Want to stop the scroll and grab attention in 3 seconds or less? The best TikTok hooks don’t just get views, they get people obsessed with your content.
In this guide, I’ll show you the exact hooks top creators use to blow up on TikTok
What is a “Hook” on TikTok?
A “hook” on TikTok refers to the initial element or statement designed to grab the viewer’s attention within the first few seconds of a video.
Hooks can take various forms, such as an intriguing question, a surprising fact, a bold statement, or captivating visuals — the primary purpose of a hook is to engage viewers immediately, encouraging them to stop scrolling and watch the entire video.
Effective hooks are crucial for success on TikTok, as they can significantly impact viewer retention, engagement, and the overall performance of the content.
TOP 14 Hooks for TikTok Videos
The best TikTok hook right now is “You won’t believe this…” — it’s great because you don’t need much editing after the hook.
Let’s begin this.
1. “If you’re seeing this…”
This hook grabs attention by addressing viewers who have a specific interest or habit, promising something relevant and valuable.
Example: Makes you wonder why you need to stop and see this.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Directly targets a specific audience. | Needs to deliver strong, relevant content. |
| Creates a sense of importance. | Might not appeal to a broad audience. |
| Encourages viewers to stay engaged. | Can feel too niche if not executed well. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “If You Love [Topic], Watch This…”
- “For Anyone Who [Action]…”
- “If You’re Into [Topic], Don’t Miss This…”
- “If You Care About [Topic], You Need to Know…”
- “This Is Essential for [Action] Fans…”
2. “You Won’t Believe…”
This hook grabs attention by promising something surprising or unbelievable, drawing viewers in out of curiosity.
Example: Makes you wonder what he found over there.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instantly hooks viewers. | Can come off as clickbait if not delivered well. |
| Great for shocking or amazing content. | Requires a big reveal to satisfy. |
| Universal appeal across topics. | Overuse can diminish impact. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “This Will Blow Your Mind…”
- “Unbelievable, But True…”
- “You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This…”
- “Wait Until You See This…”
- “This Is Unreal…”
3. “How I Did This In [Short Time]”
This hook showcases quick results or achievements, appealing to viewers interested in efficiency or shortcuts.
Example: Gets people curious on what he did to repair it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Appeals to viewers seeking quick solutions. | Requires proof of claim, or it might disappoint. |
| Sets clear expectations. | May not work for more complex topics. |
| Easy to adapt for different niches. | Risk of oversimplifying the process. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “How I Made This in 5 Minutes…”
- “Quickest Way to [Action]…”
- “How to Get [Result] Fast…”
- “In Just 10 Seconds, I Did This…”
- “How I Achieved [Result] in No Time…”
4. “Here’s Why…”
This hook introduces a compelling reason or explanation, drawing in viewers who want to understand more about the topic.
Example: Intrigues people on why rugby players use that specific type of sand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sparks curiosity about the reason. | Needs a strong rationale to keep viewers engaged. |
| Great for educational or informative content. | Can feel too formal for some audiences. |
| Easily applicable to various subjects. | Might require more in-depth content. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “The Reason Behind [Topic]…”
- “Why [Topic] Matters…”
- “This Is Why [Action] Works…”
- “The Truth About [Topic]…”
- “Here’s What You Need to Know About [Topic]…”
5. “Things You Didn’t Know About…”
This hook promises interesting and lesser-known facts, intriguing viewers to learn something new.
Example: Even if you don’t care about this car model in particular, the beginning makes you wonder what makes it so special that people are making videos about it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Appeals to curiosity and learning. | Requires genuinely surprising information. |
| Great for sharing niche knowledge. | Can become predictable if overused. |
| Easy to structure content around. | Might not fit all content types. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “Little-Known Facts About [Topic]…”
- “Surprising Things About [Topic]…”
- “Did You Know These 3 Things About [Topic]?”
- “3 Secrets of [Topic]…”
- “3 Unbelievable Facts About [Topic]…”
6. “What Happens If You…”
This hook presents a scenario or challenge, enticing viewers to see the outcome.
Example: Not doing a simple/must-do thing might have crazy side-effects. That’s exactly what this trying to get you hooked on.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Engages curiosity about the result. | Requires a compelling or interesting outcome. |
| Works well with experiments or challenges. | Might feel gimmicky if not well-executed. |
| Appeals to a broad audience. | Can be hard to sustain interest if the outcome is weak. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “What Would Happen If You [Action]…”
- “This Is What Happens When You [Action]…”
- “See What Happens If You Try This…”
- “What Occurs When You [Action]…”
- “Ever Wondered What Happens If You [Action]?”
7. “Before You [Action], Watch This”
This hook offers crucial advice or warnings, encouraging viewers to get informed before taking action.
