Swapped my scripted videos for raw B-roll and saw a 40% jump in watch time

I used to write out every word for my gaming tutorials, but after watching a builder in Austin just narrate over his live screen captures with no script, I tried that approach on my last Fortnite guide. The retention stats went from 55% to nearly 80% in the first 48 hours. Has anyone else noticed unscripted content keeping viewers around longer?

2 comments

2 Comments

cora5184d ago

Yeah I actually did the exact same thing with my Minecraft build tutorials. I was so worried about sounding stupid without a script but people stuck around way longer once I just talked naturally over the footage. My first unscripted video doubled the average view duration compared to my old scripted ones. It felt like I was finally having a real conversation with my audience instead of reading to them. The raw commentary just comes off more genuine and less salesy. Did you find it harder to edit without a written plan to follow?

elliot_gibson274d ago

Gotta disagree with you a bit here @cora518. Editing without a script can be a nightmare because you end up rambling or repeating yourself, which takes way longer to cut down. With a script, I can chop out the filler quickly and keep the pacing tight. I tried going freestyle on a build video once and spent an extra hour just trimming my own tangents. Did the views go up or did you just get lucky with that one video?