Definition
Thumbstop rate
Thumbstop rate is a measure of how well your first seconds stop a user from scrolling.
What it means
Thumbstop rate isn’t always reported as a single metric in every platform, but the concept is consistent: your opening must earn attention. Practically, you infer it from early engagement signals like 2-second views, 3-second views, and hold rate.
Why it matters
- If you don’t win the first seconds, the rest of the ad doesn’t matter.
How to improve it
- Use a strong hook with clear audience/problem/outcome.
- Show the product/result immediately (proof-first).
- Cut anything that delays the point (intros, greetings, filler).
Common mistakes
- Slow intros
- Abstract hooks without payoff
- Overlong setup
Related terms
Apply this with free tools
Use August Ads tools to generate better hooks and scripts, then test variants: