Clickbait
Learn clickbait definition and its usage in social media.
What does clickbait mean?
Clickbait refers to content, such as headlines, subject lines or images, designed to attract attention and entice users to click on a link. For instance, a headline like “You Won't Believe What Happened Next!” is designed to pique interest and make people click on the link. Clickbait often uses eye-catching or misleading titles to attract visitors to a webpage. While opinion is largely divided on whether to use clickbait, it has some indisputable benefits. Let’s look at them.
Key benefits of clickbait include:
- Attention-grabbing headlines and images tend to generate high click-through rates by sparking users' curiosity.
- Clickbait content often results in higher engagement rates as users are more likely to like, comment or share posts with intriguing or controversial headlines.
- Clickbait can go viral quickly, leading to a rapid increase in traffic and engagement, which can boost a brand's social media presence.
However, it is important to note that consistent use of clickbait can reduce trust and credibility, as users may feel deceived by sensationalist content.
Now that the clickbait meaning is clear, let’s jump into how to use clickbait.
When to use clickbait on social media
- While launching new campaigns — use clickbait to generate initial interest in a new product or campaign.
- Share posts that have the potential to go viral and attract significant engagement.
- Use clickbait strategically to drive traffic to important pages, such as landing pages or product announcements.
Additional Glossary Terms to Know