The video has ended β and at this moment, the viewer has literally three options: close the tab, watch a similar video from recommendations, or check the comments. Surprisingly often, the third option is chosen, especially if a phrase like "I'll leave the link in the comments" or "details below" was mentioned at the end of the video. The problem is that at this moment, the comments section is usually empty, or there is a random first comment from a stranger who caught the viewer's attention before the author.
We noticed this mechanism when analyzing where the traffic from videos goes, especially those where the script clearly referenced "check the link in the comments." It turned out that some viewers indeed go to the comments for this reason β but if it's empty or if the first comment is irrelevant and from a bot, all that reference in the script simply goes to waste. Thus, the first comment transformed from a formality into a separate retention tool, which in Telematic operates automatically right after the video is released.
Why the First Comment, and Not Any Comment
Comments under videos are sorted by various principles depending on the platform and user settings, but the first comment, published immediately after the video release by the author or a related account, almost always receives the formatting of a "pinned" comment or simply remains visible without scrolling. This is the only guaranteed point where the author can address the viewer directly at the moment of maximum engagement β right after watching, while attention has not yet shifted.
That is why an empty or random first comment is a missed opportunity. If a viewer specifically goes to the comments for additional links or material and sees either silence or someone else's remark, trust in the channel slightly diminishes, and the desired action β clicking the link, subscribing, moving to the next material β does not occur.
How This Works on YouTube
In Telematic, after a video is published on YouTube, the system can automatically post the first comment on behalf of the channel β immediately, without the delay typical of organic comments from viewers. This comment usually contains additional links or material: a link to a related resource, a continuation of the topic, an answer to a question from the video β in other words, exactly what was announced in the script with the words "details in the comments."
Technically, for this function on a YouTube account, access with comment management rights (force-ssl scope) is required β without it, the API simply does not allow comments to be published programmatically on behalf of the channel. This is a one-time authorization setup, not something that needs to be repeated for each video.
How This Works in Telegram β and Why It's More Complicated
In Telegram, the mechanism is fundamentally different, and it's easy to make mistakes here. A post in a Telegram channel does not have "comments" in the traditional sense β discussion exists only if a separate discussion group is linked to the channel, and it is there, not "under the post," that any reply to the publication technically goes.
When we were figuring out this mechanism ourselves, we found that the first comment from a bot can either be neatly integrated into the discussion chain of a specific post or β if the bot is not a member of that group β simply not be sent or end up as a lost message without being tied to the post. Therefore, in Telematic, the first comment in Telegram is sent specifically to the linked discussion group, with a response to a specific post, rather than as a separate message in the channel. The condition for correct operation is simple but mandatory: the bot on behalf of which the publication is made must be added as a participant in that discussion group in advance. Without this step, the automatic comment technically has nowhere to be sent.
What to Write in the First Comment for It to Work
Automation solves the delivery issue but does not address the content issue β and the effectiveness of the retention mechanism depends on the content. Here are several working principles:
Clear Connection to the Script. If the video itself included a trigger phrase ("link below," "details in the comments"), the first comment must contain exactly what was promised β otherwise, the viewer loses trust on the second step of interaction with the channel.
Specific Action. The comment works better when it offers one clear action β click the link, answer a question, view related material β rather than a general thank you for watching.
Different Text for Different Platforms. The comment for YouTube and the reply in a Telegram discussion do not have to be identical: the audience and context differ, and the text should be adapted to the specific platform just as the description of the post itself is adapted.
Common Reasons Why the First Comment Is Not Published
If the automatic comment did not appear under the video, the reason is almost always one of two things. For YouTube β lack of the necessary access rights on the account: without permission to manage comments, the API silently rejects the request to publish. For Telegram β the bot is not a member of the discussion group linked to the channel: in this case, it is technically impossible to determine which post to tie the reply to, and it either does not get sent or is lost as a separate message without context.
Both problems are solved once during the channel setup phase, not with each publication β but that is why they are easy to overlook and then spend a long time searching for the reason why the function "does not work," when in fact it is simply not activated technically.
The First Comment as Part of the Funnel, Not Just Decoration
If we view the video publication not as a one-time action but as a chain of touchpoints with the viewer, the first comment is the last link in this chain that is still under the author's control. The title and thumbnail lead the viewer to click, the script and editing keep them engaged until the end of the viewing, and the first comment determines what will happen in the next ten seconds after the video ends. Skipping this step is the same as leading someone through the entire journey and losing them at the last meter.