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Hayden Hillier-Smith

Editor & retention strategist

Hayden Hillier-Smith is an editor and strategist known for retention mechanics, pacing, and narrative structure in long- and short-form video.

Known for deep analysis of YouTube retention, pacing, and narrative structure. Frequently cited for explaining why viewers stay or leave.

Expertise

retention · pacing · narrative structure · editing psychology

Related Clipipedia concepts

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Retention

Retention is the percentage of a clip that an average viewer watches before dropping off.

Concept
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Retention Curve

A retention curve plots the percentage of viewers still watching at each second of a clip.

Concept
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Open Loop

An open loop is an unresolved question or tension that keeps the viewer watching for the answer.

Concept
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Pattern Interrupt

A pattern interrupt breaks the viewer’s expected rhythm, a cut, zoom, sound, or line that resets attention.

Concept
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Emotional Pacing

Emotional pacing is the rhythm of feeling across a clip, when tension rises, releases, or turns.

Concept

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