Ever wonder why some videos go viral while others get lost in the digital noise? I’m Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep into the psychology of engagement.
Imagine scrolling through social media, and suddenly, a piece of content stops you in your tracks. What makes that happen? Is it luck? Nope. It’s science. In this episode, I’ll reveal the three psychological triggers that transform ordinary content into something extraordinary.
We’ll explore how curiosity can hook your audience, why emotion is the secret sauce of memorable content, and how creating a mirror effect can make viewers see themselves in your work. I’ll share personal stories from my own journey of creating podcasts and videos, including the moment I realized that great content doesn’t just inform – it transforms.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone who wants to communicate more effectively, this episode will give you the tools to craft content that doesn’t just get views, but makes a real impact. Get ready to learn how to make people not just watch, but care.
Let’s dive in!
3 Hacks to take away
- The Three Psychological Triggers of Engagement
- Curiosity: Create content that leaves people wanting more, like using intriguing questions or Netflix-style cliffhangers
- Emotion: Tell personal stories that make people feel something, using contrast between struggle and success
- Identity: Help viewers see themselves reflected in your content, making them think “This could be me”
- Content is About Connection, Not Just Information
- People don’t engage with pure information; they engage with emotion and personal stories
- Sharing vulnerable moments and authentic experiences creates deeper audience connection
- The goal is to make people care, not just consume content
- Transformative Content Strategy
- Ask yourself three critical questions when creating content: 1. Am I making people curious? 2. Am I making them feel something? 3. Am I making them see themselves in my content?
- Shift from creating generic content to creating a space where people feel understood
- Focus on quality over quantity – it’s about better content, not more content
Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories? Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/hacksandhobbieshttp://hacksandhobbies.com/booking.

Junaid Ahmed has been a user experience designer for over 15 years. As a UX professional, he uses the user-centered design philosophy to come up with solutions. Trust the system, it works!
“People say that we only live once, but I believe in living every day!”
Junaid has been interviewing people from all walks of life on his podcast Hacks and Hobbies.