Slide Text
6 strange but fascinating things you'll actually wanna understand
Visual
A cozy, dimly lit desk setup with a candle, fountain pens, and books.
All Slides
@ansiarqv carousel breakdown
anna 𐙚
tg channel | https://t.me/ansiarqvv | #motivation #inspiration #studytok #changeforthebetter #fyp #journaling #books #study
Effectiveness score
9/10
Views
166.6K
Likes
30.6K
Saves
18.1K
Engagement
30.2%
Hook
6 strange but fascinating things you'll actually wanna understand
Goal
build-community
Offer
information
CTA
Describe your goals or wishes in the comments.
Caption
tg channel | https://t.me/ansiarqvv | #motivation #inspiration #studytok #changeforthebetter #fyp #journaling #books #study
Strategic Summary
This carousel went viral due to an extreme bookmark rate (18× library norm) driven by reference-worthy intellectual content wrapped in aspirational dark academia aesthetics. The hook promises 'strange but fascinating' knowledge that triggers curiosity while the 6-topic list format creates completion bias. Comments reveal strong identity alignment with intellectually curious students seeking self-improvement pathways, with Slide 6's embarrassing memory point generating the most emotional resonance.
The Winning Formula
Dark academia aesthetic + philosophical questions + 3 actionable exploration steps per topic + open-ended CTA for personalized follow-up content.
What's working
- •Slide 1 hook uses 'strange but fascinating' framing that triggers curiosity without feeling like generic listicle content
- •Each content slide (2-6) pairs a philosophical question with exactly 3 concrete actions, making abstract concepts feel achievable
- •Visual consistency across all 8 slides maintains the dark academia aesthetic identity that audience self-selects into
- •Slide 7 CTA transforms passive viewers into active commenters by offering personalized content creation based on their goals
- •Extreme bookmark rate (10.83%) indicates content is saved as reference material, not just consumed
What's not working
- •Slide 8 wastes final real estate with generic 'Thanks for watching' instead of follow prompt or save reminder
- •Slide 5 simulation theory may be too abstract compared to more relatable topics like time perception or memory
- •No explicit save prompt despite 18× bookmark performance—could amplify this signal
Viral lesson
Intellectual curiosity content performs when wrapped in strong aesthetic identity that signals 'this is who I am' to the target audience, with actionable steps that make philosophy feel accessible rather than intimidating.
Can a small creator replicate this? Any creator can replicate this with consistent visual aesthetic commitment and genuine intellectual topics, but requires authenticity in the niche—forced dark academia will feel hollow to the audience.
Structural Formula (steal-the-format)
Structure pattern
8-slide carousel: hook slide with numbered promise, 5 content slides each with 1 philosophical question + 3 actionable suggestions, 1 community CTA slide, 1 closing slide
Copy formula
second-person question + hyphenated 3-item action list per slide, white serif text on photography backgrounds
What to swap (concrete remixes)
- •Swap philosophical questions for industry-specific curiosity gaps for professional development audience (e.g., '6 strange but fascinating things about marketing you'll actually wanna understand')
- •Swap dark academia aesthetic for minimalist tech aesthetic for productivity/SaaS audience maintaining the question + 3 actions structure
- •Swap intellectual topics for wellness/health topics for fitness audience (e.g., '6 strange but fascinating things about your metabolism')
- •Swap individual creator CTA for community challenge CTA for brand accounts seeking engagement
What NOT to copy
The specific dark academia aesthetic is deeply tied to this creator's identity and audience—copying the visual style without authentic connection to the lifestyle will feel hollow and performative to the target audience.
Aesthetics
Dark academia photography with warm candlelit desk scenes, vintage books, and white serif typography overlays
Color palette
What it conveys: The overall aesthetic creates feelings of intellectual curiosity, cozy solitude, and aspirational self-improvement—viewers feel like they're being invited into a thoughtful scholar's private study space.
