Struggling to figure out how to hook viewers fast when creating videos?
If you want your videos to get watched and noticed, the first five seconds are crucially important.
People scroll fast, and if you don’t grab their attention with an catchy video hook, they’ll be gone and onto the next video fast.
I’ve been talking about video hooks for a while, and I can’t emphasize enough how crucial they are in your video marketing strategy.
The hook is the single most important part of your video because it’s what pulls people in and makes them want to stick around.
Why the Video Hook is Everything
Let me give you a real-world example. Just the other day, I watched a video from a huge online influencer.
She operates in a completely different niche, but she was asked how much she makes per year it was $20 million, by the way.
What stood out was her answer about creating videos:
“It’s all about the hook. The rest of the video doesn’t matter unless you get the hook right.”
And I one hundred percent agree with her.
Yes, you want to deliver great content, but if you don’t have a killer hook, people won’t even stick around to see what you have to say.
On the flip side, if you get people excited with a hook and don’t deliver value, you lose their trust fast.
That’s the “boy who cried wolf” syndrome.
You don’t want your viewers thinking, “I’ve seen this before and it’s not that good.” I see it all the time on Facebook.
There are videos that tease with a strange hook—like “I always do this first when I get to a hotel room”—but then never deliver.
People comment, “I don’t get it,” and the content falls flat.
If you want to stand out, you need a good hook AND you need to fulfill the promise of your hook with real value.
What Makes a Great Video Hook?
A great video hook grabs your viewers instantly. But here’s the key: It has to be about them, not about you.
Focus on helping, sharing, and providing information that your audience really wants.
Make the hook all about your viewer and let them know exactly what to expect from your video.
Simple Video Hook Formulas
Here are some easy, proven hook formulas that always work:
1. Ask a Question
Questions are a powerful way to draw people in. I started this post with a question:
“What if you could hook people in the first five seconds before they scroll away?”
Questions instantly engage the brain and make people want to keep watching.
2. Share a Quick Story
Stories are another effective way to hook your audience.
For example:
“How I lost five pounds in seven days without starving myself or fad diets.”
If your audience wants to lose weight, they’ll be hooked right away. Share stories that speak directly to your viewers’ needs or desires.
3. Use Breaking News or Surprising Facts
A “breaking news” style hook or a fresh statistic can work wonders.
For instance:
“Have you heard about the brand new study on why most people can’t lose weight?”
Just remember to use this technique sparingly so it doesn’t lose its impact.
4. State Exactly What They’ll Get
Be clear and upfront. “In this video, I’m going to share with you three reasons why you need to lose weight using a simple formula.”
People appreciate knowing what’s coming, and it keeps them watching.
The Power of Testing Your Video Hooks
Not every hook will land. That’s why you need to keep testing different styles and formulas. Some will flop, but others will hit and get your audience fired up.
When you find a hook that works, double down on it and ride that wave as long as you can. Keep your eye on trends, but always test to see what resonates with your specific audience.
Key Takeaways for Creating Killer Video Hooks
- Grab attention fast—don’t waste a second.
- Make your hook about the viewer, not about you.
- Use formulas: ask questions, share stories, present facts, or state what’s coming.
- Use tools like ChatGPT and study infomercials for inspiration.
- Keep testing to see what works for your audience and double down when you find it.
If you want more help with creating video hooks, check out my PDF of 280 Video Hook Templates. These are proven, easy-to-use hooks that you can adapt to your own niche and style.
Let me know if this helped you by leaving a comment below.
You rock,
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3 replies to "The Secret Formula to Grabbing Attention With Your Video Hook"
Love it! Very good information. Thanks for the refresher!
I didn’t know your hook has to be about them and not about you. Thank you for this information.
Good Stuff 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Thanks Mark!