What is meant by "above the fold" in newspapers?

"Above the fold" refers to the area of a newspaper that is displayed prominently on the top half of the first page, which is visible when the paper is folded. This area is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention, as it highlights the most important news stories of the day. Editors strategically position key articles, headlines, and images in this section to engage readers right from the start, encouraging them to read further. By placing significant stories "above the fold," newspapers aim to ensure that the most compelling content is the first thing viewers see, enhancing the likelihood of readership. This term has its origins in print journalism but has also been adopted in digital media to refer to content that appears without scrolling.