Retention curve

On a 60-second Short, the median creator on Clipperz sees about 60–75% retention at second 30 and 35–50% at second 60. Above those numbers, the recommender treats the clip as engaging and surfaces it more aggressively. Below those numbers, distribution slows.

What matters most is the shape, not the absolute number. A curve that drops 50% in the first 3 seconds and then stabilizes is a hook problem. A curve that holds for 30 seconds and then collapses is a length or pacing problem.

Clipperz scores predicted retention before a clip is rendered by simulating how the segment would play out: language model assessment of pacing, sentence-boundary density, and emotional intensity over time. Clips with predicted curves that drop below 40% midway are usually rejected from the recommendations and marked for human review.

• Trim the clip earlier — most retention drops are caused by the segment running past the natural payoff.
• Switch to a more dynamic visual (B-roll, caption animation) at the drop point.
• Re-cut the clip to a stronger hook, then the same content reads as 'why is this still worth watching' instead of 'when does this get to the point'.