The hook is a crucial element in your Instagram Reels that grabs viewers' attention within the first few seconds. This initial engagement is essential because the Instagram algorithm favors content that retains viewers, and a strong hook can significantly increase the chances of your video being watched in its entirety, shared, and liked.
With a flood of content competing for attention, your hook is the crucial first point of contact with potential viewers. It acts as your first impression, and as the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
A captivating hook can make the difference between a viewer scrolling past or choosing to invest their time in watching your video. Since Instagram Reels and TikTok videos are typically viewed in an endless scroll format, those initial few seconds are your golden opportunity to capture viewers' interest and draw them in.
Mastering the art of the hook is an essential skill for any content creator aiming to maximize their impact on Instagram Reels.
Different Types of Text Hooks
Controversial Hook: Say the opposite of what you will discuss in the video. For example, "Ugly people get more dates than attractive people," or "A burger has fewer calories than a salad." This unexpected statement grabs attention and piques curiosity.
Challenge Hook: Challenge your audience. For instance, "90% of people won't understand what I'm about to say," or "Only 1 in 5 couples stay together for more than 20 years if they do this every day." This type of hook engages viewers by daring them to prove it wrong or understand the concept.
Bold Statement: Make a strong, attention-grabbing declaration. For example, "Stop wasting time on these social media mistakes!" This hook immediately tells the viewer that valuable, time-saving information will follow.
Surprising Element: Show something unusual or surprising. For instance, "You won't believe what happened when I tried this new technique!" This type of hook intrigues viewers, making them want to watch more to satisfy their curiosity.
Personal Story: Start with a personal anecdote that leads into the main content. For example, "I lost 20 pounds by following these simple steps, and you can too!" This hook makes the content relatable and engaging.
Question Hook: Ask a provocative question to engage the audience. For instance, "Do you know why most people fail at their New Year's resolutions?" This encourages viewers to keep watching for the answer.
Shock Value: Begin with a shocking fact or statistic. For instance, "Did you know that 70% of people are making this mistake daily?" This hook grabs attention through surprise and urgency.
People desire content that either benefits them, challenges their beliefs, entertains them, or makes them think differently
30 Viral Text Hooks
# | Hook Structure | Example |
1 | “If you’re struggling to [common struggle for your audience], watch this…” | “If you’re struggling to lose weight, watch this…” |
2 | “You should never [common action that your target audience does] before knowing this…” | “You should never lift weights before knowing this…” |
3 | “How I reached [desirable result for your target audience], in [short period of time], starting from zero…” | “How I reached 10k followers in 2 weeks, starting from zero…” |
4 | “I’m going to teach you how to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience] in [x] steps…” | “I’m going to teach you how to make $10k dollars in 4 steps…” |
5 | “Websites for [your niche] that feel illegal to know…” | “Websites for copywriters that feel illegal to know…” |
6 | “How you can get [desirable result for your target audience], in [short period of time], just like I did” | “How you can get stronger in 1 week just like I did” |
7 | If you want to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience] you have to [solution you provide]” | “If you want to scale your business you have to network…” |
8 | “Here’s a [vehicle to achieve desirable result] that nobody is talking about…” | “Here’s a business model that nobody is talking about…” |
9 | “If you want to [desirable result for your target audience], but you [common struggle for your audience], here’s the solution…” | “If you want to get more clients, but you hate cold outreach, here’s the solution…” |
10 | “If you want [desirable result for your target audience], you need this [solution you provide]” | If you want to be 10 times more productive you need this Notion template” |
11 | [Commonly used solution] won’t get you [achieve a desirable result for your target audience], do this instead…” | “Cold calling won’t get you more clients, do this instead…” |
12 | “The [industry/group of people] have been lying to you…” | “The fitness industry has been lying to you…” |
13 | “This [solution] changed my life…” | “This diet changed my life…” |
14 | If you’re tired of [common struggle for your audience] you need to try this…” | “If you’re tired of gaining weight you need to try this…” |
15 | “If you [an action that your target audience does], then you need to get these [useful tools/assets]…” | “If you edit videos, then you need to get these free overlays…” |
16 | “How to [desirable result for your target audience] in [short period of time], with [the solution you provide]” | “How to get your first 3 clients in 2 weeks with paid ads…” |
17 | “Stop doing [common action that your target audience does] like this!” | “Stop doing pushups like this!” |
18 | This is the number one way to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience]…” | “This is the number one way to grow a following on Instagram…” |
19 | “These are the [x] steps to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience]…” | “These are the 5 steps to build a perfect physique…” |
20 | “You need to use this secret hack to [desirable result for your target audience]…” | “You need to use this secret hack to reach millions of views in your next video…” |
21 | “How to stop [common error that your target audience does] in [x] easy steps…” | “How to stop losing clients in 3 easy steps…” |
22 | “I tried [achieve a desirable result for your target audience] for [short period of time] and these are the results…” | “I tried making money with dropshipping for 30 days and these are the results…” |
23 | “So you want to [desirable result for your target audience] right? Then you need to watch this video” | “So you want to put on muscle mass right? Then you need to watch this video” |
24 | “This is how you’re going to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience] with just [tool/solution/common object]…” | “This is how you’re going to get hundreds of sales on your online store with just 1 AI tool…” |
25 | “Imagine if you could [desirable result for your target audience], without [common struggle]…” | “Imagine if you could send 1000 personalized cold emails to qualified prospects, without spending days in front of your computer…” |
26 | This is the secret to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience]…” | “This is the secret to get new clients on autopilot…” |
27 | If I had to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience] starting from 0/scratch here’s exactly what I would do…” | “If I had to make money online starting from scratch here’s exactly what I would do…” |
28 | “99% of people can’t reach/get [desirable result for your target audience] because of this…” | “99% of people can’t get a six pack because of this…” |
29 | “Here’s the truth about [desirable result for your target audience]…” | “Here’s the truth about building a successful business…” |
30 | “If you want to [achieve a desirable result for your target audience], but you’re afraid of [common fear in your industry]…” | “If you want to create content but you’re afraid of being judged by others…” |
Course Program
General
Instagram & TikTok
SEO in Social Media (coming soon)
Key Metrics and How to Analyze Them (coming soon)
Text Hooks (reading now)