We added a 2-second silence before the key reveal and replay rate on that segment jumped 40%.

We added a 2-second silence before the key reveal and replay rate on that segment jumped 40%.
Everyone fills every gap because they fear the skip. But the pause created tension — viewers leaned in instead of out. The heatmap showed a re-watch spike right on the silence.
Dead air, placed right, is a retention tool. Filling it killed the moment for 80 videos.
Most of you are scared of silence and it's costing you. Agree or fight me?