Do you know Mr. Beast? He is the richest Youtuber in the world and has one of the most followed channels on Youtube.
His channel boasts millions of subscribers and consistently shatters viewership records with outrageous stunts, mind-blowing giveaways, and chaotic challenges. But beyond the surface-level spectacle, Mr. Beast's success hinges on a surprisingly calculated approach that taps into human psychology
This article answers the question: how does Mr. Beast achieve such astronomical viewership numbers and how can you apply it to your content - regardless of the platform you create on?
Here are 3 techniques you can borrow from Mr. Beast to make your content stand out.
1. The Power of Perceived Effort
One of MrBeast's signature moves is the elaborate challenge. We've seen him attempt to read the dictionary aloud (a 1,746-page odyssey!), bury himself alive for 50 hours, or last to leave a circle for a hefty cash prize. While the challenges themselves might seem silly or outrageous, there's a hidden psychological principle at play here: the perception of effort.
Humans are wired to value things that appear to have required a significant investment of time and resources. This goes back to our evolutionary roots, where hard-to-obtained resources were often more valuable and reliable. When viewers see MrBeast pouring sweat and resources into creating his content, it subconsciously signals that the content itself must be valuable and worth watching.
How to Leverage Perceived Effort:
Offer a Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse: Don't just show the final product. Share snippets of the process, the challenges you faced, and the work that went into creating your content. This humanizes you and allows viewers to connect with your dedication.
Craft Titles that Highlight Commitment: Instead of generic titles, consider something like "The 72 Hours of Nonstop Research That Led to This Discovery", "5 Years of Writing on This Platform: Lessons Learned and Untold Struggles” or "The 100 Iterations it Took to Perfect This Recipe."
2. Signaling Quality by Investing in your Presentation
MrBeast doesn't skimp on production value. His videos are known for their high-quality visuals, clear sound design, and elaborate sets. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about subconsciously signaling quality. We often associate high production value with high-quality content.
In simpler terms, if something looks polished and professional, we're more likely to believe that the information it conveys is valuable as well. MrBeast understands this principle and uses it to his advantage.
How to Signal Quality:
Invest in the Basics: Ensure good lighting, sound quality, and clear visuals. Even small improvements can significantly enhance the perceived value of your content.
Show Your Research: Let viewers know you haven't cut corners. Briefly mention the resources you used, the experts you consulted, or the time you spent researching your topic.
3. Feeding The Curiosity Gap Using High Contrasts
MrBeast is a master of creating a curiosity gap. His video titles and thumbnails are cryptic enough to pique your interest, but not revealing enough to satisfy it. This gap between what you know and what you want to know creates a powerful urge to click and watch the video to find out more.
For instance, a title like "I Spent 50 Hours Buried Alive... What Happened?" leaves viewers with unanswered questions. Was it an endurance test? Did something terrifying happen? This unanswered question creates a compelling reason to watch the video.
How to Master the Curiosity Gap:
Craft Intriguing Headlines: Use questions, surprising statements, or cliffhangers in your titles. For example, instead of a straightforward "Top 10 Travel Destinations," consider something like "The 5 Most Unexpected Places You Never Knew Were Travel Gems.”
Tease Upcoming Content: Share snippets or hints about your upcoming content on social media to build anticipation.
Structure Your Content for Curiosity: Don't reveal everything upfront. Introduce mini-mysteries or challenges early on to keep viewers guessing about how it unfolds.
A Bonus Tactic: Utilize the Allure of Novelty
MrBeast frequently leverages the "novelty effect" to his advantage. His video titles, like "$10,000 every day you survive in a grocery store," is so unique that it taps into this human craving for the new and unusual. These bizarre scenarios spark curiosity and compel viewers to click to see what on earth is going on.
Incorporating Novelty:
Embrace Originality: While heavily copying MrBeast's style won't work, seek ways to inject unique elements into your content. Explore new formats, experiment with different storytelling techniques, or tackle unusual topics within your niche.
The Mr. Beast Formula is a powerful tool, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. These tactics work best when they're used authentically. Don't try to fake effort or pump out generic clickbait.
Focus on creating content that genuinely provides value to your audience, showcase your passion and dedication.
Ultimately, MrBeast's success isn't just about the stunts or the giveaways; it's about building a connection with his audience. He's built a loyal following by entertaining them, making them laugh, and sometimes even inspiring them.
