Looking to increase the number of viewers for your YouTube videos? Unsure of how to format your video to maintain Youtube viewers’ interest until the end?
This article will provide you with insight into how to structure your YouTube video to ensure viewers stay engaged until the end.
Why You Should Create Engaging Long-Form YouTube Content
Social media marketing is centered around creating connections with your audience by portraying a relatable image and sharing meaningful stories that resonate with potential customers.
Long-form video content offers ample space to tell those stories and foster those relationships. As evidence shows, short-form content creators on platforms like TikTok struggle to acquire followers that match their viewing figures. However, on YouTube, gaining followers from a single upload is achievable.
Additionally, posting content on YouTube provides an unparalleled level of reach, making it the second-largest search engine for a reason. The algorithm is programmed to surface relevant and engaging content for viewers, which means that your comprehensive videos can receive an organic boost.
YouTube stands out among social media platforms because of its unique payment system for content creators. You can join the YouTube partnership program once you have reached 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. You can monetize your content even faster by collaborating with brand sponsorships.
However, all these benefits of long-form video content rely on one critical factor: retention. Viewers must find your videos captivating enough to watch and continue watching. High retention rates are crucial for effectively conveying your brand story, signaling the YouTube algorithm, and earning revenue from your content.
This guide will explore various ways to improve the watch time of your YouTube videos through video structure and retention strategies.
How to Arrange Your Videos for Maximum View Time
The most popular YouTube videos contain four compelling elements:
- A title and thumbnail for viewers to click on.
- An opening hook that keeps people watching for the first few seconds.
- A well-structured story that keeps the audience interested.
- A high-stakes situation that keeps viewers interested.
- A quick conclusion with a desired action for viewers to take.
Let’s take those elements one by one.
#1: Use Titles and Thumbnails to Keep Viewers Watching YouTube Videos Until the End
The title and thumbnail of your video are the first things your viewers will see.
So, why do the majority of YouTube creators make them last?
Before you begin storyboarding and recording your videos, consider an eye-catching title and thumbnail. There are two benefits to doing so:
- You’re seeing things through the eyes of your audience.
- Before you spend time creating content to match, you can see if people are interested in the title and thumbnail.
As an example, if your brand has a private Facebook group or Discord server dedicated to loyal followers, you could share the video thumbnail and ask for their feedback. Are they intrigued by the topic? Does the title catch their attention? What are their expectations for the video content?
Using their responses, you can concentrate on creating the most popular video titles and ensure that the content fulfills its promise. This approach will help you generate “legit bait” – content that is as enticing as clickbait but delivers significantly more value.
This video by the renowned science YouTuber Veritasium discusses the difference between clickbait and quality content.
#2: Techniques for Retaining Viewer Attention Until the End of YouTube Videos
After nailing the ideal title and thumbnail, it’s time to create the video’s actual content.
To capture viewers’ interest and encourage them to stick around, every video needs a hook – those first few seconds that leave viewers feeling compelled to see what comes next.
Hooks may be either emotional or informational, such as presenting a pain point they can relate to, a risky situation that has them on edge, a desirable benefit, or information and advice that could simplify their lives.
Once you’ve devised your hook, use it immediately. Avoid wasting time at the beginning of your video discussing your day or trying to build anticipation. Dive right into the meat of the matter!
#3: Storyboards to Keep YouTube Viewers Watching Until the End
After establishing the hook for your video, it’s time to delve into the substance of the content. While delivering on the hook’s promise, it’s important to break it down into distinct points to maintain viewer engagement.
For instance, if you’re creating a video with business advice, categorize the tips into a numbered list. If demonstrating product usage, break it down into simple, followable steps. Incorporating humor and varying camera angles can help keep things captivating.
Numerous tools exist for devising and storyboarding content, with Notion being a prevalent choice among YouTubers.
Regardless of the planning tools employed, the crucial aspect to bear in mind is to demonstrate rather than simply narrate.
A video that starts with a lengthy explanation of what is going to happen, followed by the action, will swiftly disengage viewers. Instead, it’s preferable to provide explanations while the action is happening to ensure immediate engagement and maintain viewer interest as they seek to comprehend more.
#4: High stakes keep viewers watching YouTube videos till the end
In addition, your video necessitates stakes!
Regardless of how valuable your information, product, or stories may be, it’s the stakes that captivate viewers.
The premise is simple: establish a challenge or scenario at the outset of the video, and viewers will be eager to witness the outcome. Will you reach the unattainable goal, meet the deadline, conquer the obstacle, or win the wager?
High stakes serve as another emotional hook that maintains viewer interest and elevates retention rates. Individuals will watch the entire video simply to discover whether you succeeded or not.
It’s essential to recognize that videos need not always feature success. A significant failure or an unforeseen turn of events can be equally gratifying for viewers, contingent on the video’s overall message.
#5: End with the desired action to keep viewers watching YouTube videos till the end
The end of your video is the most crucial aspect.
This is where you ultimately convert your devoted followers. What action do you want them to take?
Some videos may necessitate a specific call to action, such as visiting a website, downloading a lead magnet, or subscribing to a mailing list.
However, for most videos focused on retention and storytelling, the objective is simple: encourage viewers to watch more. Doing so will enhance your watch time metrics and send positive signals to the YouTube algorithm, increasing the likelihood of your videos being recommended.
Utilize the end card on your videos to link to other pertinent content that would be valuable and intriguing for your audience. Additionally, you can cross-link videos through links in the description for added impact.
Foundr’s video provides a great example, leveraging the video description and end cards to guide viewers to further watching and a lead magnet.
To ensure viewers watch your original video to the end, you need to prioritize retention above all else, whether they click on another video or navigate away. You can improve retention in the final seconds of your video by:
- Avoiding a wind-down of action or prolonged goodbyes, instead, end the video abruptly to leave the viewers curious and wanting more.
- Adding a “gush”, a short clip of just a few seconds after the main content. This could be a blooper, a final secret tip, or a last callback to a joke. By consistently using gushes, you can train your audience to watch your videos until the end.