How taking a scientific approach to content creation can boost your impact and benefit your brand



This video shows how two of the most successful YouTubers of all time exploded in popularity after applying basic psychology to their content.

The Impact of Storytelling on Viewer Engagement

Stories captivate us. They pull us in and keep us engaged. This is because of how our brains work. We're wired to respond to narratives. Narratives help us make sense of the world.

When we hear a story, our brain releases dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical that helps us remember details better. That's why videos with a strong narrative are more engaging; they tap into our love for stories.

The Psychological Importance of Relatability and Emotional Connection

We connect with videos on an emotional level, and the more we relate to the content, the more engaged we are. Emotionally charged videos are powerful. They stick with us longer than purely informational ones.

Creating a relatable video isn't about targeting everyone. It's about reaching the right people: those who connect with your message. To do this, you must understand your audience. Get to know their interests. Their values. Their struggles.

The key is empathy. It's about seeing the world from the perspective of the viewer. When your audience feels understood, they're more likely to engage with your content.

Ultimately, understanding the psychology behind video engagement can improve your content. It helps you create videos that resonate with your audience. It gives you a roadmap to their hearts and minds. That's the power of these psychology-backed video creation hacks; they can transform your video content from good to great, and make your messages more impactful and memorable.

21 Psychology-Backed Hacks for Making Engaging Videos 

Hack 1: Using Color Psychology

Understanding Color Psychology

Color is a powerful tool. It can evoke emotion and influence behavior. This is known as color psychology; the study of how color affects us.

Different colors have different effects. Red can make us feel excited or alert. Blue can make us feel calm and trusting. Yellow can make us feel happy and energized.

Colors can also have cultural meanings. In some cultures, white is a color of mourning. In others, it's a symbol of purity.

Using Color Psychology in Videos

Understanding color psychology can help your videos. You can use color to shape how viewers feel about your content.

Think about your video's mood. Do you want it to be exciting? Use a lot of reds and oranges. Want it to be calming? Use blues and greens.

How filmmakers manipulate our emotions using colour.

Consider your audience, too. Are they from a specific culture? Do some research. Find out what colors mean to them.

Also, be consistent with your use of color. Use similar color schemes across your videos. This can help create a brand identity. Viewers will recognize your style.

But remember, color is not the only tool. It should support your content, not distract from it. Use color to enhance your message, not overshadow it.

Color psychology is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it can enhance viewer engagement. It can make your videos more visually appealing and emotionally resonant.

Hack 2: Incorporating Visual Metaphors



Visual metaphors are images that represent an idea. They help us understand complex concepts, and they make the abstract tangible. They are a powerful tool in video creation.

For example, a light bulb is often used to represent an idea. A broken bridge can symbolize a broken relationship. Visual metaphors make your content more engaging. They draw viewers in and make them think.

How to Use Visual Metaphors in Videos

Start by thinking about your message. What are you trying to convey? Is there a visual symbol that can represent it?

Once you have your metaphor, incorporate it into your video. Use it to enhance your narrative. Make sure it's clear and easy to understand.

8 Ways to Create Meaning with Comparison

Don’t overdo it though. Too many metaphors can confuse your viewers. Stick to one or two strong metaphors per video.

Remember, a well-chosen visual metaphor can make your video memorable. It can help viewers understand and remember your message.

Visual metaphors are a great tool for video creators. They can make your videos more engaging and thought-provoking. So, think creatively, and use visual metaphors to bring your ideas to life.

Hack 3: Implementing the Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is a fundamental principle in visual arts. It helps create balanced and engaging images. The Rule of Thirds divides a scene into nine equal segments by placing a real or imaginary grid over the frame.

Using the Rule of Thirds in Videos

In video creation, the Rule of Thirds can guide your shot composition. Place your main subject along one of the grid lines. If it's a person, line up their eyes with a horizontal line.

This placement is more dynamic. It creates tension and interest in your shot. It's more engaging than placing the subject dead center.

Remember, rules in art aren't absolute. They're guides. Breaking the Rule of Thirds is okay if it serves your story better, but it's a good starting point. It can help you compose visually appealing shots.

The Rule of Thirds can improve your video creation. It guides your composition and creates engaging visuals. It's an easy and effective hack to boost viewer engagement.

