In the next videos, we will work on putting into practice what I have just shared with you. We are starting with the hooks. As you have learned already, there are elements necessary to make an attractive short video.

To practice what you have learned in this video you will need to download the list of hooks:

The Hooks for Short Viral Video Content - Cheat-Sheet_Ver1 [PDF]

These days, we have only 1-2 seconds for a viewer to choose whether he will watch your video or not. The hook should draw the attention of the viewer and make him decide to watch the whole video. For this to happen, it has to evoke curiosity, shock, impress, interrupt the pattern, surprise, agree, or disagree. And the good news is that you don’t have to invent anything. I have created a cheat sheet for you with over 200 phrases that you just use to start your conversation with the viewer. All phrases are divided into types of hooks according to the impact they have on the viewer.

Types of Hooks

We will cover 11 types, but there are more. I just think that these will be useful for anyone having talking videos, or expert videos. Let’s have a look at each one of them. (use graphics for the below titles)

Captivating Visual

This type of hook grabs the viewer’s attention by presenting visually striking or intriguing imagery at the beginning of the video. It aims to immediately engage the audience’s senses and draw them into the content.

Examples

• “Ever wondered how to…”
• “Picture this:…”
• “Ready to see something incredible?”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to explore the visually engaging content further. They create anticipation for what’s to come and encourage viewers to immerse themselves in the visual experience.

Conditioning Phrases

These phrases encourage viewers to take action or consider a particular option. They often present a scenario or opportunity and suggest that if the viewer wants to achieve a certain outcome or experience a specific benefit, they should take a particular action, such as watching the rest of the video or following a suggested course of action.

Examples

• “If you want to take your [topic] skills to the next level, then…”
• “If you’re ready to make a change, then…”
• “If you want to see results, then…”

Excitement Phrases

Excitement phrases generate enthusiasm and intrigue in the audience by expressing excitement or amazement about something that will be revealed or experienced in the video. They aim to create anticipation and build excitement, motivating viewers to continue watching to find out more.

Examples

• “You won’t believe what just happened!”
• “I’m still in shock that this actually worked!”
• “I never thought I’d see the day when…”

Humor

Humorous hooks inject lightheartedness and entertainment into the content by starting with a funny or amusing moment or statement. Humor can instantly engage viewers and create a positive association with the content, encouraging them to keep watching for more entertainment.

Examples

• “Hold onto your sides, because this is going to be hilarious…”
• “Warning: Dad joke incoming…”
• “Get ready to giggle with…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching for more entertainment and laughter. By starting with humor, they create a positive association with the content and encourage viewers to engage further to enjoy the comedic elements.

Pattern Interrupting

Pattern interrupting hooks disrupt the viewer’s expectations by presenting unexpected changes in visuals, sound effects, or language right at the beginning of the video. By breaking the usual pattern or flow, these hooks capture attention and create intrigue, compelling viewers to continue watching to see what happens next.

Examples

• “Stop what you’re doing and…”
• “Hold on a second, because…”
• “Wait, you won’t believe this…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to see what happens next after the unexpected interruption. They create curiosity and anticipation for how the content will unfold, encouraging viewers to engage further to satisfy their curiosity.

Personal Connection

Personal connection hooks establish a connection with the audience by sharing relatable stories, experiences, or anecdotes. They create a sense of empathy or familiarity, making viewers feel personally invested in the content and more likely to continue watching to learn more.

Examples

• “Let me share a personal story that changed my perspective…”
• “You know, I once found myself in a similar situation…”
• “I’ve been there, and let me tell you…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to learn more about the personal experiences or insights being shared. They create a sense of connection and trust, encouraging viewers to engage further to discover the lessons or perspectives being offered.

Question or Curiosity

These hooks pose thought-provoking questions or tease mysteries or curiosities at the beginning of the video. They stimulate the audience’s curiosity and prompt them to continue watching in search of answers or insights.

Examples

• “What if I told you…”
• “Have you ever wondered how…”
• “Curious about…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to satisfy their curiosity or find answers to the questions posed. They create a sense of intrigue and anticipation for the content that follows, encouraging viewers to engage further to uncover the promised information or insights.

Quick Problem-Solving

Quick problem-solving hooks introduce a problem or challenge that the audience may relate to, and then hint at a solution or promise to provide valuable information or tips later in the video. They capture attention by addressing a common concern or need and offering the promise of a solution.

Examples

• “Here’s a quick fix for…”
• “Struggling with…”
• “Find yourself in a bind with…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to learn the solution or valuable information that will help them overcome the problem or challenge presented. They create a sense of urgency or motivation to engage further to find the answers or solutions offered.

Shift in Perspective or Lesson Learned

These hooks signal a change in perspective or a lesson learned by the creator, often expressed through phrases like “I never thought I’d say this” or “If I knew then what I know now.” They create intrigue by suggesting that the content will offer valuable insights or perspectives that may challenge the viewer’s existing beliefs or assumptions.

Examples

• “I never thought I’d say this, but…”
• “If I knew then what I know now…”
• “Looking back on my life, I realize now that…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to discover the valuable insights or perspectives being offered by the creator. They create a sense of curiosity and anticipation for the content that follows, encouraging viewers to engage further to uncover the lessons or perspectives shared.

Shock Factor

Shock factor hooks startle or surprise viewers with unexpected or shocking moments or statements right at the beginning of the video. They aim to jolt viewers out of complacency and capture their attention by presenting something surprising or attention-grabbing.

Examples

• “Prepare to be absolutely stunned by…”
• “You won’t believe what just happened!”
• “I never thought I’d see the day when…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to satisfy their curiosity and understand the unexpected event or statement presented. They create a sense of intrigue and anticipation for what will unfold next in the video.

Teaser or Preview

Teaser or preview hooks offer a glimpse of what’s to come later in the video, presenting highlights or tantalizing snippets of content to pique the audience’s interest and encourage them to continue watching for more. They create anticipation and build curiosity about the rest of the video.

Examples

• “Get ready for…”
• “Don’t miss out on…”
• “Stay tuned for…”

These hooks compel viewers to continue watching to see the full content or to discover more about the teased highlights or snippets. They create a sense of anticipation and excitement for the content that follows, encouraging viewers to engage

Downloads

The Hooks for Short Viral Video Content - Cheat-Sheet_Ver1 [PDF]