The first-3-seconds teardown checklist

The first-3-seconds teardown checklist

"Hook them in 3 seconds." Everyone says it, few decompose it. The algo's first decision uses your earliest retention, so teardown frame by frame:

— Frame 0: is the payoff visible or stated, or are you 'setting up'? Cut the setup.
— Frame 0-1s: any motion or text change? Static = swipe.
— Audio: does the first word carry information, or is it 'hey guys'? Delete greetings.
— 2-3s: have you created an open loop the viewer needs closed?

Read your own opening as a stranger with a twitchy thumb. 'Be engaging' is not a checklist. This is. Specificity beats inspiration every time.