10 Proven Video Hooks to Captivate Your Audience

You've got 3 seconds to grab attention on YouTube. Here are 10 proven video hooks that actually work:

Hook Type	What It Does	Best For
Pattern Break	Stops the scroll	Quick attention grab
Problem-Solution	Shows you get it	Product demos
Quick Story	Builds connection	Brand videos
Question Hook	Makes them think	Educational content
Numbers/Facts	Builds credibility	Data-driven content
Before/After	Shows transformation	Results-based content
Show Knowledge	Proves expertise	Tutorial videos
Create Urgency	Drives action	Limited-time offers
Show Don't Tell	Visual impact	Product features
Multi-Platform	Platform-specific	Cross-channel content

Key Stats:

• 90% bounce if not hooked in 3 seconds
• Strong hooks keep 70% watching for 30+ seconds
• 65% who watch 3 seconds will watch 10+ more

What Makes Hooks Work:

• Get to the point in 3 seconds
• Show clear value upfront
• Match hook to platform
• Test different approaches

Each platform needs specific hook types:

• TikTok: Fast, direct (7-15 seconds)
• Instagram: Visual focus (26-30 seconds)
• YouTube: Info-rich (15-20 seconds)
• Facebook: Story-based (24-90 seconds)

Focus on testing hooks that match your content and audience. Track what works, drop what doesn't.

Related video from YouTube

What Are Video Hooks?

A video hook is the first 1-3 seconds that makes people stop scrolling. It's like a magnet that pulls viewers into your content.

Here's what makes hooks work:

Hook Element	Purpose	Time Frame
Visual Impact	Stop the scroll	First second
Message Setup	Show value	Second 1-2
Promise/Payoff	Hook viewers	Second 2-3

Here's something wild: 65% of people who watch your first three seconds will watch at least 10 more seconds. That's straight from Meta's data.

But most people mess up their hooks. They think being loud = being effective.

Here's what ACTUALLY matters in a hook:

• Shows viewers what they'll get
• Tells them what to expect
• Matches your message

Let me show you two hooks that CRUSH IT:

1. The Problem-Solution Hook

ShowerStart Express asks: "What do you do while you're waiting for your shower to get hot?"

Why it works:

• Hits home (everyone showers)
• Makes you think about YOUR experience
• Points to a fix

2. The Industry Pain Point Hook

Med-Stop opens with: "Running a trucking company is challenging enough. When you add DOT requirements..."

Why it works:

• Speaks to trucking pros
• Nails their biggest headache
• Promises help

Here's the thing: You've got 8.2 seconds to grab attention. That's down from 12.4 seconds in 2000.

For platforms like TapeReal (where people sell premium content), your hook needs to work even harder. It's not just about getting attention - it's about showing your content is worth paying for.

Hook Type	Works Best For	How to Use It
Auditory	Podcasts	Start with a direct question
Visual	Tutorials	Show the end result first
Content	Education	Lead with a big stat

Bottom line: Your hook MUST match your content. Don't bait and switch - that's how you lose viewers FAST.

What Makes a Good Hook

Here's what makes video hooks grab (and keep) attention:

Element	Purpose	Best Practice
Timing	First 3 seconds	Get to the point fast
Sound	Set the mood	Start with upbeat music
Visuals	Stop scrolling	Show faces or results
Text	Guide viewers	Keep it brief

The numbers don't lie:

• 63% of top TikTok ads hit their message in 3 seconds
• 45% of people who watch 3 seconds stick around for 30+
• People's attention span? Just 8 seconds

Sound: Your Secret Weapon

The best TikTok videos start with music. Here's what works:

Sound Type	Effect	Example
Upbeat Music	Gets people moving	Firestone's TikTok hit (38M views)
Voice + Music	2x engagement	Milk Bar's love story + music combo
Sound Effects	Grabs attention	Pops, whooshes, quick cuts

Visuals That Stop the Scroll

Type	What to Show	Why It Works
Problem Shot	Show the struggle	People see themselves
After Shot	Show the win	Hooks with possibility
Face Shot	Real reactions	Brain likes faces
Surprise Shot	The unexpected	Makes people stop

Text That Works

Keep it:

• Short (3-7 words)
• Easy to read
• High contrast
• Center frame

Pro tip: Each platform needs its own hook style. What works on TikTok might flop on Instagram Reels.

"With Instagram's 2 billion users and TikTok's 884 million, getting attention is the name of the game."

Bottom line: Make your hook work without sound - lots of people scroll with muted phones.

