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On social media, where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, capturing and keeping your audience’s focus is essential. With constant scrolling and endless content, your videos need to stand out to go viral. The good news? There are scientifically proven techniques that might seem unusual but are highly effective at boosting video views.
Here are three weird, but effective ways to increase your video views, backed by psychology and science.
Peacocking: Use Bright Colors to Instantly Stop the Scroll
Ever wondered why bright, bold colors seem to grab your attention instantly? It’s not a coincidence—it’s a psychological phenomenon known as “peacocking.” Just like a peacock uses its vibrant feathers to stand out and attract attention, you can use bright colors in your videos to do the same
Bright colors naturally draw the eye because they stand out in the sea of muted tones on social media. Whether it’s the clothes you wear, the props you use, or the background in your video, incorporating bold, attention-grabbing hues can stop a viewer from scrolling and get them to focus on your content.
Why It Works: Bright colors stimulate our brains, causing us to pause and take notice. This increase in sensory stimulation means your video is more likely to get that all-important initial click.
How to Apply It: Wear a bright shirt, film in front of a colorful backdrop, or use props that pop. Think reds, yellows, and other vibrant shades that contrast with the typical social media feed.
Incorporate Big Movements or Surprise Elements
When it comes to video, movement is key. Big, noticeable movements instantly catch a viewer’s attention, making it easier for your content to stand out. On the flip side, subtle movements can be too easy to overlook, especially when people are rapidly scrolling through their feed.
Another powerful tactic is to introduce an element of surprise. This could be a sudden change in the video’s tone, a dramatic action, or anything that takes the viewer off guard. Humans are naturally drawn to the unexpected, so when your video offers something surprising, it’s more likely to get shared, commented on, or viewed multiple times.
Why It Works: The brain is wired to notice sudden movements or changes. These visual cues trigger our survival instincts, making us more likely to focus on the video in front of us. Surprising moments also activate curiosity and can boost engagement.
How to Apply It: Move quickly, gesture broadly, or introduce a surprising twist halfway through your video. Whether it’s suddenly standing up, making an unexpected statement, or showing a surprising outcome, big movements and surprises will keep your viewers engaged.
Give the Eyes Something to Follow
One of the simplest but most effective ways to keep viewers watching is by giving their eyes something to follow. This concept is based on visual psychology: our eyes are naturally drawn to movement, particularly when there’s a clear action or progression to track.
Instead of just talking or standing still, engage in an activity during your video. Whether it’s sipping from a coffee cup, flipping through a book, or closing your laptop, these small actions create a visual pathway for your audience to follow. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep their focus on your content.
Why It Works: The brain likes patterns and movement. When we see motion, especially repetitive or linear motion, our attention stays locked on the screen. It’s the same reason why videos of someone preparing a meal or organizing a room can be so satisfying to watch.
How to Apply It: Perform simple actions that align with your content. Take a sip of coffee, write something down, or move an object into the frame. These small but noticeable actions will keep viewers watching from start to finish.
If you want to boost your video views, it’s essential to stand out visually and keep your audience engaged. By using bright colors, incorporating big movements, and giving the eye something to follow, you’ll make your videos more captivating and increase the likelihood of going viral.
But that’s just the start. Every viral video follows a proven formula, and if you want to take your content to the next level, understanding this formula is key. Want to learn the exact method behind the success of big creators and viral businesses?
Download The Viral Video Guide, a free resource that breaks down the four key components of every viral video.
Our agency has used this formula to help clients increase their visibility, boost their sales, and transform their social media presence. Discover how everyday businesses are becoming viral brands with a simple content strategy.