Slide-by-slide forensics
1hookoverheadcurious warmthworks:yesgrab:85/100aesthetic:88/1006 strange but fascinating things you'll actually wanna understand
6 strange but fascinating things you'll actually wanna understand
Visual description
Warm candlelit desk scene with stacked books (Jane Austen visible), lit candle in glass holder, ink bottles in wooden tray, glass of milk, handwritten journal page, plant, and Apple computer in background. Overhead angle with moody golden hour lighting.
Scene setting
cozy study desk with warm candlelight
Visible objects
Products on screen
Predicted audience reaction
Dark academia enthusiasts immediately self-identify with this aesthetic and promise of intellectual content.
Verdict: Hook successfully combines curiosity trigger ('strange but fascinating') with aesthetic identity signaling that locks in target audience.
2step in listclose upcontemplativeworks:yesgrab:75/100aesthetic:82/100Why does time feel fast when we're older?
– read about "chronoception"
– journal how your sense of time changes with mood
– explore the concept of "psychological time"
Why does time feel fast when we're older? – read about "chronoception" – journal how your sense of time changes with mood – explore the concept of "psychological time"
Visual description
Vintage teacup with saucer resting on stack of books including Emma by Jane Austen and The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis. Warm filtered lighting with classical art visible in background.
Scene setting
bookshelf corner with teacup
Visible objects
Other text elements
- •EMMA Jane Austen
- •THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT WALTER TEVIS
vs prior slide
Style: Same white serif typography on warm moody background with books as central visual element
Story: Moves from hook promise to first substantive topic with 3 actionable suggestions
Predicted audience reaction
Relatable universal experience (time perception) with intellectual framing makes audience feel seen and curious.
Verdict: Strong topic selection—time perception is universally relatable yet feels intellectually sophisticated.
3step in listflat layintrospectiveworks:yesgrab:73/100aesthetic:80/100What happens when you dream?
– keep a dream log every morning
– learn the basics of lucid dreaming
– research the REM state + subconscious symbols
What happens when you dream? – keep a dream log every morning – learn the basics of lucid dreaming – research the REM state + subconscious symbols
Visual description
Nightstand flat-lay with white cassette player/tape recorder, coffee cup, Rhode lip product, REFY card, wired earphones, and various small objects on dark wood surface. Cozy nighttime bedroom aesthetic.
Scene setting
bedside table at night
Visible objects
Products on screen
Other text elements
- •rhode
- •REFY
vs prior slide
Style: Maintains white serif text on moody background, shifts from book-focused to personal objects
Story: Second topic continues the question + 3 actions pattern established in slide 2
Predicted audience reaction
Dream content triggers personal curiosity, with comment 'is lucid dreaming like shifting?' showing engagement.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "is lucid dreaming like shifting?"
Verdict: Dreams are inherently fascinating and personal, lucid dreaming mention creates specific hook for niche audience.
4step in listoverheadexistentialworks:yesgrab:76/100aesthetic:83/100Who are you, really?
– watch videos on the "illusion of self" (Sam Harris, Kurzgesagt)
– try meditating for 5 minutes
– write down what "you" even means to you
Who are you, really? – watch videos on the "illusion of self" (Sam Harris, Kurzgesagt) – try meditating for 5 minutes – write down what "you" even means to you
Visual description
Cluttered study desk with open lined notebook, pen, stacked books, glass jar candle, earbuds case, binder clips, and various stationery items. Natural daylight with warm tone overlay.
Scene setting
active study workspace
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Consistent white serif typography on warm desk photography, returns to notebook/study focus
Story: Third topic deepens from external phenomena (time, dreams) to internal identity question
Predicted audience reaction
Identity question creates personal investment—audience must self-reflect while reading.
Verdict: Most philosophically deep slide creates strongest emotional investment, specific creator mentions (Sam Harris, Kurzgesagt) add credibility.
5step in listmedium shotphilosophicalworks:partialgrab:78/100aesthetic:86/100Are we in a simulation?
– explore Nick Bostrom's theory
– compare it to Plato's cave + The Matrix
– write down what would actually change if it were true
Are we in a simulation? – explore Nick Bostrom's theory – compare it to Plato's cave + The Matrix – write down what would actually change if it were true
Visual description
Wall-mounted shelf with framed art including Harry Potter Daily Prophet print, lit pillar candles, small figurines (Harry Potter characters visible), stacked books, decorative objects. Warm ambient candlelight.
