How the world comes together on Twitter to celebrate Eurovision

We will never know what the actual Vikings would have Tweeted about Denmark's 2018 Eurovision entry. 

Viking-inspired Rasmussen - five guys who had perhaps broken into the Game of Thrones wardrobe department - was one of the most Tweeted-about acts during one of the biggest events on Twitter.

And it only finished ninth. 

The combination of marching Vikings, indoor snowstorms, wind machines, dramatic sails and fantastically cultivated facial hair helped generate one of the evening's top Tweet per Minute figures. 

UK wins... place for the top handle

The UK is doing well if it finishes in the top half. However, in terms of Twitter it grabs all 10 points. 

Despite a somewhat tongue in cheek approach to Europe’s finest (albeit only) music competition, @bbceurovision was Retweeted over 174,000 times from the first semi-final to the end of the grand final on 13 May. 

Surprisingly, @bbceurovision does not take first place for most Retweeted Eurovision Tweet. The accolade goes to 2017 Spanish Eurovision representative @Manelnmusic for this Tweet, which references the chicken-themed choreography of eventual winner @nettabarzilai. 

There is a story behind this Tweet. In the 2017 final, with the hopes of Spain balanced precariously on his shoulders, things went badly wrong for @ManelNMusic. The singer’s voice broke during a crucial crooning moment.

This is what happened… keep the volume low. 

In Spain, this is known as doing a “Gallo” - Spanish for the cockerel.

Anyone can go viral at Eurovision

Proof that Eurovision is for everybody, the second most popular Tweet came from a user who has less than 800 followers.

@uznare was Retweeted nearly 23,000 times and had 60,000+ likes. Why? Because she was the first point out the possible influence of cartoon Ginyu Force on the dance routine of Hungarian band AWS. In third place is this Tweet from @bbceurovision.

Just one of 6,500 Tweets from the account since March 2009, it shows just how busy the BBC team is on the big night. 

How Eurovision acts approach Twitter

Overall, it is the acts themselves who pull in the most Tweets. Across all markets, there is a decline until the public vote starts to come in. Then activity lifts off once again.

If you're looking to do well at Eurovision on Twitter, embracing your heritage is a winning strategy. Last year, Denmark created a furore with Vikings singing about peace. So, there is something to be said for the use of juxtaposition.

Like chicken dancing and a song about a no-good boyfriend.

But for the non-contestants - whether you’re hosting a party or watching from the best seat in the house (your lounge) - the best way to win will be to watch it with everyone else on Twitter.