Why You Don’t Want To Go Viral
On a rainy Scottish island called Jura, it’s time to talk about the Manual, about long-term sustainable success, and about not having just that one catchphrase. The term “viral” has fallen out of fashion in the last few years, which is why this series wasn’t called “going viral”. And in truth, that’s not what you want to do.
Post Audio by Emi Paternostro, http://proximitysound.com
Jimmy Cauty and Bill Drummond were better known as the KLF (or the Timelords, or the JAMs, or…). Their Manual is out of print, but I’m sure that won’t stop enterprising people from tracking down versions of it, or footage of their burn.
The music for this series has been an instrumental version of “Game of Taking Chances” by Johannes Hager feat. Josefin Backrud, from Epidemic Sound
🟥 MORE FROM TOM: https://www.tomscott.com/
(you can find contact details and social links there too)
📰 WEEKLY NEWSLETTER with good stuff from the rest of the internet: https://www.tomscott.com/newsletter/
❓ LATERAL, free weekly podcast: https://lateralcast.com/ https://youtube.com/lateralcast/
➕ TOM SCOTT PLUS: https://youtube.com/tomscottplus
👥 THE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES: https://youtube.com/techdif

@TomScottGo
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
And that's the last in the series! There's no video on Monday as there's been three this week, but normal service will resume on 10th September. Thanks for watching, everyone!
@marekvincibr5884
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Here after Slay the Spire 2 released. The advice is truly universal.
@aritra3004
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Here from Hit Human's video
@Dazwar4
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
I agree. By sheer chance I like you, tom Scott and the KLF
@terri-lynnmccormick731
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
It might take a century but your copyright should die at 20 years. Gtk.
@RoverAddiction
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
How did I never notice tom scott has the KLF's The Manual
@ImDemonAlchemist
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
It's always weird to me when Tom and other British YouTubers talk about University as if it's a breeze where you have a ton of free time. That is most definitely not how it tends to be in the US.
@vincentgray2468
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
But even “making it” doesn’t lead to the happiness people expect it does. Case study most popular stars
@JustinDrentlaw
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Wow, that was bleak and brutally honest but it's definitely truthful.
@TONYTlive
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Anyone else hear 'it makes you the person who repeats that phrase over and over until everyones tired of it' and immediately think of Hawk Tuah?
@paramrekhi6085
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
❤
@jannis11
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
noiCE
@lukemorton8431
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
It takes one time to be successful is what you are saying ❤❤❤
@kyliebreann30
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
I post covers
@Biryani2op
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
1:30 EMOTIONAL DAMAGE
@cheydinal5401
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
TL;DR: Don't end up as the fool who ripped his pants
@gayslays
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Glad that he isnt being a “travelling freak show” anymore. I have always enjoyed his videos, but everyone needs a break. 10 years is so much to bear, making videos every week!
@spudthefith
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
1:34 literally what the Steven He "emotional damage" thing is now
@SpaceFlye
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Instant sucess also can really inflate one's ego. You'll either have a false sense of reality or expect the same results in the future to much dismay.
Slow build up of success is far better than all at once success.
@NoelyNoel
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Justified Ancients of Mu Mu!
@thecrazy8888
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
So… triple the views, I see what you've done 😉
@haku_haku_haku
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
This was a cosy video. I will apply the knowledge from this series to my own Youtube career. (Providing I don't forget it by tomorrow)
@MicahScottPnD
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
That was awesome, Tom!
@mikehibbett3301
April 12, 2026 at 6:49 am
Thank you for sharing your inner thoughts.