Unboxing, whiteboards, and a one-second hook to stop the scroll📱
Hey Hey,
Welcome to the bright spot — your look at content that connects.
The goal here is to justify my doom-scrolling by sharing examples and ideas that you can put to use in your own social media.
stop the scroll: the unbox & chat
Watch it here → Ariana Doolan unboxing a Labubu while serving up Budget tea
The reel that stopped my scroll this week is Ariana Doolan’s budget recap reel which blends a trending toy unboxing with a budget breakdown for her electorate.
why it works:
Usually introducing yourself is a good way for people to just scroll on, but the labubu box gets thrown into shot just in time to keep the audience engaged.
Unboxing is a relatable, familiar format people love to watch and labubus are inexplicably popular right now.
Users with short attention spans stay engaged because she is doing something, while talking about something important.
now trending: whiteboard explainers
Recently my feed has been filled with whiteboards being used to make a point. But to get this type of reel right - think less classroom lecture, more pop-culture commentary.
My example below is an older reel, but it’s one of the best whiteboard moments I’ve seen so far.
See it in action → Anika Wells uses Rory Gilmore to explain energy options
Why it works:
The pop-culture references are popular with a large percent of her target audience (millennial women) unlike coal, gas and renewables.
The whiteboard is filled with images she can engage with - not just writing on the board. The visuals are easier to recognise than handwritten words and more compelling.
The tight framing of the shot keeps the focus firmly on Anika, while creating a sense of mystery as to what’s behind her on the board. That keeps you watching longer.
your move
This Week’s Challenge: Experiment with a visual hook to stop the scroll.
Stand in front of the camera, take a deep breath… and your audience has already scrolled on. A static talking head just doesn’t cut it anymore. But it’s any easy fix, as a bit of motion right at the start of your reel can grab attention in the first second.
Here are some examples you can try:
Drive into the frame, like Rebecca Young
Pan across an object before revealing yourself, like Georgie Purcell
Use a quick animation effect, like Paul Scully
That’s it for this week!
If you try the challenge, I’d love to see it — either tag me in the comments or send it in a DM to @katewilson.au
Until next time,
Kate
