The first 3 seconds of your TikTok video are everything. If you don't hook viewers immediately, they scroll past—and the algorithm sees this as a signal that your content isn't engaging.
But here's the good news: You don't need to reinvent the wheel. There are proven hook formulas that work across every niche. I've analyzed thousands of viral videos and distilled them into 10 hook patterns you can copy today.
🎯 Why Hooks Matter
TikTok measures your "watch time" in the first few seconds. If people scroll past quickly, your video dies. But if they watch for 5+ seconds, the algorithm pushes your content to more people. Your hook is literally your audition for virality.
The 10 Hook Formulas
The Question Hook
Start with a question that creates curiosity or challenges assumptions. Questions force the brain to pause and seek answers.
Examples:
- "Want to know how I grew to 10K followers in 30 days?"
- "Ever wonder why some TikToks go viral and others flop?"
- "What if I told you there's a secret to getting more views?"
- "Are you making this TikTok mistake?"
The Bold Statement Hook
Make a claim so interesting or controversial that people need to keep watching to see if you can back it up.
Examples:
- "This TikTok strategy is getting people 1000 followers a week"
- "Nobody talks about this TikTok algorithm trick"
- "I made $500 in one week using this method"
- "This changed everything about how I create content"
The Pattern Interrupt Hook
Call out a common mistake or problem. This works because it creates fear of missing out or doing something wrong.
Examples:
- "Stop posting at random times—here's why you're failing"
- "You're using hashtags wrong, and it's killing your views"
- "Delete this from your bio right now"
- "If you're not doing this, you're wasting your time"
The Transformation Hook
Show a before/after or promise a specific result. People are drawn to transformation stories.
Examples:
- "I went from 0 to 50K followers doing this one thing"
- "How I turned 100 views into 100K overnight"
- "Watch me transform my TikTok account in 30 days"
- "From broke creator to $5K/month—here's how"
The Listicle Hook
Promise multiple tips or ideas in one video. Our brains love organized, digestible information.
Examples:
- "5 TikTok hacks that actually work"
- "3 things I wish I knew before starting TikTok"
- "7 ways to get more followers this week"
- "The 4 types of TikTok content that always go viral"
The Secret/Insider Hook
Promise exclusive knowledge or insider information. Everyone wants to know secrets others don't.
Examples:
- "The TikTok secret that big creators don't want you to know"
- "Here's what TikTok doesn't tell you about the algorithm"
- "I found the secret to viral TikToks"
- "TikTok employees won't admit this, but..."
The Storytelling Hook
Start with an intriguing moment from a story. Our brains are wired for narrative.
Examples:
- "So I just got shadowbanned on TikTok, and here's what happened..."
- "This morning I woke up to 50K new followers..."
- "A brand just offered me $10K for one video—here's the catch"
- "I posted a video thinking it would flop, but then..."
The "You vs. Them" Hook
Create an us-versus-them dynamic or call out specific groups. This taps into tribalism.
Examples:
- "Small creators: stop doing what big creators tell you"
- "If you're under 1000 followers, this is for you"
- "New creators vs. experienced creators—here's the difference"
- "Why beginners actually have an advantage on TikTok"
The Myth-Busting Hook
Challenge popular beliefs or common advice. People love when someone challenges the status quo.
Examples:
- "Everyone says post 5 times a day—that's terrible advice"
- "Forget everything you know about TikTok hashtags"
- "The truth about TikTok virality that nobody talks about"
- "Stop following this outdated TikTok advice"
The Urgency Hook
Create time pressure or FOMO (fear of missing out). Urgency triggers immediate action.
Examples:
- "TikTok is changing the algorithm next week—do this now"
- "This TikTok trend is dying, but you can still use it if..."
- "You have 48 hours to fix this TikTok mistake"
- "Before TikTok removes this feature, try this..."
How to Use These Hooks
Step 1: Choose Your Hook Type
Pick the formula that best matches your video content and personality. Don't force a hook that doesn't feel natural.
Step 2: Adapt to Your Niche
Take the examples above and customize them for your specific topic. If you're a fitness creator, transform "Want to know how I grew to 10K?" into "Want to know how I lost 20 pounds in 30 days?"
Step 3: Test and Analyze
Try different hooks and see which ones perform best for your audience. Your analytics will tell you what resonates.
Step 4: Keep a Hook Library
Save hooks that work well. When you're creating content, you'll have a proven library to pull from instead of starting from scratch every time.
🎯 The First 3-Second Rule
Your hook should be delivered in the FIRST 3 SECONDS. Don't waste time with intros or transitions. Get straight to the hook. You can explain context after you've stopped the scroll.
Bonus: Hook Writing Checklist
Before posting, ask yourself:
- ✅ Does my hook create curiosity?
- ✅ Is it delivered in the first 3 seconds?
- ✅ Would I personally stop scrolling for this?
- ✅ Does it promise value or transformation?
- ✅ Is it relevant to my target audience?
If you answered "no" to any of these, revise your hook before posting.
Final Thoughts
These 10 hook formulas are responsible for millions of viral TikToks. They work because they tap into human psychology—curiosity, fear of missing out, desire for transformation, and the need to belong.
The key is consistency. Don't just try one hook and give up. Test different formulas for 30 days and analyze which ones perform best for YOUR audience. Then double down on what works.
🚀 Need More Hooks?
Our free AI Hook Generator creates unlimited scroll-stopping hooks based on your niche. Stop guessing and start using proven formulas!
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