Break the Pattern

Want to stop the scroll? Hit viewers with something unexpected.

Here's what works in those first crucial seconds:

Pattern Break Type	How to Do It	Example
Visual Shock	Flip the background	City scene → space backdrop
Sound Pattern	Add surprise audio	Soft intro → sharp "ding"
Format Switch	Mix styles	Live action jumps to animation
Time Jump	Show results first	Before/after in 3 seconds

The data is clear:

You've got 1.5 seconds on mobile. That's it. But here's the good part: if someone watches for 3 seconds, 65% will stick around for 10+ more. Get them past that first barrier, and 45% will watch another 20 seconds.

What's Working Right Now

Technique	When to Use	Why It Works
Word Pop-ups	0-3 seconds	Grabs attention fast
Black Screen	2-3 seconds	Creates mystery
Sound Alert	Start	Stops the scroll
Background Switch	3-5 seconds	Keeps eyes locked

"You NEED to switch things up to keep people watching. The best speakers know this - they change pace, tone, and energy to keep their audience hooked." - Jeff Coon, Stream Creative

Make It Work

• A/B test different hooks
• Front-load your surprises
• Link breaks to your message

Common Mistakes

• Too many changes at once
• Random effects
• Overused sound tricks

The numbers don't lie: Facebook users who watch past 3 seconds often stick around for 30+. Your opening needs to POP.

Platform	What Works
TikTok	Fast cuts + sounds
YouTube	Hook + style switch
Instagram	Visual pop + text

Success Stories

• ASMR: 500B TikTok views by breaking sound norms
• Khaby Lame: Massive growth through format breaks
• Wix: Direct approach that skips the fluff

2. Show a Problem and Fix It

People watch videos because they need answers. Here's how to grab their attention: show a problem they face, then give them the fix.

Problem Type	Hook Example	Why It Works
Daily Issue	"Love to travel but hate getting sick?"	Speaks to real frustration
Work Problem	"Running a trucking company? DOT rules are a headache."	Shows industry knowledge
Time Drain	"Done with skincare that doesn't work?"	Addresses wasted effort
Money Problem	"We fixed our conversion rate in 15 days"	Shows clear results

Here's what the data says: 75% of customers leave when they can't find solutions. Your hook MUST show you have answers.

Platform	How to Structure It	When to Show Solution
TikTok	Fast demo	3-7 seconds
Instagram	Before/after	5-10 seconds
YouTube	Problem + solution preview	8-15 seconds

Here's Your Formula:

• Name the problem in 5 words
• Show your fix worked
• Give a quick solution peek
• Include specific numbers

"People buy solutions, not companies." - PlaneAire Marketing Team

What Gets Results:

Do This	Not This
Pick one clear problem	List many issues
Show exact solutions	Make big promises
Back it with data	Make empty claims
Fix one thing well	Try to solve it all

Look at Med-Stop's trucking videos: Views jumped 47% when they led with industry problems. Even better? 82% of viewers stick around past 30 seconds.

Your window is SHORT: 3 seconds to show you get their problem, 7 seconds to preview your fix. That's it. That's your chance to keep them watching.

3. Tell a Quick Story

Stories grab viewers FAST. Here's what works:

Platform	Story Length	Best Hook Time
TikTok	15-30 seconds	First 3 seconds
Instagram	30-60 seconds	First 5 seconds
YouTube	60-90 seconds	First 8 seconds

Want to hook viewers? Start with "This is what happened..." and drop them straight into the action. No setup needed.

Here's what gets views:

Story Type	Example	Results
Personal Win	Google India's "Reunion"	47% higher engagement
Customer Journey	Starbucks' "Random Acts"	83% watch-through rate
Behind-the-Scenes	Nike x Ted Lasso	2.1M shares in 24 hours
Problem-Solution	Grammarly's Daily Fix	65% viewer retention

Your 30-second blueprint:

Time	What to Show	Why It Works
0-3s	Hook statement	Grabs attention
4-7s	Main conflict	Creates tension
8-15s	Quick solution	Gives payoff
16-30s	Proof it works	Builds trust

Here's what your story NEEDS:

• One main point (not three, just ONE)
• Real situation (no fake stuff)
• Fast solution (get to the point)
• Hard numbers (show results)

Look at what works: TapeReal's creators share behind-the-scenes content and early drops. That's it. Simple, direct, effective.

Bottom line: Skip the fluff. Jump into action. Show results. That's how you keep viewers watching.

