Give the first frame a job

Show viewers what to look for as soon as the clip starts.

Show what’s about to happen

Start with a shot that gives the viewer something specific to follow. If a clip is about a last-second play, show the clock and the ball in the opening shot. If it’s about a reaction, start close enough to see it and use a short caption if the context needs a line.

Watch the opening with sound off

Play the export on a phone. Check whether you can tell who or what to watch without relying on the audio. If the viewer has to read a long setup before they can follow the action, see whether a different shot or a shorter caption will do the job.

Change one thing for the next cut

Try a different opening shot while keeping the rest of the edit similar. Where comparable watch data is available, check how viewers respond to the two openings. Record the page and posting window too, since both can affect the comparison.