postcredits

Postcredits refer to material that appears after the main body of a film or television episode has concluded, typically during or after the end credits. These sequences can range from brief gags to significant plot developments or world-building details. They are distinct from mid-credits scenes, which occur during the credit sequence, and from final epilogues that precede credits in some cases. Postcredit material is often used to reward attentive audiences, tease future installments, or provide additional context for the story world.

The practice has existed since early cinema but grew in prominence with the rise of shared cinematic universes, particularly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the late 2000s onward. Not all films include postcredits, and the tradition varies by studio, market, and distribution platform. A typical post-credits scene appears after the main credits have completed, though some films insert material during the roll itself, or in short vignettes attached to the credits. The term postcredit is sometimes used interchangeable with after-credits or stingers, though the exact usage can differ.

Reception and impact: postcredits can enhance fan engagement and provide marketing hooks, but they can also frustrate viewers who prefer to avoid spoilers or who simply want to leave on first viewing. For streaming releases, post-credits material may be automatically skipped or muted in some interfaces, influencing how studios decide to present it.

See also: end credits, mid-credits scene, stinger, after-credits.