Metrics
Retention
Definition
Retention is the percentage of a clip that an average viewer watches before dropping off.
Full explanation
Retention describes how viewers move through a clip second by second. High average retention, and a flat, late drop-off curve, signals the content holds attention, which platforms reward with more distribution.
Why it matters
Retention is a primary ranking signal for short-form algorithms and a direct measure of clip quality.
How it works
Editors tighten pacing, remove dead air, and structure payoffs to keep the retention curve high through the clip.