Grab the viewer’s attention with a popular song
How to grab and hold your trailer viewer's attention?
One of the most effective tricks for capturing and maintaining a viewer's attention is to use a well-known popular song, remix, or cover.
Upon hearing familiar music, the viewer will either stay until the end to listen to it, be curious about how the song has been reworked and changed, or become engrossed in the visuals if the creators don't just use the song as background music but create unique experiences by combining the music, lyrics, and what's happening on the screen.
My collection includes 59 such trailers for now. I've compiled them into a playlist to share with you.
Some specific examples.
The electronic harpsichord itself is already mesmerizing, but combined with the unusual and mysterious visuals, it captures attention from the first seconds and holds it until the end.
Billie eilish's music is perfect for game trailers. dynamic and attention-grabbing on its own. And if Keanu Reeves promises you fun in the cyberpunk world, few will pass by.
Another good technique is to use modern music in a non-modern setting. This contrast enhances emotions. Here, the song's title and lyrics also work perfectly with the game and trailer's content.
Sometimes, using a famous song helps create or enhance a humour, which in itself increases viewer retention and works even more effectively when combined with the song.
When a song's meaning fits well with the plot, a stronger image forms in the viewer's perception. The game is enhanced by the emotions transferred from the song. Win-win.
Another example is when a well-known song is modernized with a cover or the participation of a contemporary popular musician. This can expand the audience that will be hooked by this video.
It seems impossible to find a better soundtrack for the character, game, and main game mechanics than this one. Just see for yourself how the song and gameplay of this game work together.
If a song grabs you from the first chord, the video will be watched to the end. Especially if it also features an unusual, captivating visual sequence.
Other Sand Land trailers just didn't grab me. But this one hits the mark 100%. The familiar tune grabs the attention from the very first seconds and, together with the excellent editing, keeps me hooked throughout the entire video.
Sometimes it's not just about using a popular track in a trailer, but creating a standalone music video. But that's another topic that requires separate coverage.
Stay tuned!