Posted on: July 3, 2025, 6:57 a.m.
Clickbait might feel like a modern internet annoyance, but the truth is—it’s been around for over a century. From tabloid newspapers to viral TikToks, the art of capturing attention with bold, emotional headlines has evolved with every new medium.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of clickbait, how it’s adapted to different platforms, and what it means for content creators and consumers today.
The origins of clickbait lie in yellow journalism—sensationalized headlines in newspapers designed to boost sales.
Example (1920s): “BABY BORN WITH 3 HEADS – SCIENTISTS BAFFLED!”
These headlines used fear, shock, and curiosity to sell papers, even if the truth was buried deep—or wildly exaggerated.
As media shifted to TV, the format evolved. Late-night infomercials and talk shows used similar techniques:
“You Won’t Believe This Household Item Can Melt Fat!” “Stay Tuned for the Secret to Eternal Youth”
They built anticipation with cliffhangers and big promises, just like today’s clickbait.
With the rise of BuzzFeed, Upworthy, and viral content farms, clickbait flourished on social media.
Classic headlines: “What Happens Next Will Blow Your Mind” “This Video Restored My Faith in Humanity”
These titles spread like wildfire thanks to emotional appeal and curiosity gaps.
Today, clickbait has taken new forms:
It’s no longer just about headlines—it’s about micro-moments that grab attention in seconds.
Attention is currency. As platforms evolve, creators learn to optimize content for:
The tactics change, but the goal is the same: stop the scroll.
It depends.
| Then (Tabloid) | Now (TikTok, YouTube) | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | Mostly text-based | Visual, fast, interactive | | Hard to verify | Fact-checking is easier, but so is misinformation | | Sensational for profit | Often optimized for algorithms, not truth |
Today’s clickbait can be more engaging and creative, but also easier to manipulate.
Creators today face a dilemma: Be attention-grabbing enough to compete—but honest enough to keep trust.
The solution?
Clickbait isn’t a phase—it’s an ever-evolving tactic built into the DNA of media. Whether you’re a reader trying to avoid being misled, or a creator aiming to grow ethically, understanding the evolution of clickbait is key to navigating today’s attention economy.
Curious if your headline goes too far? Run it through isitclickbait.com and find out instantly.