Clickbait - How Influencers Attract the Attention of Recipients
Have you ever clicked on a YouTube video or read a Twitter post just because you saw a shocking title on your homepage? However, later on while watching the video or browsing the content, you realize that title was heavily exaggerated and misled your expectations ... You need to know that it was probably the intention of the creators to convince you to view their post.
CLICKBAIT - WHAT IS IT?
Clickbait is made up of two words click and bait. In other words, clickbait is an internet action that aims to attract the recipient through surprising titles or miniatures that spice up the reality. Clickbait tries to interest social media users and encourage them to click on a particular headline, post or button.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE CLICKBAIT:
1. Clickbaits often consist of short sentences, especially single words using Caps Lock: “Unbelievable! The actor pleaded guilty. "
2. Exaggerations and very emotional words are used :" She put on a white dress for the ball and you WILL NEVER BELIEVE what happened! "
3. The so-called words of promises that are supposed to give you a quick solution to a problem or answers to bothering questions: "Test a new phone - CHECK if it is worth the money"
4. The headlines show a misleading - there is a grain of truth in it, but usually such headlines made to be shocking.
5. Eye-catching colors (like red, bright shades, etc.) and fonts are usually used. Clickbait thumbnails are not meant to be aesthetic, but they are supposed to attract the viewer's attention.
IS IT WORTH USING CLICKBAITS?
We are currently bombarded with all kinds of content. It's very hard to stand out from all of this news. Providing valuable content, does not always attract as many people as we would like to. That is why even excellent journalists sometimes use clickbaits. Remember, however, that using them is very risky and may bring more harm than good. If the recipient doesn't get what he expected more than once, he may feel disappointed and your credibility will definitely suffer.
THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS
Every clickbait has a little different purpose. If it is only a clever technique in order to attract the recipient - there is nothing harmful in it. By providing only part of the information in the headline, the potential reader is encouraged to read the rest of the text. Saying: "We know who is the secret love interest of a famous actor" will make us want to learn her identity and read the article. If the author revealed her name in the title, we would not have to read the rest of the text.
IS IT LEGAL?
Using clickbaits is legal. Their status is not fully specified, and there would be no point in prosecuting their creators. It is difficult to create any paragraph that forbids the use of clickbaits. It is different in case of fake news.
CAN USING CLICKBAIT BE A DANGEROUS?
We waste time through clickbaits. You're somehow forced to read a long article that might not really interest you at all, and you've opened it just because of the catchy headline. This situation can be irritating for many users. Moreover, the use of clickbaits is the easiest way to generate fake news. People remember the headlines without reading the article and spread the content among their friends.
To sum up, clickbaits are legal, but before using a catchy headline, think if it is really necessary. By overusing clickbaits, you can lose the trust of fans and contribute to creating fake news, which is not really in your best interest.
The Native Hash editorial team is made up of experienced specialists and enthusiasts of influencer marketing.