Open with the most interesting thing: a result, a question, a surprise or a clear promise. Cut the intro, add text on screen and start moving right away.
The first seconds decide whether people keep watching. Here are hook types that work.
Hook ideas
- The result first. Show the end result, then explain how you got there.
- The question. Ask something your audience already wonders.
- The bold claim. State something specific, and make sure you can back it up.
- The problem. Name a pain point your viewer feels.
- The pattern break. An unexpected visual, sound or movement.
- The story start. "Last week I got a message from my boss..." then pay it off.
Build the hook with three layers
- Spoken line. One short sentence.
- On-screen text. The same idea in a few words, readable with sound off.
- Visual. Movement or a striking image from the first frame.
What to cut
- Logos and long intros
- "Hi guys, today I'm going to..."
- Slow fades
Check the promise
A hook is a promise. If the video doesn't deliver on it, viewers leave and the platform notices.
Test and compare
Make two versions that differ only in the first few seconds. Compare how long people watch.
Examples from my work
My portfolio includes story-led vertical videos, such as the one about the fake boss gift card scam. Watch them in the portfolio.
Next
See captions for short-form video and how long a short video should be.
Hook examples for different videos
These are invented examples to show the idea.
- Product ad: "This one change cut my morning routine in half."
- Explainer: "Why does your website lose visitors in ten seconds?"
- Tutorial: "Here's the mistake that makes most videos look cheap."
- Story: "I got a text from my boss asking for gift cards."
Each one makes a promise the video then keeps.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Clickbait that the video doesn't deliver
- Starting with a long greeting
- Putting the hook text at the very bottom, where the app covers it
Frequently asked questions
How many seconds do I really have?
It varies, but the first couple of seconds decide if the viewer stays. Treat them as the most important part.
Should the hook be spoken or written?
Both. On-screen text makes it work with the sound off.
Can the same hook work on every platform?
Often yes, but test. Audiences differ.
Can you edit my videos with hooks?
Yes. See short-form video editing.
Bhavesh Vaghela
Freelance video editor and motion designer in Rajkot, India. I make short-form videos, motion graphics, SaaS explainers, logo animations and AI video for clients worldwide.
