Analyzer
Hook Rate Benchmark
Calculate hook rate (thumbstop rate) for Meta, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, compare it to 2026 benchmark ranges, and diagnose whether your video ad needs a stronger first frame, tighter body, or clearer CTA.
Topic Hub
Creative Analytics
Master data-driven creative optimization with definitions, calculators, and benchmark tools for the metrics that predict ad performance — from thumbstop and hold rate through ThruPlay and video completion.
21 curated resources across metrics, tools, templates, guides, articles, and comparisons
Metrics & Definitions
Core glossary terms, formulas, and benchmark context for this topic.
MetricsTSR
Thumbstop Rate
Percentage of users who pause scrolling to view content for a meaningful duration.
(Total Meaningful Views / Total Impressions) × 100
Metrics
Hold Rate
Percentage of hooked viewers (3-second video views) who keep watching to the 15-second mark.
(15-Second Video Views / 3-Second Video Views) × 100
Metrics
ThruPlay Rate
Percentage of video plays that result in complete views or 15-second watches.
(ThruPlays / Video Plays) × 100
MetricsVCR
Video Completion Rate
The percentage of video ad impressions where users watch to completion (100%).
VCR = (Complete Views / Video Starts) × 100
Metrics
Thumbstop Click Rate
Percentage of users who click after meaningfully pausing to view content.
(Clicks from Thumbstops / Total Meaningful Views) × 100
Metrics
Cost Per ThruPlay
Average cost of achieving a ThruPlay (complete view or 15-second watch) for video ads.
Total Ad Spend / Total ThruPlays
Tools & Calculators
Interactive calculators, analyzers, and generators to apply these concepts.
Templates
Downloadable templates that operationalize this topic in your workflow.
Guides
Educational guides and platform specifications.
Articles & Benchmarks
Deep dives, benchmark reports, and strategic analysis from the AdSights blog.
Decoding the Data Story: Transforming Metrics into Creative Insights
Learn how to transform raw advertising metrics into actionable creative insights through data storytelling and interpretation. Master the art of deriving meaningful narratives from campaign data.
The Death of the 'Winning Ad': Why Creative Feature Models Matter More Than Ad-Level Tests
As Meta automates audience, placement, budget, and creative optimization, the hunt for a single winning ad is a weaker scientific unit. The better question is which creative features—hooks, proof, messengers, contexts—compound signal across delivery environments.
How to Read Video Metrics in Meta Ads Manager (Thumbstop, Hold & ThruPlay)
Meta Ads Manager hides the creative diagnostics that matter behind custom columns. This walkthrough shows exactly where to find thumbstop, hold, and ThruPlay — and how to read them without false conclusions.
Metric Comparisons
Side-by-side guides explaining when to use each metric and how they differ.
CTRvsThumbstop Rate
CTR vs Thumbstop Rate
Link clicks after the impression vs video hook rate at 3 seconds.
Hold RatevsThruPlay Rate
Hold Rate vs ThruPlay Rate
Retention after the hook vs completion against all video plays.
VCRvsThruPlay Rate
VCR vs ThruPlay Rate
Percent who finish the video vs platform ThruPlay engagement threshold.
