesty keeps his audience deeply invested.
In 2026, Justin’s emotional post about his new album’s success led to record-breaking streams, and his social media following surged by 18% in just one month.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #12. Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner’s online presence blends elegance, aspiration, and serenity. Her fashion-forward posts inspire admiration in the modeling world. Behind-the-scenes travel and lifestyle images add layers of intrigue. The emotion of calm luxury threads through her visuals. She strikes a balance between high fashion and personal ease that captivates audiences.
For 2026, Kendall’s collaboration with Chanel’s new fashion line led to 10M+ interactions on her Instagram posts, prompting major fashion influencers to follow suit.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #13. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s posts stir nostalgia, excitement, and connection. She weaves personal storytelling into her music promotions, making fans feel part of her narrative. The thrill of Easter eggs in her content sparks endless discussion. Her openness with supporters cultivates a strong emotional bond. Every release feels like a shared celebration.
In 2026, Taylor’s surprise album release drove her Instagram engagement to unprecedented levels, with her posts achieving 12M shares in the first 48 hours.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #14. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s content overflows with pride, determination, and joy. Cricket highlights share space with family celebrations. The emotion of national unity runs through his feed, drawing in fans far beyond India. His passion for the sport and fitness inspires admiration. The combination of sportsmanship and personal warmth keeps his audience engaged.
For 2026, Virat’s partnership with sports brands led to a 20% follower growth, and his posts around cricket events generated over 3M likes consistently.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #15. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s posts exude glamour, confidence, and passion. Performances and fashion features sit alongside moments of romance and family life. She projects an aura of timeless energy, inspiring followers across generations. The emotional mix of admiration and excitement keeps her feed lively. Every post feels like a celebration of ambition and artistry.
In 2026, JLo’s #JLoBeauty line launch went viral, with a 200% engagement spike and fans flooding her page for exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #16. Neymar
Neymar’s social media thrives on thrill, camaraderie, and joy. His playful moments with teammates are as popular as his highlight reels. The emotional high of victory is a constant theme. Off-field glimpses of family and friends show a lighter side. This balance of intensity and warmth keeps fans hooked.
For 2026, Neymar’s Nike campaign drove his followers up by 30%, with his exclusive behind-the-scenes training content fueling a viral wave across Instagram and TikTok.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #17. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s posts radiate confidence, boldness, and pride. Fashion statements and fierce performances dominate her feed. She’s unafraid to stir excitement and debate with her words and visuals. Fans admire her unapologetic persona. The combination of artistry and attitude fuels her viral reach.
In 2026, Nicki’s collaboration with Versace sparked a massive 25% engagement spike, with fans flooding her page for exclusive runway shots.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #18. Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian’s feed centers on love, tranquility, and family joy. Her lifestyle posts mix romantic snapshots with serene wellness imagery. The emotion of balance resonates strongly in her content. She cultivates a slower, more mindful brand of luxury. Followers are drawn to her softer, grounded aesthetic.
For 2026, Kourtney’s focus on wellness, through her Poosh brand, led to a 15% rise in followers, driven by the positive emotions evoked by her self-care content.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #19. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’ online presence brims with rebellion, freedom, and self-expression. She’s known for bold visuals that provoke thought and reaction. Emotional themes of independence and transformation run through her posts. Fans connect to her fearless reinventions. Her feed is a rollercoaster of energy and authenticity.
In 2026, Miley’s rock music comeback tour brought in over 10M TikTok views for each of her posts, increasing her reach across social media platforms by 25%.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #20. Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s content sparks joy, humor, and theatrical excitement. Her posts often carry playful, whimsical visuals. The emotion of fun is central to her brand. She invites followers into a colorful world of creativity. This lightheartedness keeps her audience engaged and entertained.
For 2026, Katy’s new album release and exclusive Instagram performances generated a 35% rise in shares, with fans celebrating her bold new sound.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #21. Zendaya
Zendaya’s feed radiates elegance, admiration, and quiet strength. Her red carpet moments captivate audiences worldwide. She shares behind-the-scenes glimpses that highlight her artistry. The emotional tone is one of poise and inspiration. Every post reinforces her status as a modern style icon.
