The playbook
This week's study rotation
Viral teardown framework
Run this on every video you break down. 30 seconds each — write the answers down.
- The hook (0–2s)What stopped the scroll? Visual, text, a claim, a pattern-break?
- RetentionWhat kept you watching to the end? Pacing, an open loop, a payoff, a loop back to the start?
- FormatLength, cuts, captions, on-screen text style, trending sound used.
- Why it workedThe ONE core reason. Say it in a sentence.
- Steal thisThe specific thing you'll copy into our next video.
Algorithm cheat sheet
Every platform rewards the same core
Completion rate & watch time, replays, and SHARES + SAVES — those beat likes every time. Comments & DMs help. Consistency beats volume: one strong post a day > five weak ones.
TikTok
1-second hook, rewatch loops, trending sounds, shares to the FYP. Completion is king.
Instagram Reels
3–5s hook, sends/DMs + saves, original audio gets a push. Watch-through matters.
YouTube Shorts
Low swipe-away, strong loop, hook + payoff. Average view duration drives reach.
X (video + threads)
Hook frame, native video (no outbound links in-post), reply + quote velocity in the first 30 min.
Two of you, same plan, same streak. Show up daily — the compounding is the whole game.