4. Make Viewers Wonder

People can't resist an unanswered question. Here's why:

The brain HATES incomplete information. It's called the Zeigarnik Effect - we remember unfinished tasks better than finished ones. McGraw's research found that 90% of people went back to finish interrupted puzzles.

Here's how top creators use this:

Question Type	Example	Why It Works
Open Loop	"But first, let me show you what happened next..."	Makes viewers stick around
Problem Setup	"Here's why most people get this wrong..."	Hooks attention
Hidden Solution	"The answer isn't what you'd expect..."	Sparks interest
Time Delay	"In 60 seconds, I'll reveal..."	Creates anticipation

Your first 30 seconds matter most:

Time	Content	Goal
0-3s	Ask big question	Grab attention
4-7s	Hint at answer	Hook them
8-15s	Add stakes	Get them invested
16-30s	Deliver payoff	Give answers

Look at Humans of New York. Brandon Stanton breaks stories at perfect moments. People NEED to know what happens next. That's why his engagement is through the roof.

"This episodic content world, I think is where we are headed, if you want to build great, sustainable, long-term content marketing." - Rand Fishkin, CEO & Co-Founder of SEOmoz

Here's what works:

• Start strong: Jump right in
• Hold back: Keep some mystery
• Stay honest: No fake promises
• Deliver: Give real answers

The magic happens in the gap between what people know and what they want to know. That's your hook.

"Curiosity gap is just a void between what you know and what you want to know." - Andrew Davis, Marketing Keynote Speaker

Need proof? A TikTok video asking "Will I ever be loved?" hit 5.7M views. No fancy effects. Just a question people wanted answered.

5. Show Don't Tell

Your first few seconds must pack a punch with strong visuals. No explanation needed.

Visual Hook Type	Example	Impact
B-roll	Product in action	Shows real-world use
Screen recording	Live software walkthrough	Proves it works
Before/After	Results comparison	Makes it obvious
Customer clips	Users with product	Builds trust fast

Look at the University of Phoenix ad: A mom loses her job to machines, then learns new skills through their program. The story hits home without a single word.

Or take Airbnb's "We Accept" - just faces, quick cuts, powerful message. No explanation needed.

Here's what to do in those critical first seconds:

Time	Do This	Not This
0-1s	Drop that dough	Talk recipes
1-3s	Fix the problem	List features
3-7s	Show results	Explain steps

The Sydney Opera House got it right during COVID. Empty halls spoke louder than press releases ever could.

Make it work:

• Lead with your best shot
• Kill the fluff
• Trust your viewers
• Match music to mood

"Smart editing means showing just enough to hook viewers - not explaining every detail." - Outbrain Blog

For product demos, stick to this:

Section	Show This	Time
Problem	The struggle	2-3s
Solution	Your fix	3-5s
Result	Success	2-3s

Bottom line: Eyes believe more than ears. Don't tell them - show them.

6. Use Numbers and Facts

Numbers stop scrollers dead in their tracks. Here's why they work so well:

Hook Type	Example	Why It Works
Stats	"76% of adults use Facebook daily"	Makes impact instant
Costs	"This mistake costs $1M yearly"	Hits pain points
Time	"8.25 seconds - today's attention span"	Gets attention fast
Growth	"300% more views in 24 hours"	Shows clear wins

Look at MrBeast's titles. They're packed with numbers that GRAB attention: "$1,000,000 Hide and Seek" or "Last To Leave Circle Wins $500,000."

Here's how to use numbers in your hooks:

• Start with your biggest number
• Drop your stat in the first 3 seconds
• Link to solid sources
• Focus on ONE key stat

Time Frame	Action	Example
0-2s	Hit with number	"84% of buyers..."
2-5s	Name the issue	"...struggle with this"
5-8s	Give the answer	"Here's the fix"

"47% of buyers view at least 3 to 5 pieces of content before talking to sales." - Demand Gen Report

Number formats that pull views:

• "X% of [audience] don't know this"
• "Save $X in Y days"
• "X steps to Y result"
• "Top X ways to fix Y"

TED Talks speakers know this trick: Open with a big stat, then build your story. It works because numbers give our brains something solid to grab onto.

Platform	Number Focus	Example
TikTok	Fast facts	"2-second rule"
YouTube	End results	"10x growth"
Instagram	Progress shots	"30-day change"
LinkedIn	Market numbers	"Industry stats"

Bottom line: Pick your BEST number and put it front and center. One knockout stat beats a bunch of okay ones.

