--- name: video-hook-generator description: Generate attention-grabbing hooks for the first 3 seconds of videos. The hook determines if viewers stay or scroll. Creates multiple hook variations for A/B testing. Use when crafting video openings, improving retention, or creating scroll-stopping content for YouTube, TikTok, or Reels. --- # Video Hook Generator Create irresistible opening hooks that stop the scroll and maximize retention. ## Why Hooks Matter ``` 📊 RETENTION DATA: - 20% of viewers leave in first 3 seconds - 33% leave by 30 seconds - A strong hook can improve retention by 50%+ The first 3 seconds = Life or death for your video ``` ## Hook Formulas (Proven Patterns) ### 1. Curiosity Gap ``` "The [thing] that [surprising claim]..." "What [expert/celebrity] doesn't want you to know about..." "I discovered something about [topic] that changes everything..." "There's a reason why [common belief] is completely wrong..." ``` ### 2. Bold Claim / Controversial Take ``` "[Common advice] is actually making things worse..." "Stop [doing X] immediately. Here's why..." "Everything you know about [topic] is wrong..." "This is the [worst/best] advice I've ever heard..." ``` ### 3. Result/Transformation Preview ``` "This is how I [achieved result] in [timeframe]..." "Before vs After: What [X days/weeks] of [thing] looks like..." "I went from [bad state] to [good state] by doing this one thing..." "Watch what happens when I [do thing]..." ``` ### 4. Pattern Interrupt ``` "Wait, don't scroll yet..." "Okay hear me out..." "I know this sounds crazy but..." "You're not going to believe this..." ``` ### 5. Direct Address / Call Out ``` "If you're [specific situation], this is for you..." "The reason you're not [getting result] is probably this..." "[Specific audience], stop what you're doing..." "You've been [doing X] wrong your whole life..." ``` ### 6. Story Teaser ``` "So there I was, [dramatic situation]..." "This is the craziest thing that's ever happened to me..." "I need to tell you about what happened when..." "The moment everything changed was when..." ``` ### 7. Number/List Promise ``` "[X] things I wish I knew before [starting thing]..." "The [X] biggest mistakes [audience] make..." "[X] seconds to understand [complex topic]..." "Only [X]% of people know this..." ``` ### 8. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) ``` "Everyone's doing this wrong except..." "The secret [industry/experts] don't want you to know..." "This hack is going viral for a reason..." "You need to see this before it's too late..." ``` ### 9. Relatable Pain Point ``` "Tired of [common frustration]? Same..." "Why does [annoying thing] always happen?" "POV: You [relatable situation]..." "We need to talk about [common problem]..." ``` ### 10. Question Hook ``` "What would you do if [scenario]?" "Have you ever wondered why [thing]?" "Can you guess what [thing] costs?" "Which one would you choose?" ``` ## Platform-Specific Hooks ### YouTube (Long-form) ``` More time to build curiosity: - Can use 5-15 second hooks - Setup + Payoff preview works well - Credibility establishment helps Example: "In 7 years of [expertise], I've never seen anything like this. What I'm about to show you completely changed how I [do thing], and by the end of this video, you'll know exactly how to do it too." ``` ### YouTube Shorts / TikTok / Reels ``` ULTRA-FAST hooks (1-3 seconds): - First word/frame must hook - Text on screen essential - Visual hook + Audio hook together Example: [TEXT ON SCREEN: "The $3 thing that replaced my $300 product"] [VOICEOVER: "Throw away your expensive [product]"] [VISUAL: Dramatic product reveal or reaction] ``` ### Instagram Reels ``` Slightly more polished feel: - Aesthetic matters more - Hook can be visual-first - Trending audio helps Example: [VISUAL: Stunning transformation or result] [TEXT: "Wait for it..."] [AUDIO: Trending sound that builds anticipation] ``` ## Hook Templates by Niche ### Tech/Product Reviews ``` - "Is the [Product] actually worth [Price]? Let me show you..." - "I spent [X days] testing this so you don't have to..." - "The feature [Brand] doesn't advertise but should..." - "Why I'm returning my [Product] after [timeframe]..." ``` ### Tutorial/Educational ``` - "The [thing] nobody teaches you about [topic]..." - "In [X] minutes, you'll understand [complex topic] better than most..." - "I'm going to save you [hours/money] with this one tip..." - "The biggest mistake beginners make with [topic]..." ``` ### Lifestyle/Vlog ``` - "I tried [thing] for [timeframe] and here's what happened..." - "Day [X] of [challenge/journey]..." - "This is what my [routine] actually looks like..." - "Let's talk about what no one shows you..." ``` ### Finance/Business ``` - "This is how rich people actually [do thing]..." - "The money mistake that's costing you [amount]..." - "I turned [small amount] into [big amount] by..." - "The investment [expert] won't tell you about..." ``` ### Fitness/Health ``` - "I did [exercise/diet] for [timeframe]. Here are my results..." - "The exercise you're doing that's actually hurting you..." - "Forget everything you know about [fitness topic]..." - "This [quick thing] burns more calories than [long thing]..." ``` ### Gaming ``` - "I found a glitch that [amazing result]..." - "This strategy is actually broken..." - "Nobody talks about this [weapon/character/build]..." - "POV: You discover [game-changing thing]..." ``` ## Hook Generation Output Format ``` ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ HOOK OPTIONS FOR: [Topic] Platform: [Platform] Target Audience: [Audience] ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ 🥇 TOP PICK (Recommended): ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Script: "[Full hook script]" Text Overlay: "[What to show on screen]" Visual: [What to show] Why it works: [Explanation] 🥈 ALTERNATIVE A: ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Script: "[Hook]" Text Overlay: "[Text]" Style: [Curiosity/Bold/Story/etc.] 🥉 ALTERNATIVE B: ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Script: "[Hook]" Text Overlay: "[Text]" Style: [Different approach] 📱 SHORT-FORM VERSION: ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Script: "[Ultra-short version]" Text: "[Text overlay]" Timing: [0:00-0:03] 💡 A/B TEST SUGGESTION: ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Test: [Hook A style] vs [Hook B style] Metric: Watch time in first 30 seconds Winner criteria: Higher retention rate ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ ``` ## How to Use ### Quick Hook Generation ``` Generate 5 hooks for a video about [topic] ``` ### Detailed Request ``` Create video hooks: - Topic: [your topic] - Platform: [YouTube/TikTok/etc.] - Audience: [who they are] - Video type: [tutorial/review/vlog/etc.] - Tone: [energetic/calm/dramatic/funny] - Key benefit: [what viewers will get] ``` ### Hook Improvement ``` Improve this hook for better retention: Current: "[your current hook]" Problem: [why you think it's not working] ``` ## Hook Checklist Before finalizing your hook, verify: - [ ] **Specific**: Not generic ("This video will change your life" ❌) - [ ] **Promises value**: Clear benefit for watching - [ ] **Creates curiosity**: Unanswered question or teased result - [ ] **Matches content**: Don't clickbait with unrelated hooks - [ ] **Platform-appropriate**: Length and style fit the platform - [ ] **Speakable**: Easy to deliver naturally - [ ] **Text-overlay ready**: Works with on-screen text ## Common Hook Mistakes | Mistake | Example | Fix | |---------|---------|-----| | Too generic | "Hey guys, welcome back" | Start with value/hook | | Too long | 15-second intro before hook | Hook in first 3 seconds | | No curiosity | "Today I'll show you X" | Tease the result/surprise | | Clickbait | Hook unrelated to content | Match hook to delivery | | Weak opening word | "So, um, today..." | Strong first word | | No visual hook | Talking head start | Add text/visual element |