Interactive elements that enable users to explicitly broadcast their achievements to their social networks
Core Idea: Brag Buttons are actionable elements that allow users to publicly share their accomplishments, leveraging both achievement pride and social influence to drive engagement.
Key Elements
- Strategic placement: Positioned at points of achievement or "win-states" when users feel accomplished
- Low friction: Designed for one-click or minimal-effort sharing to maximize conversion
- Cross-platform integration: Connects directly to social media or communication channels
- Content customization: Pre-formats shareable content while allowing some personalization
Implementation Principles
- Win-state timing: Only present after meaningful accomplishments when pride is highest
- Context awareness: Match the sharing tone and content to the nature of the achievement
- Visual prominence: Make visually distinctive but not intrusive to the core experience
- Value proposition: Clearly communicate the benefit of sharing to both sharer and audience
Common Execution Mistakes
- Oversaturation: Prompting sharing at every minor achievement causes user fatigue
- Poor timing: Requesting sharing before genuine accomplishment feels empty
- Generic content: Failing to personalize or make share-worthy content reduces conversion
- Hidden value: Not making clear why sharing benefits the user or their network
Successful Examples
- Temple Run's high score sharing functionality contributed to over a billion downloads
- Fitness apps allowing users to share completed workouts and achievements
- Educational platforms broadcasting test scores or course completions
- E-commerce "I just purchased" sharing options for status items
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Core Drive 5 - Social Influence and Relatedness (social motivation)
- Related To: Core Drive 2 - Development and Accomplishment (provides the share-worthy content)
- See Also: Social Treasures (another social sharing mechanism)
References
- Chou, Yu-kai. "Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards."
- Berger, Jonah. "Contagious: Why Things Catch On."
#social-media #viral-mechanics #gamification #user-engagement
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