Imagine scrolling through TikTok and seeing a video that starts with: “Watch this if you want to make $100,000 in just 13 hours.” Would you stop and watch? Most of us would.
Creating viral, scroll-stopping content relies on one crucial element: Your Hook.
After spending over 125 hours analyzing viral content on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, we discovered the “secret sauce” behind viral success. This guide will show you how to transform your content from average to viral, all with the power of your hook.
What Is a Viral Hook?
Think of a hook like a fishhook—it’s designed to bait and capture your audience’s attention. A viral hook immediately grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and compels action. With the average attention span now only 8.25 seconds, you must captivate your audience in those first few moments.
How to Write a Good Hook for a Video
To craft a great hook, consider these key elements:
- Immediate and Attention-Grabbing: Your hook must instantly stop the scroll.
Example: “Do you want to make $200,000 in just one hour?” - Curiosity-Piquing: A good hook should spark curiosity, making viewers want to watch till the end.
Example: “I discovered a secret hack that changes everything.” - Relatable and Relevant: Your hook must address your audience’s needs, challenges, or desires.
Example: “If you’re in your 20s and struggling with anxiety, watch this…” - Urgency: Convey a sense of urgency so viewers feel they can’t miss out.
Example: “You have 2 hours left to claim this offer.” - Shareability: Viral hooks make viewers want to share the content with others, increasing its reach.
25 Viral Hook Templates to Steal
Here are 25 proven hook templates that have the potential to go viral:
- “If you’re in your 20s and feel [challenge], watch this…”
Example: If you’re in your 20s and feel lost, watch this video. - “I worked in [niche] for X years and learned these secrets…”
Example: I worked in content creation for 6 years—here are 4 things you must know. - “X images that will make you a better [expert]…”
Example: 10 YouTube videos that will make you a better singer. - “I made X in revenue in Y years without [breaking common belief]…”
Example: I made $10 million in 3 years without writing a line of code. - “98% of people don’t know how to [achieve goal]. Here’s how…”
Example: 98% of people don’t know how to design a logo—here’s how to do it in under 3 minutes with AI. - “Here’s [number] underestimated hacks to [desired result]…”
Example: Here are 7 hacks to lose weight in 5 days. - “Everyone wants to [goal]. The first step is to [action]…”
Example: Everyone wants to be a better writer—the first step is to read more. - “98% of people don’t know how to [achieve goal]. Here’s the best way…”
Example: 98% of people don’t know how to invest in cryptocurrency—here’s how to start. - “[Big accomplishment] Here are [number] learnings…”
Example: After writing 5 bestselling novels, here are 10 learnings to help you succeed. - “I audited [number] websites. Here are [number] tips to boost conversions…”
Example: I audited 500 websites—here are 20 tips to boost conversions. - “[Skill] is the most profitable skill in [year]. Here’s how to master it…”
Example: Copywriting is the most profitable skill in 2023—here’s how to master it fast. - “If you want to [achieve goal], don’t make these mistakes…”
Example: If you want to win an argument, don’t make these mistakes. - “X sentences that will make you a better [role] in just 2 minutes…”
Example: Sentences that will make you a better leader in just 2 minutes. - “In the era of [trend], these [number] techniques will make your [skill] stand out…”
Example: In the era of AI, these 7 copywriting techniques will make your copy stand out. - “Use these [number] simple steps to 10x your [skill] without [common barrier]…”
Example: Use these 6 steps to 10x your writing skills without a degree. - “[Skill] is a superpower. Here’s why mastering it is the key to [outcome]…”
Example: Public speaking is a superpower—master it and you’ll captivate any audience. - “I built [success] in [time]. Here’s how I’ll reach my next goal…”
Example: I built a 6-figure business in 2 years—here’s how I plan to hit $1 million. - “40 things I wish I had known 10 years ago…”
Example: 40 things I wish I had known 10 years ago about entrepreneurship. - “The most valuable [skill] in [year] isn’t what you think. Here’s why…”
Example: The most valuable leadership skill in 2023 isn’t what you think—here’s why emotional intelligence is key. - “[Number] surprising facts about [topic] that will [outcome]…”
Example: 10 surprising facts about healthy eating that will transform your lifestyle. - “If you work in [industry], you need to hear this…”
Example: If you work in marketing, you need to hear this tip. - “Want to know the secret to [desired outcome]? Watch till the end…”
Example: Want to know the secret to mastering Instagram? Watch till the end. - “I wish I had known about this [problem/solution] earlier…”
Example: I wish I had known this simple productivity hack earlier. - “Here’s a [number] step formula to [achieve result] faster…”
Example: Here’s a 5-step formula to boost your social media engagement. - “The most valuable [skill] in [year]—master it and you’ll [outcome]…”
Example: Copywriting is the most valuable skill in 2023—master it and you’ll dominate the market.
Tips to Go Viral on Social Media
Going viral often requires a combination of strategy, effort, and luck. Here are some tips to increase your chances:
- Understand Your Audience: Tailor your content to your audience’s preferences and interests.
- Create High-Quality Content: Make your content informative, entertaining, and valuable.
- Be Consistent: Regular posting helps keep your audience engaged.
- Keep an Eye on Trends: Use relevant trends to increase your content’s shareability.
- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, messages, and interact regularly.
- Use the Right Platforms: Choose the platforms where your content performs best.
- Optimize for Shareability: Make your content easy to share by using humor, relevance, or emotional appeal.
- Use Trending Sounds: Incorporate popular music or sounds to increase visibility.
- Analyze and Adapt: Continuously review your content’s performance and refine your strategy.
Conclusion: Use These Hooks to Go Viral in 2024
Going viral is a mix of skill and timing, but with these hooks and tips, you’ll put yourself in the best position for success. Start using these hooks today and watch your social media presence soar!