Example: Hook + Video Description might make you wonder why you should avoid Birkenstocks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates urgency to watch. | Needs valuable advice to avoid disappointing viewers. |
| Suitable for educational content. | Can feel restrictive or negative. |
| Encourages full video watch. | Might not apply to all content types. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “Don’t [Action] Until You See This…”
- “Watch This Before You Decide…”
- “Essential Tips Before You [Action]…”
- “Must-See Info Before You [Action]…”
- “Don’t Make This Mistake When You [Action]…”
8. “Here’s a Secret…”
This hook promises to reveal insider information or hidden knowledge, drawing viewers in with intrigue.
Example: This hook + a short pause after raises curiosity almost like no other. Though, you really have to deliver after this one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instantly grabs attention. | Requires a compelling secret to satisfy viewers. |
| Appeals to curiosity and exclusivity. | Overuse can lead to viewer fatigue. |
| Works across many topics. | Risk of underdelivering on the promise. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “The Secret to [Action]…”
- “Insider Tip for [Topic]…”
- “A Little-Known Trick for [Action]…”
- “Want to Know a Secret?…”
- “Here’s What They Don’t Tell You About [Topic]…”
9. “Only 1% of People Know…”
This hook appeals to exclusivity, making viewers feel like they’re about to learn something rare or unique.
Example: Simple, yet an effective sentence to raise curiosity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates a sense of exclusivity. | Can feel exaggerated or misleading. |
| Engages curiosity and interest. | Requires genuinely rare information to satisfy. |
| Works well for trivia or niche content. | Overuse can make it less effective. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “Few People Know This…”
- “This Is Something Most People Don’t Know…”
- “Hardly Anyone Knows About This…”
- “Only a Small Percentage of People Understand This…”
- “This Is a Well-Kept Secret…”
10. “Let Me Show You How To…”
This hook offers to teach or demonstrate something, appealing to viewers eager to learn or see a process in action.
Example: Simple “how-to” video on a hard thing to do — moving out of your home country.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Appeals to viewers looking for guidance. | Requires clear and useful instructions. |
| Great for tutorials and demonstrations. | Might not fit all content types. |
| Easy to adapt across topics. | Risk of oversimplifying complex processes. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “I’ll Show You How to [Action]…”
- “Here’s How to Do [Action]…”
- “Let Me Walk You Through This…”
- “Step-by-Step Guide to [Action]…”
- “Here’s How It’s Done…”
11. “Check Out This Transformation”
This hook promises a dramatic change or improvement, enticing viewers to see the before-and-after results.
Example: While this isn’t verbally spoken, the images moving quickly from ‘before’ and ‘after’ really catches people’s attention.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Visually engaging and satisfying. | Requires a strong transformation to impress. |
| Appeals to curiosity and anticipation. | Can be time-consuming to produce. |
| Works well with various content types. | Might not fit all topics. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “Watch This Incredible Transformation…”
- “From Start to Finish…”
- “See How This Changed…”
- “Before and After…”
- “Look at This Amazing Change…”
12. “Here’s What Happened When…”
This hook sets up a story or experiment, drawing viewers in to see the outcome of a specific event or action.
Example: Works great because they’re talking about doing a hard thing (losing weight).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Engages curiosity about the result. | Requires an interesting or unexpected outcome. |
| Great for storytelling and experiments. | Might not fit all content types. |
| Easy to structure content around. | Can be hard to sustain interest if the outcome is weak. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “This Is What Happened When I [Action]…”
- “Here’s the Result of [Action]…”
- “What Happened After I Tried [Action]…”
- “I Did [Action], Here’s What Happened…”
- “The Outcome of [Action] Was Surprising…”
13. “Guess What Happened Next?”
This hook engages viewers by inviting them to predict the outcome, making them more invested in watching to the end.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates engagement by involving viewers. | Needs a surprising or unpredictable outcome. |
| Works well with unexpected events or surprises. | Can be hard to deliver a satisfying conclusion. |
| Encourages full video watch. | Might not work for more straightforward content. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “Can You Guess What Happens Next?”
- “What Do You Think Happened?”
- “Predict the Outcome of This…”
- “What Happened Next Will Surprise You…”
- “Guess the Ending…”
14. “This Is What You’ve Been Doing Wrong…”
This hook highlights a common mistake, offering viewers valuable insight or correction they may not be aware of.
Example: Works super great especially in the fitness industry. Extra points if the teacher in the video looks impressive.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Appeals to viewers seeking self-improvement. | Can feel negative if not framed well. |
| Provides immediate value by correcting mistakes. | Needs to address a common issue to be effective. |
| Great for educational or how-to content. | Might not apply to all topics. |
5 Similar Variations:
- “Stop Doing This Wrong…”
- “Common Mistakes People Make with [Topic]…”
- “Here’s What You’ve Been Missing…”
- “The Right Way to [Action]…”
- “Most People Get This Wrong…”
What Makes a Good Hook on TikTok?