Hack 4: Utilizing Storytelling Techniques

Storytelling is an age-old practice. It's how we share information and pass on traditions. It's also a powerful tool in video creation.

Stories uniquely engage our brains. They activate more areas than mere facts do. This helps us remember information better.

Using Storytelling in Videos

To incorporate storytelling techniques in your videos, start with a clear structure: a beginning, a middle, and an end. This gives your viewers a roadmap to follow.

Make your characters relatable: show their struggles and triumphs. This level of relatability is more likely to elicit an emotional response from your viewers. They will feel more connected to your content.

Use suspense and surprise to keep your viewers hooked. They'll want to stick around to see what happens next.

Remember, a good story can make your message more impactful. It can turn a simple video into a memorable experience.

Storytelling makes videos more engaging. It taps into our natural love for narratives. So, harness the power of storytelling and make your videos not just watchable, but unforgettable.

Hack 5: Creating Emotional Hooks

Emotions are powerful drivers of our actions. They influence what we remember and how we behave. Videos that stir emotions are more likely to capture our attention and stick in our minds.

Crafting Emotional Hooks in Videos

An emotional hook is a part of your video that triggers an emotional response. It can be a moving scene, a poignant line, or a relatable character.

To create effective emotional hooks, consider your audience. What emotions would they likely respond to? Once you identify these, incorporate scenes or elements that would trigger such emotions.

For example, if your audience values family, a scene showing a family bond could resonate with them. If they're environmentalists, showing the beauty of nature might stir emotions.

But be authentic. Don't force an emotional response. It should come naturally from your content. Otherwise, it can feel manipulative.

Also, be aware of the balance. Too much emotion can overwhelm your viewers. Aim for a blend of emotional and informative content.

In conclusion, emotional hooks can make your videos more engaging. They tap into our natural responses and make us more invested in the content. So, use emotional hooks wisely. They can turn a simple video into a captivating experience.

Hack 6: The Importance of Eye Contact

Eye contact is a powerful form of nonverbal communication. It signals engagement, confidence, and trustworthiness. In a conversation, making eye contact shows that you're interested and paying attention.

Simulating Eye Contact in Videos

In video creation, simulating eye contact can make your viewers feel more connected to you. They might feel like you're speaking directly to them, and this can increase audience engagement and trust.

Here's how to do it: if you're speaking directly into the camera, look straight into the lens. Avoid looking at the screen or monitor. It might feel strange at first, but it's something that becomes more natural with practice.

Also, consider your camera's placement. Position the lens at eye level to create a more natural and engaging view. This will help your video feel like a real conversation.

However, always keep in mind the context and intended effect. Not every video requires direct eye contact; sometimes it can feel too intense. Keep your audience in mind, and use this technique wisely.

Eye contact is a simple yet effective hack. It can make your videos feel more personal and engaging. Remember to look into the lens next time you hit record - your viewers will appreciate the connection.

Maintain Eye Contact with the Camera

Hack 7: Leveraging Social Proof

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon. As humans, we tend to follow the actions of others. We're also inclined to assume that others are correct - especially when we're unsure of what to do.

Incorporating Social Proof in Videos

Social proof can boost the credibility of your videos. It shows your audience that others trust and value your content. This can make them more likely to engage with it.

There are several ways to incorporate social proof. Testimonials are one of the most effective; they show real users sharing their positive experiences. This can convince potential viewers of your credibility.

You can also show the number of subscribers or viewers you have. This demonstrates your popularity. It shows that others are already finding your content valuable.

Don't forget to encourage your viewers to like, share, and comment on your videos. These actions provide visible social proof and increase visibility. They show new viewers that your content is worth their time.

But remember, be genuine. Only use real testimonials and numbers. Fake social proof can damage your credibility in the long run.

Social proof can increase viewer engagement. It taps into our natural desire to follow the crowd. So, use social proof wisely: it can turn skeptical first-time viewers into loyal fans.

Hack 8: Encouraging Viewer Interaction

Interaction can create a phenomenal boost in viewer engagement. It makes viewers feel involved. Suddenly they're not just passive observers; they're active participants. This encourages the feeling of being invested in your content.

Fostering Interaction in Videos

There are several ways to foster interaction in videos. One way is through calls-to-action (CTAs). Ask viewers to like, share, or comment on your video, or ask them to subscribe to your channel.

