The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
Capture-Maintain-Reward Attention Framework
A three-stage framework for short-form video success: capture attention in first 2 seconds, maintain it through conflict-context dance, and reward it with genuine value to trigger algorithmic signals
How It Works
Works by exploiting human psychology - initial hook prevents scrolling, conflict creates curiosity gaps that demand resolution, and educational payoff triggers positive engagement behaviors that algorithms reward
Components
Capture: Strong verbal AND visual hook in first 2 seconds
Maintain: Create conflict-context dance through unresolved questions
Reward: Deliver genuine educational or inspirational value
Trigger: Design for likes, comments, shares, saves through value delivery
When to Use
Essential for all short-form content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts where attention spans are seconds and algorithmic distribution is key
When Not to Use
Not applicable for long-form content where packaging (title/thumbnail) matters more than immediate hooks, or educational content where depth trumps engagement tricks
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Example
“OpenAI video starts with 'OpenAI just launched Agent Kit' (capture), adds 'and I think it's important to understand what it is' (conflict - why important?), then demonstrates actual usage with custom visuals (reward)”
Related Knowledge
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