1. Immediate Engagement
A good hook grabs attention within the first few seconds. It should be intriguing or surprising to encourage viewers to stop scrolling and start watching.
2. Clear and Concise
Keep it brief and to the point. A concise hook helps convey the main idea quickly, ensuring that viewers understand the content without confusion.
3. Relatable or Relevant
Hooks that resonate with viewers’ experiences or interests tend to perform better. Relatable content creates an emotional connection and makes viewers more likely to engage.
4. Visual Appeal
Incorporating strong visuals alongside your hook can enhance its impact. Eye-catching visuals draw viewers in and complement the message, making the hook more compelling.
5. Unique and Creative
Stand out from the crowd by using original ideas or formats. A unique hook can differentiate your content from others, making it memorable for viewers.
6. Promise of Value
A good hook should indicate what viewers will gain from watching the video. Whether it’s entertainment, information, or a solution to a problem, letting viewers know what to expect encourages them to stay engaged.
These elements combine to create effective hooks that capture attention, increase engagement, and enhance the overall impact of your TikTok videos.
Do’s and Don’ts of TikTok Hooks
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| 1. Grab Attention Quickly | 1. Avoid Being Misleading |
| 2. Align with Content | 2. Don’t Wait Too Long to Hook Viewers |
| 3. Use Visuals Effectively | 3. Avoid Generic Hooks |
| 4. Experiment with Different Styles | 4. Don’t Forget to Follow Through |
Do’s
1. Grab Attention Quickly
Start with a strong, intriguing statement or question that captures viewers’ attention right away.
For example, begin with a bold claim or an interesting fact that makes them curious to learn more. This initial hook is crucial in the fast-paced environment of TikTok.
2. Align with Content
Ensure your hook accurately represents what your video is about, setting the right expectations for viewers.
Misleading hooks can lead to viewer disappointment, so make sure that the content following the hook delivers on the promise made. This builds trust and encourages repeat views.
3. Use Visuals Effectively
Pair your verbal hook with engaging visuals that reinforce your message. Strong visuals can draw viewers in and complement your spoken words.
Whether it’s a striking image, an animation, or dynamic text, enhancing your hook with visuals helps create a more compelling narrative.
4. Experiment
Try various hook techniques to see what resonates best with your audience. This might include questions, humor, or storytelling.
Experimentation helps you discover which style connects most effectively with your viewers, allowing you to refine your approach over time.
For instance, you may find hooks from Reels or YouTube Shorts also working for your very own TikTok account(s).
Don’ts
1. Avoid Being Misleading
Don’t use a hook that misrepresents your content just to get views.
While it may attract initial clicks, misleading hooks can lead to viewer frustration and damage your credibility. Always ensure that your hook aligns with the actual content of the video to foster trust.
2. Don’t Wait Too Long to Hook Viewers
Get to the hook within the first few seconds to prevent viewers from scrolling away.
TikTok users typically scroll quickly, so capturing attention right at the start is vital. If your hook takes too long, viewers may lose interest and move on to other content.
3. Avoid Generic Hooks
Steer clear of clichés or overused phrases that may not stand out. Hooks that lack originality can fail to engage viewers and may blend into the noise of other content.
Instead, aim for unique and creative hooks that reflect your personal style and set your videos apart.
4. Don’t Forget to Follow Through
Ensure the content that follows delivers on the promise made in the hook.
If your hook piqued viewers’ interest, the subsequent content should be equally engaging. Failing to follow through can lead to viewer disappointment and reduce the likelihood of repeat views.
Hooks & Editing Work Together. Start Editing TikToks with AI
With SendShort, you can combine great hooks with seamless editing to create TikToks that captivate viewers from the very first second.
Here’s how SendShort makes hooks and editing work together:
- Dynamic Hook Integration: Use SendShort’s AI tools to align your hook perfectly with text overlays, visuals, and effects that grab attention instantly.
- Precision Editing: Easily trim, cut, and time your video to ensure your hook transitions smoothly into the main content, keeping viewers engaged.
- Captions and Effects: Enhance your hook with engaging captions and animations that reinforce your message and make it stand out.
SendShort helps you craft TikToks where hooks and edits work in harmony, creating high-impact content that holds attention and drives engagement.
FAQ
1. What is a hook on TikTok?
A hook on TikTok is the first few seconds of a video designed to grab the viewer’s attention and encourage them to keep watching. It’s a crucial element for retaining viewers and boosting engagement.
2. What is a good hook for a TikTok video?
“Stop scrolling!” is definitely a good hook for a TikTok video.
It is a straight-forward video starter that instantly gets people’s attention.
3. How to make a hook for TikTok?
To make a hook for TikTok, start with something that grabs attention immediately, like a surprising statement, a question, or a bold visual. Keep it engaging and relevant to your content to encourage viewers to watch the entire video.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort
