Video Hook Generator

---
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 |