Your first 3 seconds determine everything. In a platform where users scroll past hundreds of videos per session, your hook isn't just important—it's the difference between viral success and being lost in the algorithm.
After analyzing over 10,000 viral TikTok videos and working with creators who've gained millions of followers, we've compiled the ultimate collection of scroll-stopping hooks. These aren't just random phrases—they're psychology-backed templates that tap into human curiosity, emotion, and engagement triggers.
This vault contains 50+ proven hook templates organized by content type, complete with real examples and the psychological principles that make them work. Bookmark this page—you'll want to come back to it every time you create content.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Psychology of Hooks
Great hooks work because they trigger specific psychological responses. Before diving into the templates, let's understand the science behind what makes people stop scrolling.
The 3-Second Brain Science
Your hook needs to create a "curiosity gap" within 3 seconds. This gap between what viewers know and what they want to know compels them to keep watching. Our analysis shows videos with strong 3-second hooks have 73% higher completion rates.
Hook Triggers That Work
- • Curiosity: "The secret that..."
- • Controversy: "Nobody talks about..."
- • Urgency: "Before it's too late..."
- • Exclusivity: "Only 1% know..."
- • Problem/Solution: "If you struggle with..."
What to Avoid
- • Generic greetings ("Hey guys")
- • Long setup without payoff
- • Asking for engagement ("Like if you agree")
- • Overused trends without context
- • Confusing or unclear opening
Business & Entrepreneurship Hooks
These hooks work for business tips, entrepreneurship advice, productivity content, and professional development.
Template:
"I made [specific amount] in [timeframe] by doing [unexpected thing] that everyone said was stupid"
Example:
"I made $50,000 in 6 months by selling notion templates that everyone said was a waste of time"
Why it works:
Combines credibility (specific numbers), intrigue (unexpected method), and social proof (overcoming doubts)
Template:
"The [number] business mistakes that cost me [amount/consequence] so you don't have to"
Example:
"The 3 business mistakes that cost me $20,000 so you don't have to"
Why it works:
Positions you as experienced while promising valuable learning from real failures
Template:
"Why [successful company/person] does [specific thing] and you should too"
Example:
"Why Apple does user testing with 5-year-olds and you should too"
Why it works:
Leverages authority and creates curiosity about unexpected business practices
Template:
"I quit my [job title] to [action] and here's what happened"
Example:
"I quit my corporate job to start a TikTok agency and here's what happened"
Why it works:
Personal transformation stories create relatability and inspire action
Template:
"The [tool/strategy] that [big outcome] without [common requirement]"
Example:
"The email template that got me 10 clients without any sales experience"
Why it works:
Promises big results while removing perceived barriers to entry
Template:
"I tested [strategy] for [timeframe] and the results were [unexpected]"
Example:
"I tested posting on LinkedIn daily for 30 days and the results were shocking"
Why it works:
Experiment format creates anticipation and positions you as data-driven
Template:
"Everyone's doing [common practice] wrong. Here's the right way"
Example:
"Everyone's doing networking wrong. Here's the right way"
Why it works:
Challenges conventional wisdom while promising superior knowledge
Template:
"The [specific number] signs you're ready to [big decision]"
Example:
"The 5 signs you're ready to quit your job and start a business"
Why it works:
Provides clear actionable criteria for important life decisions
Template:
"I wish someone told me [specific insight] before I [milestone]"
Example:
"I wish someone told me this about taxes before I hit my first $100k"
Why it works:
Mentorship positioning that helps viewers avoid common pitfalls
Template:
"The difference between [amount] and [amount] entrepreneurs"
Example:
"The difference between $10k and $100k entrepreneurs"
Why it works:
Creates aspiration by showing the gap between different success levels
Education & How-To Hooks
Perfect for tutorials, educational content, skill-building, and teaching complex topics.
