Foreshadowing is a narrative technique that hints at future events in a through dialogue, visuals, or symbols. It plants subtle clues that pay off later in the story. It prepares the audience for what’s to come, often without them realizing it at first.
Foreshadowing builds anticipation, tension, cohesion, and creates satisfying payoffs later in the story. It rewards attentive viewers, creates thematic depth, and makes payoffs feel earned rather than random. It adds layers of meaning and encourages viewers to rewatch or reanalyze earlier scenes.
Incorporate visual, audio, or dialogue cues early in your video that tie into later moments. It’s especially powerful in story-driven content, thrillers, and brand videos with long-form narratives.
Keep it subtle – Avoid making foreshadowing too obvious; let viewers feel rewarded when connections emerge.
Integrate naturally – Use dialogue, props, or visual motifs that don’t feel forced or out of place.
Pay it off – Ensure foreshadowing elements resolve later, reinforcing narrative cohesion.