Viewer retention is one of the key aspects that rules YouTube algorithm. If your audience watches the whole of your videos or at least 75% or so, YouTube will push you forward and your videos will rank on top for relevant queries.
But if your audience watches only 25% of your videos (or less than that), there’s a high chance you might never be able to monetize your YouTube channel or reach your target audience. In this case, YouTube would fail you as a marketing channel as well as a source of income.
However, there’s still a way to turn the tables —- and in this post, we’ll share just that. Below, you’ll find a detailed and actionable guide on how to make your viewers stay on a video until the end.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
4 Components that Guarantee Maximum Watch Time
Your YouTube watch time reflects the success of your channel. It’s basically the sum of total hours and minutes that people have spent on your channel —- watching your videos. This metric is only visible to you on YouTube studio dashboard.
In an earlier post, we explained all the nitty gritty of YouTube watch time and how it actually works. You can read it again here: How much watch time you need to monetize your YouTube channel?
To remind you though, YouTube partnership program specifies a total watch time of 4000 hours if you wish to monetize your channel. Other than that, the greater the watch time, the higher up your videos will rank.
So, as a YouTuber, you should generally aim for a higher percentage of watch time relative to video length. It indicates strong viewer engagement and also opens up opportunities for brand sponsorship deals.
How can you achieve higher watch time? Work on the following four key components:
1 - How to Create the Most Appealing Titles & Thumbnails
Your video’s title and thumbnail are the first impressions viewers encounter. You need to nail these such that the viewer just cannot resist your video.
For titles, we recommend crafting a 45 – 50 characters long title that’s:
- Powerful and concise
- Descriptive
- Compelling
It should also incorporate relevant keywords to boost search-ability.
Additionally, design eye-catching thumbnails that accurately represent your content and evoke curiosity. Try to pack it with vibrant colors that do not disturb the focus and are visually pleasing. If you doubt your designing skills or don’t have the time to design catchy thumbnails, please know we’re happy to assist you!
Editvideo.io offers thumb-stopping YT thumbnails in our YouTube assistant service. You can browse the lowest priced package $175/month — with up to 4 custom thumbnail, YouTube SEO, Instagram reels, and more!
2 - Types of Hooks that Work Best
YouTube viewers make snap judgments within seconds – the first 15 can make or break your video, as per YouTube’s insights.
If your initial moments lack intrigue, viewers will be quick to quit on your video, harming your audience retention levels. Thus, launching your video with an irresistible hook is very important.
But what is a hook? A hook is basically a line or two that grabs attention and entices viewers to keep watching.
Overtime, experts have come up with several effective ways to craft a hook. But to give you some quick value, here are three definitive ways that always work:
- Clearly-Stated Value: Communicate right away what the viewers are about to see or gain from the video (E.g. Discover how to shed 10 pounds in just 10 days!).
- A Preview: Tease upcoming content (E.g. Stay tuned as I reveal the shocking truth about crunches later in this video!).
- Sneak Peek: Give a slight sneak peek into a compelling moment to come (E.g., We crossed the BIGGEST mud puddle ever….!).
Here’s a live example:
Mastering the art of the hook ensures you captivate your audience from the outset — it sets the stage for prolonged engagement and success on YouTube.
3 - Tell Your Story in THIS Way
In all forms of content, there’s one technique winning everywhere. And it’s called storytelling.
The power of video storytelling is no less. It maintains viewer interest throughout video and often yields a high ROI.
But what’s the trick, how do you get it right? Well, there’s no one way of telling a story. But recent trends have made it evident, people are more interested in knowing your personal story.
They are interested in knowing your personal experience and learning from it. So, weave in a personal story in your content and watch how it hooks your audience.
We also recommend watching this video from 2:53 – 3:25 for an even better understanding:
Apart from that, focus on structuring your narrative in a coherent manner, beginning with a compelling introduction that establishes the context and captivates the audience. And utilize storytelling techniques such as anecdotes, suspense, and emotional appeal to keep viewers invested.
It’ll build retain the viewers and also build a deeper connection with the audience.
