Viral Video Operating System
Virality is an algorithm: (High CTR x High AVD) = Explosive Reach.
Use the tabs above to optimize every stage of this equation.
The “Scroll Cliff”. Most viewers leave instantly.
Average View Duration needed for viral push.
Max time before a visual change occurs.
The Retention Curve
Phase 0: The Click (CTR)
Before retention matters, they have to click. A video with 100% retention but 0 clicks is a failure.
📝 Title Power Checker
Test your title before you publish.
🖼️ Thumbnail Rule of Thirds
Does your thumbnail pass the “glance test”?
Phase 1: The Hook (0-3 Seconds)
You are not competing with other videos; you are competing with the thumb. Stop the scroll immediately.
The 3 Hook Archetypes
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The Visual Disruption:
Movement, weird objects, or high contrast immediately. No static logos. -
The “You” Statement:
“Stop doing this…” or “If you want X…” qualifies the audience. -
The Curiosity Gap:
Show the result first, but hide the method. “This setting doubled my battery life.”
🧲 Hook Checklist
Ensure your intro contains at least 3 of these:
Phase 2: The Middle (Pattern Interrupts)
The middle is where videos die. Reset the viewer’s attention span every 3-10 seconds using Pattern Interrupts.
B-Roll Overlay
Don’t just be a talking head. Overlay relevant footage/images.
The Digital Zoom
Punch in (1.1x) on important points, then punch out. Adds kinetic energy.
Text Pops
Kinetic typography. Make keywords appear on screen in sync with audio.
SFX Risers
Subtle “wooshes” or “risers” before a transition trigger subconscious alerts.
State Change
Change the background, change outfit, or move the camera angle.
Visual Aid
Use a chart, green screen, or physical prop. People love objects.
⏱️ Pacing Calculator
Estimate if your video is too slow.
Phase 3: The Payoff (Ending)
The “Watch Until The End” strategy relies on the Open Loop. You opened a question in the hook; you must answer it here.
Closing the Loop
The Mistake: Slowly summarizing. “So, in conclusion…” -> This triggers immediate drop-off.
The Fix: Deliver the final piece of value rapidly and end the video. The highest retention videos often cut to black mid-sentence.
The CTA Strategy
Where do you ask for the Subscribe?
Ask during the payoff, not after. “To get [result], you need to change this setting. And subscribe for more tips. The setting is…”
Viral Script Builder
Use this template to structure your video. Data is saved to your browser.