Scene setting
decorated wall shelf with candles
Visible objects
Other text elements
- •DAILY PROPHET
- •BOY WHO LIVED
- •THE BOOK THIEF
- •MARKUS ZUSAK
vs prior slide
Style: Same typography and warm lighting, shifts from desk to wall/shelf display
Story: Fourth topic escalates to most abstract philosophical question (simulation theory)
Predicted audience reaction
Simulation theory is trendy but may feel too abstract compared to more personal topics.
Verdict: intellectually interesting but less personally actionable than other slides, no comments reference this topic.
6step in listmedium shotintriguedworks:yesgrab:82/100aesthetic:89/100Your body is weirder than you think
– why do we hiccup?
– why do we remember embarrassing things 10 years later?
– read about phantom limbs or split-brain experiments
Your body is weirder than you think – why do we hiccup? – why do we remember embarrassing things 10 years later? – read about phantom limbs or split-brain experiments
Visual description
Vanity-style setup with gold-framed mirror, hanging plants (pothos), white classical bust sculptures, paintbrushes in holder, dried flowers, glass bottles, and anatomical illustration papers on surface.
Scene setting
vanity desk with mirror and plants
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Maintains white serif text and warm aesthetic, introduces mirror/plant elements for visual variety
Story: Fifth topic returns to more accessible bodily phenomena after abstract simulation theory
Predicted audience reaction
Most comment engagement—embarrassing memory point is highly relatable and emotionally resonant.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "We remember things bc they trigger emotion. If it's embarassing, I will most definitely remember it for the rest of my life"
Verdict: Highest engagement slide—embarrassing memory question creates instant personal connection and comment response.
7ctaoverheadinvitingworks:yesgrab:70/100aesthetic:84/100If you have specific goals or wishes, describe them in the comments, and I'll come up with ideas on how to achieve them. Tell me what you want to learn about, and I'll try to release new videos as soon as possible — maybe they'll help you.
If you have specific goals or wishes, describe them in the comments, and I'll come up with ideas on how to achieve them. Tell me what you want to learn about, and I'll try to release new videos as soon as possible — maybe they'll help you.
Visual description
Floor or table covered with scattered sketchbooks, drawing papers with anatomical/artistic sketches, and stacked black notebooks. Overhead view with warm filtered lighting creating cohesive artistic chaos.
Scene setting
artist workspace with scattered sketches
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Same warm aesthetic and white serif text, shifts from finished decor to work-in-progress creative space
Story: Transitions from informational content to interactive community engagement
Predicted audience reaction
Generates specific goal-sharing comments (fashion designer, writer, guitarist, languages) showing strong response.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "I want to be a fashion designer.. I will be glad if you make a content about this.."
- "I want to be a writer can you make videos about it?"
- "What if I dream to be a guitarist"
- "I want to learn the languages of the world"
Verdict: Effective CTA that transforms passive viewers into active participants, generates specific content requests for future videos.
8breatherwide shotgratefulworks:nograb:40/100aesthetic:90/100Thanks for watching
Thanks for watching
Visual description
Cozy cluttered room corner with bookshelf filled with stacked books, lit lamp, plant, desk with open books, laptop displaying movie/frame, blanket, candle. Maximum dark academia clutter aesthetic with warm lighting.
Scene setting
cluttered cozy study room
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Most visually rich slide with maximum book/decor density, maintains warm lighting and white text
Story: Generic closing doesn't build on CTA momentum from slide 7
Predicted audience reaction
Appreciative but missed opportunity for follow prompt or save reminder given bookmark performance.
Verdict: Wastes final slide real estate—should prompt follows or saves instead of generic thanks given 18× bookmark rate.
Commerce intent
Comment ethnography
Audience self-identifies as intellectually curious students/creatives seeking self-improvement pathways, with shared language around 'restarts', imposter syndrome, and specific creative career aspirations.