You can also ask questions. Encourage viewers to share their thoughts or experiences - this can spark discussions in the comment section.

Another way is to create interactive content. Quizzes, polls, or choose-your-own-adventure type videos can be engaging. They give viewers a sense of control. They can shape their viewing experience.

Remember, interaction should be genuine. Don't force viewers to engage; simply provide meaningful opportunities for them to participate.

Hack 9: Using Effective Pacing

A case study in effective pacing

Pacing refers to the speed and rhythm of your video. It's a crucial aspect that can greatly influence your viewers' engagement. Fast-paced videos can create excitement, while slower paces can evoke calmness or seriousness.

Applying Effective Pacing in Videos

Effective pacing requires balance. A video that's too fast might overwhelm your viewers, and they could miss key information. Alternatively, a video that's too slow might bore them; they might lose interest and click away.

Consider your content and your audience. If you're presenting complex information, slow down. Give your viewers time to understand. But if you're aiming to entertain, pick up the pace. Keep things dynamic and exciting.

Remember to vary your pacing, too. Constant fast pacing can lose its impact, and constant slow pacing can become monotonous. Switching between fast and slow can keep your viewers on their toes.

Hack 10: Using Repetition and Reinforcement

Repetition and reinforcement are key principles in learning theory. Content is more likely to be remembered when the information on offer is repeated and reinforced. This is a psychological trick that can help your videos stick in viewers' minds.

Applying Repetition and Reinforcement in Videos

Start by identifying your key message or concept. This should be the takeaway for your viewers. Once you've identified it, repeat it at strategic points in your video.

But be careful! Over-repetition can lead to annoyance or boredom. The key is subtlety; repeat the concept in different ways. Use examples, analogies, or visual aids.

You can also use reinforcement. Reinforce your key message through viewer actions. For example, you can encourage viewers to comment or share their thoughts. This can help them internalize your message.

Repetition and reinforcement are effective strategies to increase viewer engagement. They can also help your key messages stick. So, incorporate them into your videos. They can make your content more memorable and impactful.

Hack 11: Implementing the Power of Surprise

Surprise can be a powerful tool for viewer engagement. It grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and creates a memorable viewing experience. Psychologically, we are hardwired to respond to unexpected events, making surprise an effective way to captivate your audience.

Using Surprise in Videos

Incorporate elements of surprise in your videos to keep your viewers engaged. This could take many forms. It could be an unexpected twist in your narrative, a surprising fact, or an unexpected visual effect.

Use surprise sparingly and strategically. Overusing it can desensitize your viewers. They'll come to expect the unexpected, making it less effective.

Also, ensure that your surprises align with your content and audience. Don't add a surprise just for the sake of it. It should enhance your message or narrative, not detract from it.

Consider the timing, too. Placing a surprise at the beginning can hook your viewers. Placing one in the middle can re-engage those whose attention may be waning.

The power of surprise can enhance your videos. It can make them more engaging and memorable. So, think outside the box. Use surprise to create a viewing experience that stands out.

Hack 12: Utilizing The Power of Color

Colors can influence our perceptions and emotions. They can set the mood and tone of your videos. They can also influence how your brand or message is perceived.

How the 60-30-10 rule creates cohesive color palettes

Using Colors in Videos

Consider the color scheme of your videos. Each color has different psychological associations. For instance, blue often signifies trust and stability, while red can evoke excitement or urgency.

Be consistent with your color choices. They should reflect your brand or message. If you have a branded color scheme, use it. It can enhance recognition and consistency.

Also, consider your audience and context. Different cultures may have different interpretations of colors, and certain situations may call for specific colors.

Finally, remember contrast. Contrasting colors can make your videos visually interesting. They can highlight key elements and make your content more readable.

Colors are a powerful tool. They can influence how viewers perceive and engage with your videos. So, consider your colors carefully. They can enhance the visual appeal and impact of your content.

Hack 13: Using Familiarity and Novelty



Our brains are wired to find a balance between familiarity and novelty. Familiar elements provide comfort and reduce cognitive load, while novel elements stimulate interest and curiosity.

Balancing Familiarity and Novelty in Videos

In your videos, aim to strike a balance between these two. Start with familiar elements. This could be your usual introduction, recognizable music, or your brand's color scheme. These give viewers a sense of comfort because they know what to expect.