Template:
"Learn [skill] in [timeframe] even if you're [perceived barrier]"
Example:
"Learn video editing in 10 minutes even if you're not tech-savvy"
Why it works:
Removes barriers and sets clear expectations for quick learning
Template:
"The [number] [subject] facts that will blow your mind"
Example:
"The 7 psychology facts that will blow your mind"
Why it works:
Promise of surprising information triggers curiosity and shareability
Template:
"You've been doing [common task] wrong your entire life"
Example:
"You've been tying your shoes wrong your entire life"
Why it works:
Challenges deeply held assumptions about basic skills
Template:
"The [simple method] that [expert/successful person] uses to [achieve result]"
Example:
"The 5-minute morning routine that billionaires use to stay focused"
Why it works:
Authority borrowing combined with actionable simplicity
Template:
"Why [counterintuitive thing] is actually [correct approach]"
Example:
"Why studying less is actually better for your grades"
Why it works:
Paradoxical statements demand explanation and challenge conventional thinking
Template:
"I learned [advanced skill] by [unconventional method] in [timeframe]"
Example:
"I learned fluent Spanish by watching TikTok for 3 months"
Why it works:
Unconventional learning methods spark curiosity and seem achievable
Template:
"The secret [subject] teachers don't want you to know"
Example:
"The secret math trick teachers don't want you to know"
Why it works:
Conspiracy-adjacent framing creates urgency and exclusivity
Template:
"[Number] things that happen when you [action] for [timeframe]"
Example:
"5 things that happen when you read for 30 minutes daily"
Why it works:
Lists provide structure while habits create aspirational content
Template:
"The [tool/technique] that replaced [expensive/complex alternative]"
Example:
"The free app that replaced my $500/month designer"
Why it works:
Cost-saving and efficiency improvements resonate with budget-conscious viewers
Template:
"How to [skill] like [expert type] without [common requirement]"
Example:
"How to negotiate like a lawyer without going to law school"
Why it works:
Skill transfer from experts with accessible entry points
Entertainment & Comedy Hooks
For funny content, storytelling, relatable moments, and viral entertainment.
Template:
"POV: You're [relatable situation] and [unexpected thing] happens"
Example:
"POV: You're avoiding your ex at the grocery store and they work there"
Why it works:
POV format is TikTok-native and creates immediate relatability
Template:
"Things [type of person] do that make no sense"
Example:
"Things gym bros do that make no sense"
Why it works:
Gentle roasting of familiar archetypes creates community through shared observations
Template:
"Me explaining [complex thing] to [person who wouldn't understand]"
Example:
"Me explaining cryptocurrency to my grandmother"
Why it works:
Comedy through contrast between complex topics and innocent audiences
Template:
"The [number] types of people at [location/event]"
Example:
"The 4 types of people at every house party"
Why it works:
Categorization humor that lets viewers identify themselves and others
Template:
"When [specific situation] happens vs when [opposite] happens"
Example:
"When you have plans vs when you have no plans"
Why it works:
Contrast humor highlighting life's ironies and contradictions
Template:
"Nobody: [silence] Me: [ridiculous response]"
Example:
"Nobody: Absolutely nothing Me: Time to reorganize my entire life at 2 AM"
Why it works:
Self-deprecating humor about unprompted, quirky behavior
Template:
"Red flags in [category] that everyone ignores"
Example:
"Red flags in friendships that everyone ignores"
Why it works:
Creates community through shared recognition of overlooked warning signs
Template:
"Ranking [items] based on [unusual criteria]"
Example:
"Ranking Disney villains based on how good they'd be as roommates"
Why it works:
Unexpected ranking criteria creates unique commentary angles
Template:
"If [fictional character] had [modern technology/situation]"
Example:
"If Harry Potter had social media"
Why it works:
Familiar characters in modern contexts create relatable humor
Template:
"The internal monologue of [person/thing] during [situation]"
Example:
"The internal monologue of your phone during a software update"
Why it works:
Personification humor that gives voice to relatable experiences
Lifestyle & Vlog Hooks
For daily routines, personal development, lifestyle tips, and authentic sharing.