Comments that characterize the audience
- "Honestly speaking I want to have a restart. Why? Its due to the fact that past mistakes, uncompleted goals, and lost passions- are haunting me."
- "I want to know how to be smart. Anytime I wanna study I always feel doubt first"
- "I want to be a writer can you make videos about it?"
Pain points revealed
- •past mistakes, uncompleted goals, and lost passions- are haunting me
- •Anytime I wanna study I always feel doubt first
- •I can't seem to read, without remembering the fact that I once could read 300 pages in a day
Aspirations revealed
- •I want to have a restart
- •I want to be a fashion designer
- •I want to be a writer
- •i wanna make a new friend by the end of the month
- •I want to learn the languages of the world
Top questions asked
- •I want to be a fashion designer.. I will be glad if you make a content about this..
- •I want to be a writer can you make videos about it?
- •I want to learn the languages of the world
- •What if I dream to be a guitarist
- •is lucid dreaming like shifting?
- •I want to know how to be smart. Anytime I wanna study I always feel doubt first
Diagnostics
Hook deep-dive
6 strange but fascinating things you'll actually wanna understand
The combination of 'strange but fascinating' creates curiosity gap while 'you'll actually wanna' implies personal relevance, making viewers feel this content was made specifically for their intellectual interests.
Engagement read
Bookmark rate (10.83%) is 18× the library norm (0.60%) while comment rate (0.03%) is below norm—indicates save-for-reference behavior over discussion behavior.
Mechanics
Each slide poses a new philosophical question that creates micro-curiosity loops, forcing swipe to discover next topic
Brand & funnel
Brands visible
Buying-journey moment: Viewer is in early discovery phase—identifying with the intellectual/creative identity before any purchase consideration.
Ideal Customer Profile
Intellectually curious students and young adults who value aesthetic, 'dark academia' vibes and are seeking deeper meaning in their daily routines.
Age
18-24
Gender
female
Readability
simple
Interests
Pain Points
Aspirations
Emotional Profile
Primary Emotion
curiosityIntensity
Effectiveness
Emotions Evoked
Emotional Arc
curiosity → intellectual engagement → reflection → community connection
Why It Lands
The content makes the viewer feel like they are part of an 'inner circle' of thinkers, providing a sense of intellectual validation and calm through the aesthetic.
Writing Analysis
Style
educational
Tone
aspirational
Hook Type
listicle
Quality
The writing is concise, punchy, and perfectly suited for a quick-swipe format. It balances deep, complex topics with simple, actionable steps.
Effectiveness
Goal Achievement
The high number of bookmarks indicates the content is highly valued as a resource, which is the primary goal for this type of creator.
Why It Spread
high save-to-view ratio (18k bookmarks on 166k views)
perfect alignment with the 'dark academia' aesthetic trend
low-friction, high-value content that makes the user feel smarter
Content DNA
The CTA is effective because it offers a direct benefit (personalized ideas) in exchange for engagement, which is a strong reciprocity trigger.
Narrative Arc
The carousel builds tension by presenting increasingly complex and fascinating topics, culminating in a community-building CTA.
Psychological Blueprint
Why It Spread
The post perfectly aligns high-value, intellectual curiosity with a highly shareable, 'saveable' aesthetic. By combining deep, existential questions with actionable, low-barrier tasks (e.g., 'watch a video', 'write down'), it makes the user feel smarter just by saving it. The 30% engagement rate is driven by the 'save' action, as users bookmark it to reference the 'strange things' later, creating a high-value utility for the viewer.
