How long it takes to forget chart

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ebbinghaus-forget-curve

Most people forget 80% of what they learn within a few days. That’s not a guess—this chart, called the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve, shows it clearly.

Marketing lesson hiding in the curve

Your audience forgets fast. So if you’re only showing your message once, you’re basically invisible a week later. Repetition, reminders, and re-engagement are your secret weapons.

Why it works

  • Repetition strengthens memory pathways
  • Familiarity builds trust (and conversion)
  • Spaced reminders beat single blasts
  • Consistency keeps your brand “top of mind”

Real-world examples

  • Coca-Cola runs 4+ ads per viewer daily across media
  • Duolingo uses daily notifications to drive 2x user retention
  • Nike repeats "Just Do It" in every campaign for 35+ years
  • Email marketers get 30-50% higher response rates with drip sequences

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