4 - Close the Video with an Actionable Advice
Concluding your video with actionable advice or a clear call-to-action encourages viewers to stay engaged until the very end. Summarize key takeaways and offer practical insights or next steps that viewers can implement immediately. Examples of such steps in YouTube videos, include:
- Ask viewers to like, comment, and subscribe to your channel to acquire community interaction.
- Link to related videos or playlists for further exploration of the topic.
- Offer downloadable guides, worksheets, or links to relevant websites for deeper learning.
- Encourage viewers to share the video on their social media platforms to broaden your reach.
- Tease exclusive content or giveaways available to those who follow specific instructions in the video.
According to research by Brightcove, videos with strong conclusions experience higher completion rates, which in turn, signals a successful engagement journey for the audience.
Tips & Tricks to Improve Viewer Retention
If you’ve got the above four components in your videos and utilize the tips and tricks below,
Use Jump Cuts
Jump cuts are a video editing technique where consecutive shots of the same subject are edited together, creating a noticeable jump in the continuity of the footage. Instead of using smooth transitions between shots, jump cuts create a sudden and sometimes jarring change in perspective or framing within the same scene.
Here’s an example:
This editing style is often used to condense time, remove pauses or filler content, and maintain the pace of the video. Overall, they add energy and rhythm to a video, making it more engaging for viewers. They are commonly seen in vlogs, tutorials, and fast-paced content on platforms like YouTube.
It’s particularly useful for teachers, educators, and day-to-day vloggers as it can help cut down boredom and hold attention more effectively.
Deliver Your Promise in the First 30 Seconds
Deliver what you’ve promised to your audience (in the title and thumbnail) within the first 30 seconds of your video. Several experts confirm this by experience. If you don’t do so, a majority of your viewers is likely to switch to competitors’ videos.
This is because whether you’re offering a solution to a problem, sharing valuable insights, or teasing intriguing content, immediate fulfillment of expectations enhances viewer satisfaction and encourages prolonged engagement. Data also suggests that videos that promptly address viewer expectations experience higher watch times and lower audience drop-off rates.
Use Picture Proofs
Picture proofs are visual evidence that validate the claims or information presented in your YouTube videos, and consequently enhancing audience retention. They can include screenshots, photographs, graphs, charts, or any other visual representation that supports your narrative.
Types of videos that can benefit from picture proofs include:
- Tutorial and How-To Videos: Providing step-by-step instructions with accompanying images helps viewers understand complex processes more easily.
- Product Reviews and Demonstrations: Showcasing real-life examples or user experiences through images can help viewers visualize the benefits and features of a product.
- Educational Content: Use diagrams, infographics, or illustrations to reinforce key concepts and make the content more engaging.
Repeatedly Reset Viewers Attention (Particularly in Talking Head Videos!)
In some videos, particularly the talking head videos, focus is primarily on the presenter speaking directly to the camera. This makes maintaining viewer engagement quite a bit challenging.
To combat viewer fatigue and retain attention throughout the video, it’s essential to repeatedly reset viewers’ attention at strategic intervals. Here’s how you can do that:
- Introduce visual elements such as graphics, text overlays, or B-roll footage to break up the monotony of the talking head format. Switching between different visual stimuli helps re-engage viewers and keep them interested.
- Occasionally change the background or setting to provide a visual change of scenery. This can be as simple as shifting to a different part of the room or incorporating outdoor shots if feasible. The novelty of the new environment captures viewers’ attention and prevents monotony.
- Encourage viewer interaction by posing questions, prompting comments, or conducting polls throughout the video.
- Periodically recap important points or insights covered in the video. This serves as a refresher for viewers.
- Inject emotion and personality into your delivery to create a connection with viewers. Share personal anecdotes, express enthusiasm or empathy, and use gestures and facial expressions to convey emotion. Remember, emotionally engaging content is always more likely to captivate and retain viewers’ attention.
Final Words
Well, now you have all the expert tips to effectively retain viewer attention on YouTube. Implement these and share the results with us on our socials! We’d be happy to showcase your work and also offer you editing advice — if need be. 🙂