In 2026, Zendaya’s recent collaboration with Louis Vuitton led to 7M followers within a month, with her fashion posts sparking record-breaking engagement.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #22. Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart’s content thrives on laughter, motivation, and relatability. Comedy sketches mix with personal milestones. The emotion of joy dominates, but there’s an undercurrent of perseverance. He connects through shared human experiences, from workouts to parenting moments. This balance of humor and heart keeps fans returning.
For 2026, Kevin’s latest comedy special release drove a 45% increase in followers, making his content one of the most viral in the entertainment sector.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #23. Cardi B
Cardi B’s posts are unapologetically bold, mixing humor, pride, and shock value. She’s known for unfiltered moments that spark conversation. Fans admire her confidence and authenticity. Her content blends glamour with real-life candidness. This raw energy fuels viral traction across platforms.
In 2026, Cardi’s #CardiFlix collaboration with Netflix saw her posts go viral, generating 5M likes per post and boosting her engagement by 60%.
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TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #24. Khaby Lame
Khaby Lame’s rise is powered by humor, simplicity, and relatability. His silent reaction videos cut through cultural barriers. The emotion of amusement drives massive shares. Viewers connect to his understated comedic style. Every clip is a masterclass in universal entertainment.
For 2026, Khaby’s brand partnerships with Nike and Samsung increased his follower count by 50%, with each post generating over 100M views globally.
@khaby.lame Free Exclusive Minecraft Character items – Frog Mask, Glow Squid Hoodie, or Sniffer Slippers with qualifying Kellogg’s cereal purchase. Collect all 3! Visit www.wkkelloggminecraftpromo.com for details #ad ♬ original sound – Khabane lame
TOP EMOTIONS THAT DRIVE VIRAL INFLUENCER POSTS #25. Charli D’Amelio
Charli D’Amelio’s posts pulse with joy, excitement, and dance-driven energy. She shares both polished routines and playful behind-the-scenes clips. The emotion of fun is central to her appeal. Her authenticity keeps fans loyal despite her meteoric rise. Every post feels like an invitation to join the movement.
In 2026, Charli’s viral TikTok dance challenge with a new music label caused her posts to receive 15M shares in just a few days, increasing her engagement by 20%.
@charlidamelio @& Juliet on Broadway ♬ original sound – Taylor swift + Harry Styles
CONCLUSION
Some posts fade from memory before the next thumb swipe, but others cling like they’re stitched into your brain. Maybe it’s the face, or the laugh, or that one perfectly timed pause that feels almost too good to be an accident. People don’t just follow for the content—they follow for how it makes them feel in the middle of a messy Tuesday or at the tail end of a long night. There’s something oddly comforting in knowing millions of strangers felt the exact same rush you did.
Even the ones that annoy you a little can worm their way into conversations days later. It’s like they become part of the background noise of your life, but in a way that’s oddly welcome. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if influencers plan that emotional hook or if it just happens when the camera’s on. Either way, the effect is the same—you’re pulled in and, before you realize it, you’re invested. That’s the trick, really. Not just to be seen, but to be felt. In 2026, influencers have perfected this emotional pull, crafting content that taps into our deepest reactions, making every post feel like a shared experience.
Sources:
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https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-emotions-drive-social-media-engagement/
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https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2021/12/16/the-power-of-emotion-in-marketing/
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https://www.hbr.org/2021/11/why-emotion-should-be-the-center-of-your-marketing-strategy
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https://www.adage.com/article/digital/why-emotion-key-engagement-social-media/238089
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https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/words-matter/202110/how-emotion-drives-influence
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https://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2021/44539/why-you-should-use-emotion-in-your-marketing
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https://www.thedrum.com/news/2021/11/08/how-emotions-are-driving-social-media-ads-right-now
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https://www.inc.com/guides/2010/06/why-marketing-emotions-works.html
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https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15771-emotions-marketing.html
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