Template:
"My [timeframe] of [activity] that completely changed my [aspect of life]"
Example:
"My 30 days of waking up at 5 AM that completely changed my productivity"
Why it works:
Personal transformation through specific challenges inspires and provides roadmaps
Template:
"Things I stopped doing that made me [positive outcome]"
Example:
"Things I stopped doing that made me 10x happier"
Why it works:
Subtraction-based improvement feels more achievable than addition
Template:
"The [number] purchases under [amount] that upgraded my entire [area]"
Example:
"The 5 purchases under $20 that upgraded my entire morning routine"
Why it works:
Affordable improvements provide accessible lifestyle upgrades
Template:
"Why I [controversial lifestyle choice] and you should consider it too"
Example:
"Why I deleted all social media apps and you should consider it too"
Why it works:
Controversial choices spark discussion while personal testimony provides credibility
Template:
"A day in my life as someone who [unique characteristic]"
Example:
"A day in my life as someone who doesn't own a car in Los Angeles"
Why it works:
Unique lifestyle choices satisfy curiosity about alternative ways of living
Template:
"The mindset shift that changed everything about [life area]"
Example:
"The mindset shift that changed everything about my relationships"
Why it works:
Mental framework changes feel immediately actionable and transformative
Template:
"I tried [popular thing] for [timeframe] so you don't have to"
Example:
"I tried intermittent fasting for 60 days so you don't have to"
Why it works:
Vicarious experimentation saves viewers time while satisfying curiosity
Template:
"The [number] habits that make [outcome] inevitable"
Example:
"The 3 habits that make confidence inevitable"
Why it works:
Deterministic language creates hope while specific numbers feel manageable
Template:
"How [age] me would react to my life now"
Example:
"How 16-year-old me would react to my life now"
Why it works:
Temporal perspective creates reflection and relatability about personal growth
Template:
"The [simple thing] that replaced my [expensive thing]"
Example:
"The $5 habit that replaced my $200 therapy sessions"
Why it works:
Cost-effective alternatives to expensive solutions appeal to practical viewers
Music & Arts Hooks
For musicians, artists, creative content, and artistic tutorials.
Template:
"The [music element] that makes [artist] so addictive"
Example:
"The chord progression that makes Taylor Swift so addictive"
Why it works:
Music theory explanations of popular artists satisfy curiosity about craft
Template:
"I recreated [famous song] using only [limitation]"
Example:
"I recreated Bohemian Rhapsody using only my phone"
Why it works:
Creative constraints showcase resourcefulness and skill while entertaining
Template:
"Songs that hit different when you know the [backstory/meaning]"
Example:
"Songs that hit different when you know they're about heartbreak"
Why it works:
Hidden meanings and backstories add depth to familiar content
Template:
"The [number] production tricks that make songs sound [quality]"
Example:
"The 3 production tricks that make songs sound expensive"
Why it works:
Technical insights demystify professional quality for aspiring creators
Template:
"How [genre] would sound in [different era/style]"
Example:
"How hip-hop would sound in the 1800s"
Why it works:
Creative reimagining showcases versatility and historical knowledge
Template:
"The [instrument/tool] that changed my entire [creative process]"
Example:
"The $50 microphone that changed my entire recording process"
Why it works:
Affordable gear recommendations help other creators improve their craft
Template:
"Making a beat out of [unexpected sounds]"
Example:
"Making a beat out of kitchen sounds"
Why it works:
Creative sound sourcing demonstrates musical creativity and innovation
Template:
"Why [musical choice] in [song] is genius"
Example:
"Why the silence in Mad World is genius"
Why it works:
Music analysis that highlights overlooked artistry elevates appreciation
Template:
"The [time period] had the best [music element] and here's proof"
Example:
"The 90s had the best guitar solos and here's proof"
Why it works:
Nostalgic music claims create engagement through generational debate
Template:
"I taught myself [instrument] in [timeframe] using [method]"
Example:
"I taught myself piano in 30 days using only YouTube"
Why it works:
Self-taught success stories inspire while unconventional methods intrigue
Fitness & Health Hooks
For workout tips, nutrition advice, wellness content, and health transformations.
Template:
"I got [result] without [common requirement] by doing [unique approach]"
Example:
"I got abs without going to the gym by doing these 3 exercises"
Why it works:
Removes barriers while promising results through unconventional methods
Template:
"The [number] exercises that replace an entire gym"
Example:
"The 5 exercises that replace an entire gym"
Why it works:
Efficiency and accessibility appeal to time-conscious and budget-minded viewers
Template:
"Why your [body part] workout isn't working"
Example:
"Why your ab workout isn't working"
Why it works:
Addresses common frustrations while promising corrective knowledge
Template:
"The [timeframe] transformation that started with [small change]"
Example:
"The 6-month transformation that started with drinking more water"
Why it works:
Small starting points make transformation feel achievable for beginners
Template:
"I ate [specific food] for [timeframe] and this happened"
Example:
"I ate eggs for breakfast every day for 30 days and this happened"
Why it works:
Simple dietary experiments provide relatable and actionable content
Food & Cooking Hooks
For recipes, cooking tips, food reviews, and culinary content.