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7. Ask the Right Questions

Questions make viewers' brains kick into gear. Here's how to use them to hook people into your videos:

Question Type	Example	Why It Works
Problem-focused	"Tired of low video views?"	Speaks to viewer pain
Curiosity	"Where will YO! Sushi open next?"	Makes people wonder
Opinion	"What's your go-to editing app?"	Gets viewers talking
Challenge	"Can you guess this trick?"	Makes it fun

The best questions in videos:

• Start with "What", "How", or "Why"
• Stay under 8 words
• Target ONE specific issue
• Save follow-ups for later

Platform	Question Style	What It Does
TikTok	Quick yes/no	Gets fast clicks
YouTube	Deep problems	Keeps viewers watching
Instagram	Visual puzzles	Builds community
Facebook	Open talks	Boosts comments

Here's how to make questions work:

• Add them to thumbnails
• Give answers fast (30 seconds max)
• Show proof
• Use emojis to boost impact

"Social media is SOCIAL at its core and abides by many of the same rules as social interactions." - Video Supply Blog

Questions that get clicks:

• "Want to [good thing] without [bad thing]?"
• "Did you know [weird fact]?"
• "What if [common idea] is wrong?"
• "Which [thing] works best?"

The best creators don't just ask - they solve problems. This makes viewers trust them and stick around.

Time	Do This	Why
0-3s	Main question	Get attention
3-10s	Hint at answer	Build interest
10-30s	Give solution	Help viewers
30s+	Ask more	Keep them watching

Test different questions with your audience. The ones that work best are the ones your viewers care about most.

8. Before and After

Before and after videos hook viewers by showing clear transformations in seconds. Here's how to nail them:

Shot Type	Camera Setup	Tips
Static Shot	Fixed position	Don't move camera between shots
Moving Shot	Locked movement	Copy exact motion path
Close-up	Same distance	Set position markers
Wide Shot	Fixed frame	Keep lighting identical

The magic happens when you match everything EXCEPT the transformation you want to show. Here's what works:

Content Type	Setup	Show Time
Product Demo	Problem → Solution	5-10 sec
Tutorial	Start → Final Result	15-20 sec
Home/DIY	Messy → Clean	3-5 sec
Fitness	Before → After	8-12 sec

"This transition Tutorial is too DAMN fun to sit in the drafts! Who's ready to see these results?!?" - @Nick Luciano, Content Creator

Must-Have Tools:

• CapCut (for smooth transitions)
• Sturdy camera mount
• Light markers
• Position guides

Platform	Do This	Not That
TikTok	Quick cuts + music	Long gaps
Instagram	Clean switches	Fuzzy shots
YouTube	Multiple views	Choppy edits
Facebook	Clear progress	Dark footage

Make It Work:

• Shoot extra footage
• Test your transitions
• Lock camera settings
• Prep both scenes

The power of before/after videos comes from showing big changes FAST. Your viewers want the whole story in a few seconds - give it to them.

9. Create Urgency

Want more views? Make people watch NOW. Here's how to use FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in your video hooks:

Hook Type	Time Frame	Example Format
Flash Sale	24-48 hours	"Only 24 hours left!"
Limited Spots	3-7 days	"5 spots remaining"
Early Bird	1-2 weeks	"First 100 get 50% off"
Season End	2-4 weeks	"Last chance before summer"

The numbers don't lie:

• Email subject lines with urgency? 14% more opens
• Add urgency words? 12.7% more conversions
• 69% of millennials buy fast because of FOMO

Here's what works on each platform:

Platform	What Works	Results
TikTok	Countdown stickers	+300% engagement
Instagram	"24h only" Stories	+16% click rate
YouTube	Timer overlays	+23,700 revenue
Facebook	Limited stock alerts	+14% conversions

Add these to your videos:

• Countdown timers
• Stock counters
• Progress bars
• Real-time sales alerts

Do This	Not This
Show live counters	Use fake scarcity
Set clear deadlines	Make vague claims
Display real numbers	Create false pressure
Update availability	Hide end dates

"When there is always time for everything, there is no urgency for anything." - Professor Todd May

Here's the thing: People HATE fake urgency. They can spot it from a mile away.

Instead:

• Put real timers in thumbnails
• Update titles with time left
• Pin urgent comments
• Show "expires soon" overlays

Bottom line? Make it REAL. Use actual deadlines. Show true numbers. Give people a reason to click NOW, not later.

10. Show Your Knowledge

Hook your viewers in the first 3 seconds by showing them what you know.

