The Shorts Retention Blueprint

Retention is a sequence problem. Promise, momentum, payoff, and trigger—delivered at the right beats. Use this structure to keep viewers watching.

0–3s: The Promise

• Outcome + timeline in frame one. “In 10 seconds, you’ll learn…”
• On-screen text mirrors the verbal promise in 6–8 words.
• Show the final result briefly before rewinding.

3–15s: The Tension

• Cut every 2–3 seconds; sync to syllable cadence.
• Use micro-zooms, b-roll, and overlays to maintain motion.
• Reveal micro-wins to keep “what’s next?” alive.

15–30s: The Payoff

• Show the outcome; then give the simple steps or insight.
• CTA: a binary comment (“A or B?”) or a save-worthy checklist.

Shot List Template

1. Hook shot with on-screen text
2. Result teaser shot
3. Explanatory shots with b-roll inserts
4. Payoff shot
5. CTA shot (text-only is fine)

Audio and Captions

• Dialogue clear; music -18 to -14 LUFS.
• Captions emphasize numbers and outcomes.
• Keep line length under 24 characters.

Next steps: tighten your hooks with hook formulas and plan a sustainable cadence with trend-driven calendars.