When retention drops after the first proof shot, what do you inspect first?

Asks which editable cause to inspect when short-video retention falls after the first proof moment.

A retention drop after the first proof shot feels different from a weak opening. The viewer stayed long enough to understand the promise, then left when the clip repeated, slowed, or failed to progress. I usually inspect the next cut, caption density, and whether the payoff became obvious too early. What do you check first when viewers leave after the first proof moment?