Top 25 Best Hooks to Start Social Media Content (Proven to Go Viral)

Stop Using Weak Hooks.. Use These Instead!

If people aren’t stopping to watch your content, the problem is your hook.

Most creators make the mistake of using boring, overused intros like:

❌ “Here are three tips for…”
❌ “Let’s talk about…”
❌ “This is why you should…”

These don’t grab attention.

A strong hook makes people stop scrolling and pay attention immediately. And when more people watch longer, the algorithm boosts your content to a bigger audience.

So, instead of weak openers, use these 25 viral hooks that work across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and more.

TL;DR – The Best Social Media Hooks

If you just need quick hooks to use, here are some of the best:

✅ Do yourself a favor and…
✅ I need to address something that’s been bothering me…
✅ This is not your average [thing]…
✅ Do you realize how…?
✅ I went from [bad thing] to [good thing] when I stopped…
✅ The best thing you can do for [X] before [Y]…

Want to know why these work and how to use all 25 hooks effectively? Keep reading.

What Makes a Hook Go Viral?

A hook is the first thing people see or hear. It has one job: 👉 Make them stop scrolling.

The Best Hooks Have These 4 Traits:

✔ They spark curiosity: The viewer thinks: Wait, what? Tell me more.
✔ They create urgency: I need to watch this right now.
✔ They trigger emotions: Excitement, surprise, or even frustration = engagement.
✔ They offer value: Viewers feel like they’ll gain something by watching.

The best hooks pull people in within the first 1-3 seconds.

So sit back and relax, and I'll give you the 25 best hooks that are guaranteed to work!

The 25 Best Hooks for Social Media Content

Hook #25: “If you like [insert commonly liked thing], then you’ll love [insert your product, service, or solution]!”

This hook links something your audience already loves with what you’re offering, creating an immediate connection.

Examples:

• If you like peanut butter, then you’ll love my homemade cricket butter!
• If you like binge-watching, then you’ll love our exclusive streaming service!

Hook #24: “The #1 mistake every [insert your ideal follower] makes…”

Point out a common mistake to position yourself as the expert who can help your audience avoid it.

Examples:

• The #1 mistake every new entrepreneur makes when launching a startup…
• The #1 mistake every fitness enthusiast makes during workouts…

Hook #23: “Watch this video if you [insert common problem]…”

Addresses a pain point and promises a solution, drawing in the viewers who need help the most.

Examples:

• Watch this video if you struggle with time management…
• Watch this video if you’re tired of low social media engagement…

Hook #22: “If you can’t [insert common problem], keep watching…”

Grabs viewers who face a specific challenge, offering hope and a solution if they keep watching.

Examples:

• If you can’t get enough engagement on your posts, keep watching…
• If you can’t seem to find your creative spark, keep watching…

Hook #21: “If I could [insert timeframe or circumstance], I would do these [number] things differently!”

A transformation story that invites viewers to learn from your experience and avoid common pitfalls.

Examples:

• If I could go back to my early career, I would do these 3 things differently…
• If I could relive my startup days, I’d implement these 5 changes immediately…

Hook #20: “The [insert noun] that [insert your title or profession] won’t tell you…”

This hook teases insider information that your audience isn’t likely to hear anywhere else.

Examples:

• The secret strategy that marketers won’t tell you about boosting engagement…
• The truth that financial advisors won’t share about building wealth…

Hook #19: “[Insert common goal in your niche] is so easy if you…”

This hook simplifies a big goal, suggesting that the achievement is within reach if viewers follow your advice.

Examples:

• Financial freedom is so easy if you know these investment tips…
• Growing your social media following is so easy if you apply these tactics…

Hook #18: “Unpopular opinion…”

Offering a contrarian view sparks debate and curiosity, compelling viewers to see your unique perspective.

Examples:

• Unpopular opinion: You don’t need to post daily to grow your audience…
• Unpopular opinion: Traditional education is overhyped for entrepreneurs…

Hook #17: “Why is no one talking about [insert topic that is not discussed enough]?”

Highlight a neglected issue to position yourself as a thought leader and draw attention to under-discussed topics.

Examples:

• Why is no one talking about mental health in the workplace?
• Why is no one talking about sustainable fashion in 2025?

Hook #16: “Does anyone else hate…?”

Invoke a shared frustration to build community and engagement around a common pain point.

Examples:

• Does anyone else hate spending hours on unproductive meetings?
• Does anyone else hate dealing with social media algorithm changes?

