[FAQ]

I’ve been doing some research on how to create better hooks for my videos, and the term “pattern interrupt” keeps coming up as an effective technique. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what it means in a practical sense when it comes to making a video.

Could someone give me a simple explanation of what a pattern interrupt is? And more importantly, how does this technique specifically help to grab a viewer’s attention right at the very start of a video and make them want to keep watching?

Any examples of how to do this well would be great. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

A “pattern interrupt” is a technique designed to break a person’s typical pattern of thought or behaviour. In the context of creating video content, its purpose is to jolt the viewer out of their passive, repetitive scrolling and immediately capture their full attention within the first few seconds.

First, you have to understand the “pattern.” The pattern is the viewer’s mindless, habitual scrolling through a social media feed. They are seeing similar types of content repeatedly, and their brain is effectively on autopilot, looking for a reason to keep swiping.

Second, the “interrupt” is an unexpected event that you place in the first one to three seconds of your video to break that scrolling trance. A successful pattern interrupt makes the viewer’s brain stop and ask, “What just happened?” or “What was that?”.

Third, there are many ways to create this effect in a video. A pattern interrupt could be a sudden and unexpected sound effect that is different from the typical music on the platform. It could be a rapid visual change, like a fast zoom, a quick cut, or an unusual camera angle. It could also be starting your video by saying a bold, controversial, or highly intriguing statement that goes against a common belief. Or it could be a surprising visual, such as an unexpected object appearing on screen or the creator performing an unusual action.

The reason this technique is so effective as a video hook is that it creates immediate curiosity and forces cognitive engagement. By breaking their pattern, you make the viewer mentally “lean in” and pay active attention to figure out what is going on. This is absolutely crucial for overcoming the extremely short attention spans on modern video platforms. A good pattern interrupt essentially buys you a few more seconds of the viewer’s consideration, which you must then use to deliver the value you promised in your hook.

In summary, a pattern interrupt is a deliberate technique to break a viewer’s passive scrolling habit. By using an unexpected sound, visual, or statement at the very start of your video, you create a powerful hook that forces the viewer to pay attention, making them much more likely to watch the rest of your content.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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