I used an ancient storytelling trick to get 11k TikTok followers

Summary

In this episode of 'Nudge,' host Phil Agnew explores the ancient storytelling technique of cliffhangers, demonstrating their effectiveness in modern media through a TikTok advertising experiment. He delves into the psychological principles behind cliffhangers, such as the zygonic effect and the curiosity gap, which keep viewers hooked and eager for more. Phil's test with TikTok ads, which leveraged these techniques, resulted in an 82% increase in profile followers, showcasing the power of suspense in capturing audience attention.

Takeaways

• 📺 The script discusses the effectiveness of using cliffhangers in storytelling, as exemplified by the long-running UK soap opera 'EastEnders'.
• 🎭 The use of cliffhangers is an ancient technique that dates back to '1001 Arabian Nights' and was also utilized by Charles Dickens in his serialized novels.
• 🔍 The 'zygonic effect', a psychological phenomenon, explains why cliffhangers and incomplete stories are memorable and keep audiences engaged.
• 🤔 The 'Curiosity Gap' is a marketing strategy that leverages people's desire to seek out missing information, which can significantly increase engagement and sales.
• 📈 The speaker conducted an experiment on TikTok, spending $400 on ads to test the effectiveness of the Curiosity Gap in video content, resulting in an 82% increase in followers.
• 📊 The experiment showed that videos with a Curiosity Gap were more cost-effective, with a higher conversion rate of viewers becoming followers compared to those without.
• 📝 Ernest Hemingway is cited as using the zygonic effect in his writing process by finishing daily writing in the middle of a sentence to maintain momentum.
• 💡 The script suggests that starting content with a cliffhanger or a curiosity gap can significantly increase viewer retention and interest in further content.
• 📱 Mobile apps use the zygonic effect in their onboarding process, enticing users to complete their profiles by indicating progress towards a goal.
• 🎨 The 'Mona Lisa' by Leonardo da Vinci is suggested to benefit from the zygonic effect due to the enigmatic smile that keeps viewers engaged and speculating.
• 📚 The script references studies and examples from various fields, including marketing, literature, and psychology, to highlight the broad application of the Curiosity Gap and cliffhangers.

Q & A

What storytelling technique is mentioned in the script that increases viewer engagement?

The storytelling technique mentioned is the use of cliffhangers, which leaves the audience in suspense and increases the likelihood of them returning to watch more.

What is the name of the podcast recommended by the host of 'Nudge'?

The recommended podcast is 'My First Million', which is part of the HubSpot podcast network.

Which British TV show is used as an example to illustrate the effectiveness of cliffhangers?

The British TV show used as an example is 'EastEnders', a long-running soap opera known for its cliffhanger endings.

What psychological effect is responsible for making cliffhangers memorable according to the script?

The zygonic effect, discovered by Bluma Zeigarnik, is responsible for making cliffhangers memorable as it suggests that incomplete activities are more likely to be remembered.

What is the 'Curiosity Gap' and how does it relate to cliffhangers?

The 'Curiosity Gap' is the desire to seek out missing information. It relates to cliffhangers as it creates an immediate hook that makes viewers curious and eager to find out what happens next.

How did the host of 'Nudge' apply the Curiosity Gap in his Tick Tock videos?

The host applied the Curiosity Gap by creating videos that included immediate cliffhangers in the first five seconds to hook viewers and make them want to watch the entire video.

What was the result of the host's experiment with Tick Tock videos using the Curiosity Gap?

The experiment showed that videos using the Curiosity Gap were 82 percent more likely to result in viewers following the host's profile compared to videos without the Curiosity Gap.

What is the connection between the zygonic effect and Ernest Hemingway's writing routine?

Hemingway would finish his daily writing in the middle of a sentence to leverage the zygonic effect, ensuring that he would have something more to write about the next day, thus maintaining his writing momentum.

How did the host of 'Nudge' utilize the Curiosity Gap in his marketing strategy for the podcast?

The host utilized the Curiosity Gap by sharing surprising or intriguing information at the start of his videos and episodes, creating a sense of curiosity that encourages viewers to continue watching or listening.

What is the significance of the 'Curiosity Gap' in marketing and sales strategies?

The 'Curiosity Gap' in marketing and sales strategies is significant as it creates an intriguing hook that draws in potential customers, boosts recall, and can lead to increased sales or sign-ups.

How can the 'Curiosity Gap' be applied in various forms of content creation?

The 'Curiosity Gap' can be applied by starting content with a surprising statement, question, or cliffhanger that piques the audience's interest and encourages them to continue engaging with the content to find out more.