Hook #15: “[Insert desired results] in [small time]”

Promise fast results to capture viewers who are looking for quick wins or immediate transformation.

Examples:

• Get 10K followers in 30 days with these tips…
• Lose 5 pounds in one week with this simple routine…

Hook #14: “Reminder!”

A friendly nudge that reminds your audience of an important tip or value proposition, catching their attention with its simplicity.

Examples:

• Reminder: Your content is only as good as your hook!
• Reminder: Consistency beats perfection every time!

Hook #13: “The word ‘you’.”

Using “you” directly engages the audience, making the message feel personal and relevant.

Examples:

• You can transform your business with one small change…
• You deserve to know the truth about social media growth…

Hook #12: “I lost [insert something you lost]”

Sharing a personal loss creates an emotional connection and sets the stage for a story of recovery or insight.

Examples:

• I lost my job, but it led me to my true passion…
• I lost my confidence until I discovered this simple trick…

Hook #11: “[Industry-related noun] I wish I knew earlier…”

Share hard-earned wisdom to build trust with your audience.

Examples:

• Investment strategies I wish I knew earlier…
• Marketing tips I wish I learned in my first year…

Hook #10: “Revealing the secrets”

Promise insider knowledge that the audience can’t find elsewhere, sparking immediate interest.

Examples:

• Revealing the secrets to viral content creation…
• Revealing the secrets behind skyrocketing engagement…

Hook #9: “Discuss popular influencers, brands, or celebrities”

Leveraging well-known names and trends attracts attention and builds credibility through association.

Examples:

• Breaking down the success of top fitness influencers…
• How leading brands are transforming social media strategies…

Hook #8: “My exact [insert routine, strategy, or technique]…”

Detailing your personal formula or process creates authenticity and invites viewers to replicate your success.

Examples:

• My exact morning routine that boosts productivity…
• My exact strategy for doubling social media engagement…]

Hook #7: “You won’t believe this!”

An attention-grabbing opener that promises something extraordinary, pushing viewers to find out more.

Examples:

• You won’t believe this one trick to skyrocket your views…
• You won’t believe how simple this solution is…

Hook #6: “[Insert new or complex topics], what you need to know.”

Breaks down complicated topics into digestible information, positioning you as the guide in a confusing landscape.

Examples:

• Blockchain technology, what you need to know to get started…
• SEO trends 2025, what you need to know for success…

Hook #5: “Don’t [insert strategy, technique, or thing to not do]”

A cautionary hook that warns your audience about a common pitfall, compelling them to listen and learn the right way.

Examples:

• Don’t make these content mistakes if you want to grow…
• Don’t waste your time on strategies that don’t work…

Hook #4: “The Best [insert the number 1 thing]”

This hook highlights the ultimate strategy, product, or tip in your niche, suggesting that it’s the best of all options.

Examples:

• The Best Workout Routine for Rapid Results!
• The Best Marketing Tip for Instant Growth!

Hook #3: “Top 10 [insert strategy, technique, or thing to do]”

Lists are a proven way to organize information.

Examples:

• Top 10 Tips to Boost Your Social Media Engagement!
• Top 10 Ways to Increase Website Traffic…

Hook #2: “Stop! [insert alert or tip to avoid]”

The urgency in “Stop!” makes viewers pause and pay attention.

Examples:

• Stop! Before you post another video, do this…
• Stop! Avoid these social media errors…

Hook #1: “Breaking news! [insert news or announcement]”

Grabs attention with an exciting news update.

Examples:

• Breaking news! A new algorithm update is here…
• Breaking news! Game-changing features are coming to social media...

Start Using Hooks That Actually Work

Your hook is the most important part of your content—if it doesn’t grab attention in the first few seconds, nothing else matters.

Now that you have 25 high-performing hooks in your arsenal, it’s time to put them to work. Experiment with different styles, track what resonates with your audience, and refine your approach over time.

Remember: A great hook isn’t just about getting views—it’s about keeping people engaged, growing your brand, and turning casual scrollers into loyal followers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of social media hooks exist?

Verbal hooks, visual hooks, and transitional hooks are some of the most common hooks to lead viewers in on social media content.

What is a viral hook?

The hook is the key element of your content. Notice how 'boring' hooks tend to be generic and lack specificity, while 'viral' hooks are precise and generate greater interest and curiosity. It's crucial to craft your hook to effectively spark interest and curiosity.

What is a good social media hook?

A social media hook is an engaging feature in your content crafted to capture attention and boost interaction, such as an intriguing headline or an engaging opening sentence, intended to make users pause and engage with your post.