I posted 20+ short data videos rendered from code: every video over 25 seconds died, and half the viewers leave by second 3
For two weeks we have been rendering short vertical data videos entirely from code (HTML canvas, Playwright, ffmpeg, some Blender) and posting them to TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram from a brand-new account. The account had zero followers on day one. Here is what the platform analytics showed, without the success-story filter. Disclosure: I build data tools for AI agents as Fast Data on…
Within the confines of these limited findings, it becomes clear that the first three seconds are of paramount importance when posting data videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts. A substantial majority of viewers, between 44% and 62%, abandon the video before the three-second mark, with the majority leaving even before second three. In contrast, the opening moments can make or break a video, with a well-designed 3D animation holding onto viewers' attention 75% to 88% more effectively than a 2D flat design.
Fewer than 20 videos were posted by the author using public Eurostat data, each varying in length from 11 to 49 seconds and employing various formats such as loops, AI narration, and silent animations. These videos were posted on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, garnering a click-through rate of only a few dozen views at best.
The vast majority of views occurred within the first hour, with a notable drop in engagement after the initial 7 to 10 hours. The author suggests that while the videos themselves were rendered well, the focus should be on creating compelling content within the first few seconds to retain viewers, as the platform analytics demonstrate a highly steep decline in engagement after the first three seconds.
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