Framework
listicle revelationPrimary Tactic
curiosity gapTactics Used
curiosity gap on slide 1: '6 strange but fascinating things' creates an immediate need to know what they are
pattern interrupt: using high-aesthetic, moody imagery to stop the scroll in a sea of high-energy video content
reciprocity: offering to create personalized content for the audience in the comments on slide 9
identity-signaling: using dark academia imagery to signal to the target audience that this content is for them
Cognitive Biases
Zeigarnik effect: the list format forces the viewer to finish the carousel to close the 'open loops' created by the questions
curiosity gap: the specific, slightly obscure topics (e.g., 'chronoception') trigger a desire to resolve the information gap
Tribal Markers
Trust Signals
Slide Breakdown (8 analyzed)
Text
6 strange but fascinating things you'll actually wanna understand
Visual
A cozy, dimly lit desk setup with a candle, fountain pens, and books.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the reader needs to know what the 6 things are
Visual Psychology
Attention: the bright candle flame and the headline text
Emotional cue: warm lighting creates a sense of comfort and focus
Composition: centered text creates a clear focal point for the hook
Text
Why does time feel fast when we're older? - read about 'chronoception' - journal how your sense of time changes with mood - explore the concept of 'psychological time'
Visual
A teacup resting on a stack of books.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the prompt to journal keeps the user engaged
Visual Psychology
Attention: the teacup and the text
Emotional cue: the teacup evokes a sense of slow, intentional living
Composition: the stack of books grounds the text, making it feel like a lesson
Text
What happens when you dream? - keep a dream log every morning - learn the basics of lucid dreaming - research the REM state + subconscious symbols
Visual
A bedside table with a cassette player, coffee, and polaroids.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the mystery of dreams is a universal hook
Visual Psychology
Attention: the cassette player
Emotional cue: nostalgic items evoke curiosity
Composition: cluttered but intentional layout suggests a busy, creative mind
Text
Who are you, really? - watch videos on the 'illusion of self' (Sam Harris, Kurzgesagt) - try meditating for 5 minutes - write down what 'you' even means to you
Visual
A desk with open journals and books.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the existential question invites deep thought
Visual Psychology
Attention: the open journal
Emotional cue: the open journal implies a call to action for the viewer
Composition: the desk setup creates a sense of an 'intellectual workspace'
Text
Are we in a simulation? - explore Nick Bostrom's theory - compare it to Plato's cave + The Matrix - write down what would actually change if it were true
Visual
A desk with candles and pop culture references.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the simulation theory is a classic curiosity hook
Visual Psychology
Attention: the candles
Emotional cue: the candles create a mysterious, philosophical mood
Composition: the arrangement of books and figurines suggests a well-read, curious owner
Text
Your body is weirder than you think - why do we hiccup? - why do we remember embarrassing things 10 years later? - read about phantom limbs or split brain experiments
Visual
A desk with a bust of David and plants.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the question about embarrassing memories is highly relatable
Visual Psychology
Attention: the bust of David
Emotional cue: the classical bust adds an intellectual, artistic flair
Composition: the plants and pens create a balanced, calm aesthetic
Text
If you have specific goals or wishes, describe them in the comments, and I'll come up with ideas on how to achieve them. Tell me what you want to learn about, and I'll try to release new videos as soon as possible — maybe they'll help you.
Visual
A floor covered in sketches and books.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: no, this is a clear call to action
Visual Psychology
Attention: the mass of papers
Emotional cue: the abundance of papers suggests a productive, creative process
Composition: the wide shot creates a sense of openness and invitation
Text
Thanks for watching
Visual
A cozy room with a bookshelf and a laptop.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: no
Visual Psychology
Attention: the laptop screen
Emotional cue: the cozy room evokes a sense of completion and warmth
Composition: the final slide provides a sense of closure to the carousel
Comment Intelligence
Sentiment
PositiveResonance
Intent
build-community
Audience Vibe
Intellectual, appreciative, and eager for more content.
Standout Quotes
“This is exactly what I needed to read today.”
“The aesthetic is so calming, I saved this immediately.”
“I love how you combined philosophy with daily habits.”
Top Comments
We remember things bc they trigger emotion. If it’s embarassing, I will most definitely remember it for the rest of my life🥹✌️
Cleaning my for you page by interacting with this content
cleaning my fyp
Honestly speaking I want to have a restart. Why? Its due to the fact that past mistakes, uncompleted goals, and lost passions- are haunting me. I can't seem to read, without remembering the fact that I once could read 300 pages in a day. It's quite depressing.
this is so inspirational, thank you🫂