Template:
"The [number] ingredient [dish] that tastes like [expensive comparison]"
Example:
"The 3-ingredient pasta that tastes like a $30 restaurant dish"
Why it works:
Simplicity combined with luxury comparison creates achievable aspiration
Template:
"I tried the [viral food trend] so you don't have to"
Example:
"I tried the viral avocado coffee so you don't have to"
Why it works:
Trend testing saves viewers time while satisfying curiosity about food trends
Template:
"The [cooking mistake] everyone makes that ruins [dish]"
Example:
"The salt mistake everyone makes that ruins pasta"
Why it works:
Common cooking errors resonate with home cooks seeking improvement
Template:
"Making [comfort food] but make it [dietary restriction]"
Example:
"Making mac and cheese but make it vegan"
Why it works:
Familiar comfort foods with dietary adaptations serve growing health-conscious audience
Template:
"The [tool] that changed how I [cooking action]"
Example:
"The $15 tool that changed how I prep vegetables"
Why it works:
Affordable kitchen improvements provide practical value for home cooks
Pro Tip
Once you have your hook collection ready, consider how you'll reach the right audience. At Viryze, we help creators get their content in front of thousands of engaged viewers who are most likely to follow and engage. Our AI-powered targeting finds your ideal audience on TikTok and optimizes your budget for maximum follower growth.
Customizing Hooks to Your Style
The best hooks feel authentic to your voice and brand. Here's how to adapt these templates while maintaining their psychological effectiveness.
Personalization Techniques
- • Add your voice: Include personal phrases or expressions
- • Use your expertise: Reference your specific knowledge area
- • Match your energy: Adjust formality to fit your brand
- • Include specifics: Use your actual numbers and experiences
- • Cultural relevance: Adapt references for your audience
Testing Your Hooks
- • A/B test different hooks for similar content
- • Track completion rates in TikTok analytics
- • Monitor comment sentiment and engagement
- • Ask your audience which hooks they prefer
- • Iterate based on performance data
The Hook Success Formula
Hook effectiveness = (Curiosity + Relevance + Authenticity) × Clear Delivery. The best hooks trigger genuine curiosity about information that's relevant to your audience, delivered in your authentic voice with clear, confident presentation.
Advanced Hook Techniques
Once you've mastered the basic templates, these advanced techniques will help you create even more compelling opening moments.
The Pattern Interrupt
Start with something unexpected that breaks the viewer's mental pattern. This could be an unusual visual, surprising statement, or contradiction of expectations.
"Everyone says to follow your passion. I'm here to tell you that's terrible advice."
The Future Callback
Reference something that will happen later in the video to create anticipation throughout the entire viewing experience.
"By the end of this video, you'll understand why this tiny change made me $10,000 last month."
The Specific Timeframe
Use hyper-specific timeframes to add credibility and urgency to your claims.
"In exactly 47 seconds, you'll learn the email template that gets me a 89% response rate."
The Authority Transfer
Borrow credibility from recognized experts, studies, or institutions while adding your unique perspective.
"Harvard researchers found this productivity method increases focus by 40%. Here's how I use it differently."
Your Hook Vault Strategy
This hook vault is your creative foundation, but remember—the best hook in the world won't help if the wrong people see it. Success on TikTok comes from pairing compelling content with strategic audience targeting.
Start by choosing 5-10 hooks from your relevant category and adapting them to your unique voice and expertise. Test them across different videos and track which patterns perform best for your audience. Over time, you'll develop an intuitive understanding of what resonates with your viewers.
Ready to Amplify Your Best Hooks?
Great hooks deserve great reach. When you create content that truly connects with viewers, make sure it reaches the right audience. Viryze helps creators scale their best-performing content through intelligent TikTok advertising that targets users most likely to follow and engage.
Your creative voice + strategic amplification = sustainable TikTok growth.
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Head of Creator Success at Viryze
TikTok growth strategist helping creators reach their first 100K followers through data-driven promotion strategies.