Guides6 min readJan 14, 2026

Viral Hooks That Actually Work

Steal these proven viral hooks for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Templates and formulas that stop the scroll and boost views.

The first 1-3 seconds of your video determine whether it goes viral or flops. After analyzing thousands of viral videos, we've identified the hook patterns that consistently stop the scroll. Use these templates for your next video.

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Curiosity Gap Hooks

These hooks create an information gap that viewers need to fill by watching your video.

"I can't believe this actually worked..."
"Nobody talks about this, but..."
"What they don't tell you about [topic]..."
"I was today years old when I learned..."
"This changes everything about [topic]..."

Pro Tip: Curiosity hooks work best when you deliver genuine value that matches the buildup.

Controversy and Opinion Hooks

Taking a stance generates comments and debate, which signals engagement to algorithms.

"Unpopular opinion: [statement]"
"[Popular thing] is actually overrated, here's why"
"I'll probably get hate for this, but..."
"Most people get [topic] completely wrong"
"Stop doing [common practice]..."

Results and Transformation Hooks

Showing the end result first creates desire to learn how it was achieved.

"This is what $X/month looks like..."
"Before and after [timeframe]"
"I went from [bad state] to [good state]..."
"Watch me [achieve result] in [timeframe]"
"POV: You finally [desirable outcome]"

Challenge and Call-Out Hooks

Directly engaging the viewer makes content feel personal and relevant.

"If you're a [type of person], watch this"
"You're sleeping on [topic]"
"This video isn't for everyone, only for..."
"Stop scrolling if you want to [benefit]"
"[Number]% of people don't know this"

Story and Experience Hooks

Personal narratives create emotional investment that keeps viewers watching.

"Story time: [intriguing situation]"
"Something crazy happened to me..."
"I made a huge mistake with [topic]"
"Let me tell you about the time..."
"This is the best/worst [thing] I've ever..."

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a video hook be?

Ideally 1-3 seconds. The hook should immediately communicate value or create curiosity. Viewers decide to watch or scroll within the first second.

Should I use the same hook style every video?

Test different styles to see what resonates with your audience. Once you find what works, you can lean into that style while occasionally testing new approaches.

Do hooks need to match the content?

Absolutely. Clickbait hooks that don't deliver cause viewers to leave early, hurting your average watch time and algorithm performance.

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