How MrBeast Solved YouTube

Aprilynne Alter
4 Aug 202314:10

TLDRMrBeast's secret to YouTube success is revealed through a meticulous study of his content. His retention strategy involves meeting viewer expectations in the first five seconds, creating curiosity gaps, and exceeding expectations through effort. The video script explains how MrBeast uses visual variety, contrast, and good pacing to maintain high retention rates, ultimately editing out dull moments based on viewer feedback to keep viewers engaged until the end.

Takeaways

  • 😀 MrBeast achieves a 70% retention rate on his videos by following a specific framework.
  • 🎯 The first five seconds of a video are crucial; MrBeast matches the first sentence with the title and the first shot with the thumbnail.
  • 📹 He uses visual variety by cutting every 3-5 seconds to keep viewers engaged and avoid monotony.
  • 🔍 MrBeast introduces context, stakes, and creates a curiosity gap in the first 20 seconds to hook viewers.
  • 💪 Effort is a key component; MrBeast puts significant time, energy, and resources into his videos, leveraging input bias to increase viewer value.
  • 🤔 He exceeds viewer expectations by not only meeting but surpassing what is promised in the title and thumbnail.
  • 🏁 MrBeast starts the main action of the video within the first 20 seconds to minimize drop-off.
  • 🔄 He uses consistent contrast by introducing side stories or different elements to break up the main storyline and maintain interest.
  • 🌆 Good pacing is achieved by cycling through high and low energy segments, keeping the viewer's attention throughout the video.
  • 🏆 MrBeast ends his videos on a high note with a significant payoff, ensuring viewers leave satisfied and wanting more.
  • ✂️ Post-production involves cutting out dull moments based on viewer feedback and observation to refine the video for maximum retention.

Q & A

  • What is the key benchmark for YouTube video retention that MrBeast achieves?

    -MrBeast achieves a retention benchmark of 70%, which is considered the golden standard for keeping viewers engaged throughout the video.

  • How does MrBeast approach the first five seconds of his videos to ensure viewer retention?

    -MrBeast matches the first sentence of his video with the title and the first shot with the thumbnail to meet the viewer's expectations set by the title and thumbnail, thus minimizing drop-off.

  • What are the three core elements MrBeast includes in the first 20 seconds of his videos?

    -The three core elements are providing context, introducing the stakes or payoff, and creating a curiosity gap to keep viewers interested.

  • What is the concept of input bias and how does MrBeast leverage it in his videos?

    -Input bias is the idea that the more input (time, energy, cost) we put into something, the more we value it. MrBeast leverages this by putting a lot of effort into his videos, making viewers value the content more because they can see the effort involved.

  • How does MrBeast exceed viewer expectations beyond just meeting them in his videos?

    -MrBeast exceeds expectations by not only matching the expectations set by the title and thumbnail but also by showing the amount of work and effort put into the video, thus leveraging input bias.

  • What is the importance of visual variety in MrBeast's videos?

    -Visual variety is crucial to maintain viewer interest. MrBeast maintains it by cutting at least every three to five seconds to keep the visuals dynamic and engaging.

  • What is the role of consistent contrast in MrBeast's videos?

    -Consistent contrast is used to break up stretches of a single storyline and prevent the video from getting stale. It introduces side stories or different activities to keep the content fresh.

  • How does MrBeast ensure good pacing in his videos?

    -MrBeast ensures good pacing by using frequent cycles of high and low energy throughout the video. Each cycle starts with a high-energy introduction and is followed by a lower-energy exploration or explanation.

  • What is the significance of ending MrBeast's videos on a high note?

    -Ending on a high note is important to leave viewers with a positive impression and wanting to come back for more. It involves revealing a big payoff and ensuring the last moments of the video are engaging.

  • How does MrBeast identify and cut dull moments from his videos?

    -MrBeast identifies dull moments by watching his videos with a group of fans and friends who provide honest feedback. He looks for moments when they get bored or check their phones and then reworks or cuts those parts.

  • What is the final secret MrBeast applies after creating the entire video to hit 70% retention?

    -The final secret is to go back and cut out every dull moment. MrBeast does this by watching the video with a critical audience and removing parts that cause a drop in engagement.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Mr Beast's Formula for High Retention Videos

This paragraph discusses how Mr Beast achieves high viewer retention on YouTube, specifically hitting a benchmark of 70%. It reveals that Mr Beast uses a two-step formula at the start of his videos: matching the first sentence with the title and the first shot with the thumbnail. The paragraph also highlights the importance of the first 20 seconds, where Mr Beast provides context, introduces stakes, and creates a curiosity gap to keep viewers engaged. Additionally, it touches on the concept of input bias, where viewers value content more when they perceive a significant effort has been made, as demonstrated by Mr Beast's elaborate video setups.

05:02

💡 Leveraging Input Bias and Jumping into Action

The second paragraph delves into the concept of input bias, showing how Mr Beast doesn't need a large budget to create engaging content. It emphasizes that effort in video production can increase viewer engagement and value. The paragraph also points out that Mr Beast's videos are structured to jump into action quickly to avoid viewer drop-off, and that he maintains a steady level of retention through the use of visual variety, consistent contrast, and the introduction of side stories to keep content fresh and interesting.

