If you run a business and struggle on camera, this will help.
The first 3 seconds of your video decide everything. Not the lighting. Not the editing. Not the captions.
THE HOOK!
We’ve grown Torro’s social channels to over 250,000 followers across platforms. One video alone hit 5.4 million views. The difference was not production quality.
It was the opening line.
TLDR / Key Summary
- Video hooks are the first sentence that stop the scroll.
- The first 3 seconds determine most short form retention.
- Strong hooks increase watch time and engagement.
- These 10 hooks work across Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
- They are built on psychology like curiosity, authority, and social proof.
- You must deliver on the promise. No cheap clickbait.
What Are Video Hooks?
Video hooks are the first words spoken in a short form video:
They create curiosity.
They spark tension.
They make someone stop scrolling.
On platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, attention is the currency.
TikTok has shared that high performing videos and ads communicate the key message early, often within the first few seconds. Meta has also emphasized that early engagement signals matter for distribution.
If your first sentence is weak, the algorithm never gives you a chance.
Why Hooks Matter for Awareness
This article is not about sales scripts.
This is about top of funnel awareness.
When you spark curiosity:
- Watch time increases.
- Comments increase.
- Shares increase.
- The algorithm pushes it further.
More views means more brand awareness.
More awareness means more future opportunity.
Now let’s break down the hooks.
The Top 10 Video Hooks That Always Work
These are built for business owners.
Simple. Clear. Repeatable.
1. Nobody talks about this
Why it works: It creates exclusivity. It implies hidden knowledge. The brain hates missing out.
Examples:
- Plumber: “Nobody talks about this when hiring a plumber.”
- Restaurant: “Nobody talks about this when choosing Italian food in Boston.”
2. This will change how you see blank
Why it works: It promises a perspective shift. Humans crave new understanding.
Examples:
- Marketing: “This will change how you see Google Ads.”
- Fitness: “This will change how you see fat loss.”
3. I learned this too late
Why it works: It triggers regret and experience. People are more motivated to avoid loss than to chase gains.
Example: “I learned this too late as a business owner.”
One of our highest performing videos started with: “If we were to start our agency over tomorrow…” That single line drove over 1 million views on Instagram and TikTok.
4. Most people don’t realize
Why it works: It challenges common belief and creates a curiosity gap between what people assume and what is true.
Example: “Most people don’t realize this about their website.”
5. This is why you’re still blank
Why it works: It hits identity and calls out a problem directly. Use it with care and deliver real value.
Example: “This is why your videos are still getting 200 views.”
6. Here’s the truth about blank
Why it works: It implies honesty and cuts through noise.
Example: “Here’s the truth about social media growth.”
7. Avoid this mistake when blank
Why it works: Fear of mistakes drives attention. People want to avoid embarrassment and wasted effort.
Example: “Avoid this mistake when posting on Instagram.”
8. This is the real reason you’re still blank
Why it works: It implies root cause, not surface level advice.
Example: “This is the real reason your business isn’t growing online.”
9. If I had to start over
Why it works: It signals experience, wisdom, and hard lessons. People want shortcuts from someone who has done it before.
One of our most viral videos started with: “If we were to start our agency over tomorrow…” It sparked over 1 million views across platforms.
10. If you are blank, listen carefully
Why it works: It qualifies the audience and creates urgency without feeling dramatic.
Example: “If you’re a small business owner, listen carefully.”
Real World Proof
Let’s look at real examples.
One of Torro’s most viewed videos ever (5.4 million views on Instagram) began with: “This is literally one of the coolest things.”
That’s it.
No overthinking. No script.
The video demonstrated an AI tool that reimagined spaces. It reached 5.4 million views.
Why? Curiosity.
Another example.
Tresca in the North End posted a chef saying: “This is our most popular dish.”
Then mentioned Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman.
Over 1 million views across TikTok and Instagram.
That hook used:
- Social proof
- Authority
- Popularity bias
Simple works.
The Psychology Behind Why These Hooks Work
Let’s simplify it.
Curiosity Gap: When you open a loop and delay the answer, the brain wants closure.
Loss Aversion: People act faster to avoid mistakes than to gain benefits.
Social Proof: When others value something, we pay attention.
Authority: Experience commands attention.
Identity: When a message feels personal, we listen.
Short form platforms reward retention. Retention starts with the hook.
How to Use These Hooks Without Sounding Fake
Say it like you mean it.
Do not over dramatize.
Do not promise what you cannot deliver.
If you make a promise in your hook, you have to deliver on it.
How to Practice Hooks If You Struggle on Camera
Keep it simple.
Write 5 hooks.
Record them back to back.
Use the one that feels natural.
Do not memorize. Understand the point.
Most business owners overthink the middle. The opening matters more.
Final Takeaway
You do not need better lighting.
You do not need fancy edits.
You need a better first sentence.
Strong video hooks increase watch time.
Watch time increases distribution.
Distribution increases awareness.
And awareness creates opportunity.
If you are serious about growing on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, start with the hook and consider reading The 3 Hook Rule article as well, which is super helpful with these.
That is where everything begins.
If you need help with social media coaching, reach out!