Here's what grabs attention fast:

Hook Type	Example	Impact
Quick Win	"Here's how we grew 10k followers in 30 days"	Shows results
Problem-Solution	"Love to travel but hate getting sick?"	Hits pain points
Data Drop	"95% of viewers remember video messages"	Builds trust
Staff Intro	"Meet our head chef with 20 years experience"	Makes it personal

Here's something interesting: Meta's data shows that if someone watches your first 3 seconds, 65% will watch at least 10 more seconds.

These hooks work:

Do This	Why It Works
Use specific numbers	Shows measured results
Show work in progress	Opens up your process
Display client wins	Builds trust
Show your work	Proves your skills

"Video lets you create an all-senses experience to showcase what you know - that's a huge advantage." - Amy Landino, Video Marketing Expert

Strong hook ideas:

• Case studies with numbers
• Quick how-to clips
• Fast, useful tips
• Event highlights
• Product walk-throughs

Platform	Best Hook
YouTube	How-to preview
TikTok	Quick tip intro
Instagram	Results showcase
Facebook	Live demo snippet

"Focus on putting out quality content consistently - that's the best way to use video." - Steve Washer, Video Expert

Test your hook by answering these questions up front:

• Who are you?
• What sets you apart?
• Why listen to you?
• What's in it for them?

Bottom line: Skip the fancy gear. Focus on showing people you can help them get results.

Making Hooks Work on Different Platforms

Social media platforms need specific hooks to catch attention. Here's what gets results:

Platform	Hook Length	Hook Style	Key Focus
TikTok	7-15 sec	Fast, direct	Problem-solution
Instagram	26-30 sec	Visual	Before-after
YouTube	15-20 sec	Info-packed	How-to preview
Facebook	24-90 sec	Stories	Social proof
Twitter	20-45 sec	Data	Quick facts
LinkedIn	15-30 sec	Business	Industry info
Pinterest	15 sec	Visual steps	Instructions
Snapchat	3-5 sec	Quick	Fun

Here's the thing: People's attention spans are just 8 seconds (Microsoft data). Your hook needs to work FAST.

Platform-specific tips:

Platform	Do This	Avoid This
YouTube	Show main points	Long intros
TikTok	Start with action	Slow starts
Instagram	Show end results	Delayed payoff
Facebook	Short stories	Platform jokes
LinkedIn	Open with data	Personal stories

Audio strategy matters:

Platform	Sound Approach	Why It Works
TikTok	Music + voice	Boosts engagement
Instagram	Focus on text	Most watch muted
YouTube	Clean audio	Shows quality
Facebook	Text on screen	Works silent

Make your hooks pop:

• Add text captions
• Front-load key info
• Use right video size
• Switch up hook types

Hook Type	Works On	Example
Question	Facebook	"Can't get views?"
Numbers	LinkedIn	"3x your traffic now"
Problem	TikTok	"Losing followers? Fix it"
List	YouTube	"3 video mistakes"

Bottom line: Each platform's users want different things. A TikTok hit might bomb on LinkedIn. Keep testing to find what YOUR audience loves.

How to Use These Hooks

Here's exactly how to test and make your video hooks better:

Testing Phase	Duration	Goal	Metrics
Initial Test	1 week	50+ conversions per set	CTR, CPA
Platform Test	1 week per platform	Hook performance	Views, engagement
Hook Variants	2-3 days per variant	Best performer	Watch time

Let me break this down into 5 simple steps:

1. Set Up Your Tests

Track these 3 key elements:

• Visual Hook → Measure thumb-stop rate
• Text Hook → Track click-through
• Audio Hook → Check watch duration

2. Track Everything

Use this simple tracking system:

Hook Type	Platform	Views	CTR	Notes
Problem-Solution	YouTube	-	-	-
Before-After	TikTok	-	-	-
Story	Instagram	-	-	-

3. Change One Thing at a Time

Here's what MUD/WTR did in their video ads:

Visual	Text Hook	Results
Lion's Mane chopping	"Lion's Mane is the secret to killing brain fog"	Test A
Lion's Mane chopping	"PSA: There's 2240mg of functional mushrooms in this drink"	Test B

4. Test Across Platforms

Platform	Test Duration	Min. Sample Size
YouTube	7-14 days	1,000 views
TikTok	3-5 days	500 views
Instagram	5-7 days	750 views

5. Look at the Numbers

Want proof hooks matter? One creator posted the same video 5 times, just changing the hook:

• The winner: 5,000+ views
• The others: Just a few hundred views each

Quick Tips:

• Post when your audience is most active
• Match each platform's video specs
• Add captions (many watch without sound)
• Test with sound on AND off

Bottom line: Those first 3 seconds can make your video sink or swim. Keep testing until you find what clicks with YOUR audience.

