How to actually read a retention graph (start here)

Most people look at the average and stop. The average tells you almost nothing. The shape tells you everything.

Cliff in the first 5s: packaging mismatch. They came for something you didn't deliver. Fix the hook or the title, not the edit.

Steady decay, no cliffs: healthy. This is what good looks like. Don't chase it flat, that's not achievable.

Sag in the middle then recovery: you buried something good. Move it earlier.

Spike: people rewatched. Find the frame. That's your most valuable second — make more of those.

Flat then cliff at the end: your ending signals "over" too early. Usually a music resolve or a wide shot.