You know that moment when you're scrolling, and a video just grabs you? You pause. You watch. Maybe even replay. That right there? That’s the power of a good hook.
Truth is, the internet is loud. If your video doesn’t hook people in the first 2–3 seconds, they’re already gone—off to the next cat dancing in a wig. Harsh, but real. That’s why your hook isn’t just the start of your video. It is your video.
So let’s break down 7 types of scroll-stopping hooks that actually work. Not theory. Real stuff you’ll want to try today.
1. Hit 'Em with a Bold Statement
You ever see a video open with something like, “You’ve been brushing your hair wrong your whole life”? It’s dramatic. It’s confident. And it works.
These bold statements stop people because they challenge what we think we know. Like:
- “This is the worst way to start your morning—everyone does it.”
- “If your eggs stick to the pan, you're doing this wrong.”
- “Here’s how I made $2,000 in a week using just Google Docs.”
It’s all about throwing a little verbal spice in the mix. Be bold. Be clear. Say something that makes people go, “Wait, WHAT?”
2. The Visual What-the-Heck Moment
Sometimes you don’t need words—just a shot so weird or unexpected, people have to stay.
Picture this:
- Someone in a tuxedo folding laundry in a kiddie pool.
- A cake being cut and it turns out it’s actually a sneaker.
- A hand holding a mysterious glowing object... no context at all.
These moments spark curiosity without explanation. And curiosity? That’s scroll-stopping gold. Viewers stay just to figure out what the heck is going on.
3. The Tiny Mystery That Hooks You In
You don’t need a whole detective plot. Just give people a little breadcrumb they can’t ignore.
Try something like:
- “This customer came back 4 times today… but never bought anything.”
- “I thought I was just cleaning my closet. Then I found this.”
- “Watch till the end… I still can’t believe it happened.”
It’s the digital version of starting a juicy story with, “You’ll never guess what I saw at Target today…” Yeah, people need to know.
4. “Ugh, Same” Hooks That Feel Too Real
We all have those moments where something happens and you think, “Yep. Me.” When a hook taps into that, it creates instant connection.
Examples:
- “Trying to look cool while carrying 12 grocery bags at once.”
- “When you wave back but they weren’t waving at you.”
- “Why do I always forget what I came into the kitchen for?”
These don’t need fancy edits. Just honesty and timing. Viewers love feeling seen—and they’ll stick around because you nailed something they’ve lived.
5. Flip the Script—The Reverse Hook
Instead of saying “Here’s what to do,” start with what not to do. It grabs attention way faster.
Like:
- “Don’t clean your mirror like this. Trust me.”
- “Most people mess up pasta by doing this one thing.”
- “I used to do this every day—and it nearly ruined my skin.”
When you flip the script, people want to know: what mistake am I making? And how do I fix it?
6. The “Stay for the Twist” Hook
Ah yes, the “Watch till the end…” classic. But don’t worry—it’s not outdated if you do it right.
How to pull it off:
- Tease something just weird enough: “You’ll never guess what’s in this drink.”
- Use jump cuts with tension: “Keep watching. It gets wild.”
- End with a visual or reveal that makes people go, “Whoa.”
This style is perfect when the punchline or transformation is unexpected. Just don’t fake the twist—viewers can smell that from a mile away.
7. Start in the Middle of the Action
No intros. No “Hey guys, welcome back!” Just boom—right in the middle of something happening.
Try:
- “And that’s when I realized it wasn’t even our dog.”
- “...So now I’m standing there with a pie and no pants.”
- “You’ve never heard music like this before.”
These hooks work because they feel like a moment you just stumbled into. Viewers want context. They’ll watch just to get the rest of the story.
A Few Bonus Tips (Because You’re Cool)
Alright, so you’ve got your hook ideas. But how do you actually nail them? Here are a few quick tips that can level up any format:
- Get to the point—No buildup. Start strong. You can fill in the “why” later.
- Match your energy to the content—Funny? Be snappy. Serious? Use tension.
- Test different styles—Some hooks land better in your niche than others.
- Rewatch your own videos—If you’re bored, your viewers will be too.
And yeah, not every hook will go viral. That’s normal. Sometimes it’s timing. Sometimes it’s the edit. Sometimes the algorithm just didn’t show it to the right folks. Keep testing.
Want an Example? Here’s One That Worked
A creator posted a video starting with:
“I tried this on accident—and it fixed my entire skincare routine.”
Then they cut to a visual of a bizarre mix of oil and aloe vera. The vibe was curious but casual.
By the time the 10-second mark hit, viewers knew what the mistake was, what changed, and why it worked. The video ended with, “Try it tonight. You’ll see.”
It was simple. Personal. And it crushed it—millions of views, tons of comments.
Hooks Aren’t Magic—They’re a Craft
Once you start thinking in hooks, it kind of becomes a game. You start noticing what grabs your attention. You start playing with punchlines, testing visuals, and teasing answers instead of giving them away.
The more you experiment, the better you’ll get.