For TapeReal creators: Use these hook tests to boost your early drops and bonus content. Watch which hooks bring in more premium members and adjust your strategy based on what the data shows.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here's what makes hooks work (and what makes them fail):

Common Mistake	Why It Fails	How to Fix It
Too Long	Viewers bounce after 8 seconds	Cut to 5-10 seconds max
Self-focused	Ignores viewer problems	Show what's in it for them
Poor Sound	66% use sound on mobile	Get clean audio + add captions
Weak Visuals	Doesn't stop thumbs	Open with eye-catching shots
No Clear Point	Leaves viewers confused	Lead with main benefit

Let's break down the biggest problems (and how to fix them):

1. Wrong Platform, Wrong Hook

The numbers don't lie: LinkedIn hooks that crush it (70% ROI according to Hootsuite) often bomb on TikTok. Each platform needs its own hook style.

2. Technical Problems That Kill Views

Issue	Fix
Camera Shake	Use a tripod or stabilizer
Dark Video	Face a window or add lights
Bad Audio	Get close to your mic

3. Weak Script Opening

Your first line MUST:

• Solve a specific problem
• Drop a surprising stat
• Hit them with a killer question

Here's what works on each platform:

| Platform | Do This | Not This | | --- | --- | | YouTube | Jump right in (8 seconds) | Long channel intros | | TikTok | Break patterns | Slow starts | | Instagram | Hook with visuals | Text overload |

For TapeReal creators: Start with the basics - clean sound and steady shots. Your paying members want quality, so get these right before you test fancy hooks.

Bottom line: Don't try to trick anyone. Show viewers WHY they should care about your content in the first few seconds. Test different hooks until you find what works for YOUR audience.

Next-Level Hook Techniques

Want better hooks? Here's a simple trick: combine different types. Let me show you how.

Hook Combination	How It Works	Example
Question + Fact	Start with a question, follow with data	"Can't get views? 83% of viewers leave in 8 seconds"
Problem + Visual	Show and tell the issue	"Here's how I fixed this iPhone screen in 30 seconds"
Story + Numbers	Begin with a story, add stats	"I made $0 last week. This 5-second change fixed it"

Here's what works:

1. Stack Your Hooks

Start with movement, then add text. Look at ShowerStart Express - they show water running and ask: "What do you do while your shower heats up?"

2. Make It Quick

Your hook needs three parts:

• First 3 seconds: Grab attention
• Next 2 seconds: Main message
• Last 3 seconds: Benefits

3. Mix It Up

Time	What to Do	Why It Works
0-2 seconds	Fast movement	Makes people stop scrolling
2-5 seconds	Still frame	Gets attention
5-8 seconds	Core message	Shows what's in it for them

For TapeReal creators: Test these combinations in your paid content first. Your subscribers will help you find what works.

Tips for Better Hooks:

• Keep hooks under 8 seconds
• Test each combo in 5 videos
• Add captions (66% watch muted)
• Start with movement
• Tell viewers what to do next

Don't try to trick anyone. Just show people why they should watch. Pick a style that matches your content and keep at it.

Wrap-Up

Here's what makes video hooks grab attention:

Time Frame	What Happens	Success Factor
First 3 seconds	Viewer decides to stay/go	Movement + visual impact
Next 5 seconds	Hook delivers message	Clear problem/solution
After 8 seconds	Viewer commits to watch	Strong call to action

Want better hooks? Do these 5 things:

• Add captions (most people watch on mute)
• Start with movement in 2 seconds
• Test 3 different hooks
• Keep hooks under 8 seconds
• Focus on ONE message

Here's how to fix the biggest hook problems:

Problem	Solution
Slow start	Jump into action
Too many messages	Pick one point
No captions	Add text overlay
Generic opening	Show specific results
Weak visuals	Lead with best shot

Pick ONE hook style. Test it in 5 videos. Track which gets more views. Then test another style. Keep the winners, drop the rest.

Here's the truth: You have 3 seconds to stop someone from scrolling past your video.

Track these 3 metrics to see if your hooks work:

• Watch time (first 5 seconds)
• Full video retention
• Call-to-action clicks

Don't try to trick viewers - just show them why your video is worth their time.

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