Then, introduce novelty. This could be a new format, an unexpected twist, or an unusual visual element. Novelty piques curiosity. It gives viewers a reason to keep watching.

Keep in mind that novelty should be relevant. It should add value to your content, not distract from it.

Similarly, don't let familiarity turn into monotony. Keep refreshing your familiar elements. This way, they remain comforting but not boring.

Balancing familiarity and novelty makes videos more engaging. Familiar elements provide comfort, while novel elements spark interest. So, find the right balance. It can make your videos more watchable and enjoyable.

Hack 14: Focusing on Viewer Benefits

At our core, humans are self-interested. We're more likely to engage with content that provides value to us. Focusing on viewer benefits taps into this self-interest, making your videos more appealing.

Highlighting Viewer Benefits in Videos

In your videos, make it clear what viewers will gain by watching. This could be learning a new skill, gaining new knowledge, or being entertained. Your videos should provide tangible value.

To do this effectively, understand your audience. Know their needs, interests, and challenges. Then, create content that addresses these. Show how your video helps them.

You can also highlight viewer benefits in your titles and descriptions. This can attract potential viewers. It shows them why your video is worth their time.



Remember, viewer benefits should be genuine. Don't over-promise and under-deliver. This can lead to viewer disappointment and mistrust.

In conclusion, focusing on viewer benefits can boost engagement. It shows viewers that your content is valuable to them. So, make your viewer benefits clear. It can make your videos more appealing and effective.



Hack 15: Using Engaging Visuals

Visuals play a key role in viewer engagement. They make content more appealing and understandable. They can convey complex information quickly and effectively.

Incorporating Engaging Visuals in Videos

Incorporate a variety of engaging visuals in your videos. These could be animations, graphics, images, or footage. Choose visuals that align with your content and audience.

A five-minute guide to creating effective and engaging graphics

Also, use visuals to support your narrative. They should enhance understanding, not cause confusion. Use visuals to illustrate points, show examples, or provide context.

Lastly, remember the power of movement. Moving visuals can grab attention and keep viewers engaged. But be careful! Sometimes too much movement can be distracting.

Engaging visuals can enhance your videos. They can make your content more appealing, understandable, and memorable. So, use engaging visuals wisely. They can make your videos stand out and resonate with your audience.

Hack 16: Using Humor

Humor is a powerful tool in human communication. It can create a positive emotional response, make content more memorable, and foster a sense of connection. In fact, studies have shown that humor can significantly increase viewer engagement.

Incorporating Humor in Videos

Incorporating humor into your videos can make them more enjoyable and engaging. Here are a few tips on how to do it effectively.

First, know your audience. What do they find funny? Humor can be subjective, so it's important to understand what will resonate with your viewers.



Second, keep it relevant. Your humor should enhance your message, not detract from it. Don't just add a joke for the sake of it. Make sure it supports your content.



Third, be authentic. Forced humor can feel awkward and off-putting. If humor comes naturally to you, use it. If not, there are other ways to engage your viewers.

Lastly, be respectful. Avoid humor that might offend or alienate your viewers. Always aim for humor that is inclusive and considerate.



Hack 17: Leveraging the Power of Music

Music has the ability to evoke emotions, set the mood, and enhance the narrative. It's a powerful tool in video content creation, as it can contribute to greater viewer engagement and retention.

Incorporating Music in Videos

Choose background music that matches the tone and purpose of your video. Exciting, upbeat music can be used in engaging and entertaining content.

In contrast, calm and soothing music might be more suitable for educational or informative videos.

Remember to use music strategically. It can highlight important moments, signal transitions, or provide emotional cues.

But, avoid overuse. Too much music or music that's too loud can be distracting and may detract from your content.

Also, be mindful of copyright laws. Use royalty-free music or music that you have the rights to use.



Lastly, don't forget about sound effects. They can add realism and enhance the viewing experience.



Music is a powerful tool in video content; it can enhance the mood, support the narrative, and increase viewer engagement.

So, use music wisely. It can significantly improve the quality and impact of your videos.

Hack 18: Encouraging Viewer Participation

Viewer participation can significantly increase engagement. It makes viewers feel involved and valued. It turns passive viewers into active participants.

