Above the fold refers to the portion of a webpage that is visible without requiring users to scroll down. This term originates from print media, where important content was placed on the upper half of a folded newspaper to ensure it captured readers’ attention immediately. For digital products like websites, this concept remains crucial as it influences user engagement and behaviour.
Content positioned above the fold is often deemed more valuable because it is typically seen first by visitors. This is why web designers and SEOs strive to place key elements such as headlines, images, calls-to-action (CTAs), or essential information in this prime real estate. The rationale behind this strategy lies in statistics indicating that users are less likely to engage with content further down a page if they do not find what they need quickly.
