Increase your video's watch time with THIS strategy!
Jayframe Media | Content MarketingHave you ever heard of the “Curiosity Gap” strategy?
Basically, it’s how creators are achieving WILD retention rates on their videos and how they are getting crazy engagement on their posts.
PLUS how they are able to get well above average watch times on all of their content.
In a nutshell, this strategy is pretty much a secret weapon to get people to watch right through to the end of your video.
And we all know: killer watch time = virality.
The cool part? Literally anyone can implement this and it’s not that hard once you understand how it works. Let me explain ⤵️
Have you ever watched a video or read an article that you just couldn’t pull away from, even though you weren’t quite sure why? Chances are, the creator was using a powerful technique known as the Curiosity Gap. But what exactly is this, and how can you use it to captivate your audience?
What is the Curiosity Gap?
The Curiosity Gap is all about striking the perfect balance between giving your audience enough information to spark their interest and holding back just enough to make them crave more. It’s that irresistible space between what they know and what they need to know, keeping them hooked and eager to find out the rest.
Why Does the Curiosity Gap Work So Well?
Our brains are wired to seek out answers and closure. When we encounter information that feels incomplete, we can’t help but dig deeper until we get the full picture. This innate drive for resolution is what makes the Curiosity Gap so effective—it compels viewers to stay engaged with your content, driving up your watch time, retention, and overall engagement rates.
How to Create a Curiosity Gap in Your Videos
Let’s break down how you can use this strategy in your content. Imagine you’re a creator focused on gardening. Here’s how you could apply the Curiosity Gap:
Start with a Teaser: Kick off your video with a provocative statement or question that piques interest, but don’t reveal the answer right away.
“Want to learn three easy tricks that doubled my tomato harvest?”
“Did you know planting this flower could make your carrots grow better?”
Leverage Thumbnails and Titles: Your video’s title and thumbnail are your first chance to spark curiosity. Craft titles that hint at something intriguing, paired with eye-catching thumbnails that draw viewers in—without giving away too much.
Build Suspense Throughout: Structure your video to build anticipation. For instance, if you’re revealing “5 Secrets to Improve Your Herb Garden,” hint at the secrets early on but save the full reveal for later in the video. Let the suspense build naturally as you move from one tip to the next.
Add Unexpected Twists: Surprise your viewers with unexpected facts or tips that challenge their assumptions.
“You won’t believe what common kitchen item can help you grow more strawberries!”
Engage Your Audience: Encourage viewers to participate by asking questions that invite them to comment.
“What do you think is the number one mistake people make when planting kale? Comment your guess below before the end of the video to see if you’re right!”
Ready to Try the Curiosity Gap?
Why not give this strategy a go? Start your next video with an intriguing question or an unexpected fact, and watch how your audience responds. This simple but powerful technique could be the key to taking your content engagement to the next level. Who knows—this might be the little extra zing your content has been missing all along! 🤷♀️
Happy Creating!