Promoting Viewer Participation in Videos

Encourage viewer participation in your videos. Ask for comments, likes, shares, or suggestions.



Encourage viewers to ask questions or share their thoughts. This interaction can foster a sense of community and engagement.

You can also create interactive content. This could be quizzes, polls, or choose-your-own-adventure videos. Interactive content can be highly engaging. It gives viewers control over their viewing experience.

In addition, respond to viewer participation. Answer comments, acknowledge feedback, or feature viewer contributions. This shows viewers that their participation is valued.

Remember, viewer participation should be relevant and meaningful. Don't ask for participation for the sake of it. It should enhance your content and viewer experience.



Encouraging viewer participation can boost engagement. It makes viewers feel involved and valued.

So, try incorporating viewer participation into your content! It can make your videos more engaging and interactive.

Hack 19: The Power of Personalization

Personalization plays into our innate desire to feel special and recognized. It can make viewers feel valued and connected, increasing engagement and fostering a sense of loyalty.

Applying Personalization in Videos

Personalization in video content can take various forms. It could be as simple as addressing your viewers directly or as complex as using viewer data to create tailored content.

One way to personalize is by speaking directly to your audience. Use "you" and "your" in your script. Make it feel like a one-on-one conversation. This can make viewers feel connected and engaged.

You can also use viewer data to create personalized content. This could be making videos on requested topics or addressing viewer questions. This shows viewers that you value their input and are responsive to their needs.

Remember, personalization should feel genuine, not forced. It should be used to enhance your connection with viewers, not exploit it.

Hack 20: Using Cognitive Dissonance



Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more conflicting cognitions.



This discomfort often motivates people to resolve the conflict, leading to a change in beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.

Applying Cognitive Dissonance in Videos

In video content, you can use cognitive dissonance as a tool to challenge viewers' beliefs or assumptions, prompting them to engage more deeply with your content.

Start by understanding your viewers' current beliefs or assumptions. Then, present information or perspectives that conflict with these. This could be a surprising statistic, an unexpected argument, or a counterintuitive fact.

Your goal isn't to cause discomfort for its own sake. Rather, it's to prompt viewers to think more deeply. This can stimulate engagement as viewers wrestle with and seek to resolve the conflict.

Be respectful and empathetic in your approach. Remember, the aim is to encourage thought and discussion, not to criticize or belittle.

Hack 21: Using the Halo Effect



The halo effect is a form of cognitive bias in which how we perceive someone or something in one context affects how we perceive them in other areas.



In videos, positive qualities like high-quality production or an engaging host can create a "halo" that positively influences viewers' overall impression of the content.

Leveraging the Halo Effect in Videos

To take advantage of the halo effect, focus on maximizing the positive aspects of your videos that are immediately noticeable.

Start with high-quality production. Crisp visuals, clear audio, and smooth editing can create a positive impression extending to your content.

Next, consider your on-screen presence. An engaging, charismatic host can create a halo effect. Even if your viewers don't consciously notice, they'll feel more positively about your content.

Lastly, think about your branding. A professional, well-designed logo or intro can set the stage for a positive viewer experience.

Remember, the halo effect is not about misleading your viewers. The quality of your content must still be high.

But by creating a positive first impression, you can influence viewers to see your content more positively. The halo effect can enhance viewers' perception of your videos and overall brand. 

So, pay attention to those immediately noticeable aspects of your videos. They can create a positive halo that makes your content more appealing.

Final Thoughts on the Power of Psychology in Video Content

Understanding and applying psychological principles can significantly enhance your video content.

Each of the 21 hacks we've discussed harnesses a different psychological aspect to boost viewer engagement: from capitalizing on novelty, to leveraging the halo effect, to choosing the perfect mood-setting soundtrack.

When creating your videos, consider which of these hacks might be most applicable and effective for your content and audience.



Remember, the goal is not to manipulate viewers but to create more engaging, resonant, and impactful content.



Incorporating these psychology-backed hacks can help you craft videos that captivate your viewers, enhance your message, and ultimately increase the effectiveness of your video content.



So, don't be afraid to experiment and apply these principles to your content creation process. The results might surprise you!

Remember, the key is consistency and quality. These hacks are not a shortcut to success; they're tools that, when used correctly, can increase viewer engagement and boost the impact of your brand.