How to hook attention instantly and get more views

Here’s exactly what happens in your brain during the first 1.5 seconds of watching a video:

0.1 Seconds: The Instant Recognition

Your eyes spot something before your brain even knows what it's looking at. 

This happens faster than you can blink.

I've tested this extensively - there are certain things your eyes can't help but notice:

• Sudden movement in a still frame

• Strong colour contrasts

• Faces showing clear emotions

• Objects that seem out of place

Take this Reel as an example. 

It gives the viewer both sudden movements in a still frame and a face showing clear emotion:

olima_omega

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This is why some of the best creators start with a visual that seems almost wrong. 

Your brain has to stop and process it.

0.5 Seconds: The Emotional Hit

By half a second, your brain's already feeling something. 

You might not know why yet, but you're having an emotional response.

This is where most creators mess up. 

They only think about what their visual hook looks like, but not how it makes people feel.

The best hooks trigger multiple emotions:

• Curiosity (what am I looking at?)

• Recognition (I know what this is about)

• Anticipation (something's about to happen)

1.0 Second: The Conscious Processing

Now your brain's actually thinking about what it's seeing. 

This is where the story needs to start making sense.

Your viewer is subconsciously asking:

• Do I understand what's happening?

• Is this worth my time?

• What might happen next?

If they can't answer these questions by now, they're probably scrolling past.

1.5 Seconds: The Commitment Point

This is it. 

By 1.5 seconds, viewers have decided if they're sticking around.

The best creators layer their hooks to build through each of these timestamps. 

They're creating a sequence that keeps you watching:

0.1 - Catch the eye

0.5 - Trigger the emotion

1.0 - Start the story

1.5 - Lock in attention

Next time you're watching a viral video, try pausing it at each of these timestamps. 

You'll start seeing these layers everywhere.

What visual hooks have you noticed working in your content? 

Hit reply and let me know - I’m curious about what patterns you're spotting.

Until next time,
Jeremy

P.S. If you found this breakdown useful, you'll love what's inside my Content Accelerator. I take you through every element that makes content go viral - from these crucial first moments to complete viral frameworks. Join hundreds of students already using these principles to transform their content.

Don't forget to use the tips from my past newsletters to keep improving. (Missed an issue? Catch up here).

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