10:02

🔥 The Secrets to Mr Beast's Retentive Video Content

This paragraph uncovers the final secrets to Mr Beast's successful video retention strategy. It explains the importance of good pacing with frequent cycles of high and low energy to maintain viewer interest throughout the video. The summary also discusses the significance of ending videos on a high note with a significant payoff to leave viewers satisfied and eager for more. Additionally, it reveals Mr Beast's post-production process of cutting out dull moments based on viewer feedback and observation to ensure his videos remain captivating until the very end.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Retention

Retention in the context of YouTube refers to the measure of how long viewers watch a video before they stop or 'drop off'. It is crucial for content creators as high retention rates indicate that viewers are engaged and satisfied with the content. In the video, MrBeast is said to have 'solved YouTube retention' by consistently achieving a 70% retention rate, which is considered a golden benchmark. This is achieved through various strategies outlined in the video, such as engaging within the first five seconds and maintaining viewer interest throughout the video.

💡First Five Seconds

The 'first five seconds' of a video are critical as they set the initial impression and can significantly influence whether a viewer decides to continue watching or not. MrBeast's strategy for these crucial moments involves matching the first sentence of the video to the title and the first shot to the thumbnail, which helps in meeting viewer expectations right from the start and minimizes drop-off.

💡Thumbnail

A thumbnail is a small, representative image that appears alongside a video in a list or search results on YouTube. It serves as a visual hook to attract viewers to click on the video. In MrBeast's videos, the first shot of the video closely resembles the thumbnail, ensuring that the content matches the viewer's expectations set by the thumbnail, which is a key part of his retention strategy.

💡Context

Providing context in a video is essential for setting the scene and explaining what is happening. In MrBeast's videos, context is given within the first 20 seconds, which helps viewers understand the premise of the video and why they should continue watching. For example, in the 'ages 1 through 100' video, the context is established by showing 100 people in glass cubes and explaining the challenge they are facing.

💡Stakes or Payoff

Stakes or payoff refer to the rewards or consequences that are at stake in a video or challenge. Introducing high stakes or a significant payoff can motivate viewers to continue watching to see the outcome. In MrBeast's videos, the stakes are often high, such as winning a large sum of money, which creates a sense of anticipation and keeps viewers engaged.

💡Curiosity Gap

Creating a 'curiosity gap' is a storytelling technique where information is withheld to pique the viewer's interest and make them curious about what will happen next. MrBeast uses this technique by introducing elements of mystery or surprise in his videos, encouraging viewers to stay until the end to have their curiosity satisfied.

💡Input Bias

Input bias is the psychological phenomenon where people value something more if they perceive that more effort, time, or resources have been invested in it. MrBeast leverages input bias by showcasing the effort and resources put into his videos, making viewers perceive the content as more valuable and engaging. This is evident in the 'ages 1 through 100' video where the setup and execution of the challenge demonstrate significant input, thus increasing viewer retention.

💡Visual Variety

Visual variety is the use of different camera angles, shots, and scenes to keep the video visually interesting and dynamic. MrBeast maintains visual variety by cutting at least every three to five seconds, which helps to hold the viewer's attention and prevent boredom. This technique is exemplified in his 'Antarctica survival' video, where multiple shots are used to keep the viewer engaged throughout the video.

💡Consistent Contrast

Consistent contrast involves alternating between different types of content or scenes to maintain viewer interest. MrBeast uses contrast by introducing side stories or different activities that provide a break from the main storyline, preventing the video from becoming monotonous. For instance, during the Antarctica hike, the video cuts back to base camp for comedic relief, adding contrast to the intense main story.

💡Pacing

Pacing refers to the rhythm and speed at which a video unfolds. Good pacing keeps the viewer engaged by varying the energy levels throughout the video. MrBeast's videos feature frequent cycles of high and low energy, such as introducing a new challenge or experience followed by the exploration or reaction to it. This cycling of energy helps maintain a flat retention curve and keeps viewers interested until the end.

💡High Note

Ending a video on a 'high note' means concluding the video in a way that leaves the viewer with a positive or exciting feeling. MrBeast ensures that his videos end with a memorable payoff or a satisfying conclusion, which encourages viewers to feel good about the video and increases the likelihood of them returning for more content. An example from the script is the 'ages 1 through 100' video, where the payoff is the winner receiving a large sum of money, and even the loser receiving a consolation prize.

Highlights

Mr Beast achieves a 70% retention rate on all his videos by following a specific framework.

The first five seconds of a video are crucial; Mr Beast matches the video's first sentence with its title and the first shot with its thumbnail.

For the first 20 seconds, Mr Beast includes context, stakes, and creates a curiosity gap to maintain viewer interest.

Exceeding viewer expectations by showing the effort put into the video leverages input bias, increasing its value to the viewer.

Mr Beast jumps into action within the first 20 seconds to avoid large drop-offs in viewer retention.

Visual variety is maintained by cutting at least every three to five seconds to keep the viewer engaged.

Consistent contrast is used by breaking up the main storyline with side stories or different activities.

Good pacing is achieved through frequent cycles of high and low energy to maintain viewer interest throughout the video.

Mr Beast's videos often end with a high-energy payoff, ensuring viewers stay until the end.

After production, Mr Beast reviews and edits out dull moments based on viewer feedback and his own observations.

Viewer retention is also influenced by the effort perceived in the video, as demonstrated by the example of spending a week studying Mr Beast's content.

The南极洲生存视频通过不同的镜头和剪辑保持了观众的注意力，即使内容可能变得单调。

即使没有Mr Beast的预算，也可以通过不同的方式触发输入偏差，比如在视频中展示投入的努力。

Mr Beast通过在视频中使用能量循环来保持观众的参与度，直到视频的最后。

视频的结尾部分对于保持观众的留存至关重要，Mr Beast通过揭示大的回报和确保视频以高潮结束来实现这一点。

Mr Beast通过观察观众的反应来识别和编辑掉视频中的无聊时刻，以提高整体的观众留存率。

通过遵循特定的框架和策略，Mr Beast成功地解决了YouTube视频的留存问题。