Viral Content Sourcer

SB Media Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A media company is seeking a Viral Content Sourcer based in Manchester for a hybrid role. The ideal candidate will deep-dive into social platforms to discover viral user-generated content, manage creator communications for licensing, and ensure video editors receive clear briefs. Proven experience in social media sourcing is crucial, along with a passion for trends in automotive and technology sectors. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic team on cutting-edge content strategy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in social media sourcing and researcher roles.
• Deep understanding of Facebook’s monetisation and viral nature.
• Passion for the Automotive, Tech, or Luxury sectors.
• Experience with cloud storage and project management tools.
• Basic Adobe skills to create rough cuts or timestamped clips.

Responsibilities

• Hunt for viral content across various social platforms.
• Identify original content creators for licensing.
• Secure permissions and manage video files effectively.
• Provide clear briefs to the editing team.
• Spot and capitalize on emerging trends.

Skills

Social media sourcing

Engagement strategies

Negotiation skills

Trend analysis

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Knowledge of internet culture

Tools

Google Drive

Dropbox

Asana

Slack

Job description

This is an initial one-month contract, with the opportunity to extend or move into a permanent role. You’ll be based in Manchester, working hybrid with our UK team.

We are looking for a Viral Content Sourcer who lives on the internet, speaks the language of creators, and knows exactly what makes a Facebook video hit 10 million views.

Your job is simple but critical: Feed the Beast. You will be the first line of offence, scouring the corners of the internet (TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, YouTube) to find raw user-generated content (UGC) that has "viral" written all over it. You will track down the owner, negotiate the rights to use it, and package it up for our video editors to turn into magic.

What You’ll Do (The Day-to-Day)

• Hunt for Gold: Spend your day deep‑diving into social platforms to find incredible raw footage of supercars, concept tech, luxury homes, and "oddly satisfying" mechanics. You aren't looking for polished documentaries; you are looking for that 15‑second clip that stops the scroll.
• Digital Detective Work: Viral videos get reposted thousands of times. Your job is to find the original creator (the source) to ensure we are talking to the right person.
• Seal the Deal (Rights Management): Reach out to creators via DM or email to secure permission/licensing. You must be professional, persuasive, and organized in logging these permissions.
• Brief the Editors: You won't just dump files in a folder. You will pass the content to our editing team with a clear vision: "Use this 3-second hook," "Focus on the sound of the engine," or "Cut this for Facebook Watch."
• Trend Spotting: You need to know what’s trending before it’s trending. If a specific car model or type of gadget is blowing up, you need to find content for it immediately.

Who You Are

• You are "Terminally Online": You understand internet culture. You know the difference between a video that works on TikTok vs. a video that works on Facebook.
• You Love Facebook: You specifically understand the Facebook audience, you know that older demographics, text overlays, and "satisfying" visuals drive massive engagement there.
• A Hustler: Creators can be hard to reach. You don't give up after one DM. You find their email, their other handles, or their agent.
• Organized: You will be managing dozens of conversations and video files at once. If you lose a permission slip, we can’t post the video. Attention to detail is non‑negotiable.
• Persuasive Communicator: You are representing a global brand. You know how to be friendly but professional when asking for rights.

Requirements

• Proven experience in social media sourcing and researcher roles.
• Deep understanding of Facebook’s monetisation and viral nature (length, aspect ratios, hooks).
• Passion for the Automotive, Tech, or Luxury sectors (you don’t need to be a mechanic, but you need to know a Ferrari from a Ford).
• Experience working with cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) and project management tools (Asana, monday., Slack).
• Bonus: Basic adobe skills (to create rough cuts or time‑stamp specific clips for editors/image posts).

Paid: London Living Wage

Closing Date: 5th January 2026

A quick note on timing: Our team is currently enjoying some time off for the holidays. Please get your application in before the deadline, but don't worry if things are a little quiet on our end! We will be back in full force and reviewing all applications immediately after the closing date.