TikTok moves fast. If you don’t grab attention in the first two seconds, your video is dead. People scroll fast, and there’s always something else to watch.

That’s why your hook—the first few words, visuals, or actions—is everything.

In this post, we’ll look at proven hook styles that stop thumbs and pull viewers in. You’ll see real examples, why they work, and how to make them fit your own style.

Let’s get right to it.

1. Start With a Bold Statement

Say something strong, weird, or unexpected.

This makes people stop. They want to know what you’re talking about.

Examples:

• “No one talks about this, but it works.”
• “This is why you’re always tired—seriously.”
• “I lost $2,000 doing this. Don’t make my mistake.”

These lines hint at value. They raise questions in the viewer’s mind. That’s the goal: spark curiosity.

2. Ask a Question That Feels Personal

A good question makes people feel like you’re talking right to them.

Keep it simple. Use words like you and your.

Examples:

• “Ever wonder why your videos get zero views?”
• “Do you always feel behind, no matter how hard you work?”
• “Are you brushing your teeth wrong?”

These work because they tap into common thoughts or problems.

Tip: Pause for a beat after the question. Give them a moment to answer in their head.

3. Show Something Weird Right Away

Don’t wait. Put the weird, wild, or unexpected thing at the start.

TikTok is visual. Use that.

Examples:

• A dog wearing sunglasses on a skateboard.
• A pile of melted phones.
• A guy eating cereal with a drill.

These don’t need to make sense. They just need to stop the scroll.

Then explain what’s going on. Or not. Sometimes the mystery is enough to keep people watching.

4. Use the Word “You”

“You” pulls people in. It makes the video feel personal, like a direct message.

Examples:

• “You need to hear this.”
• “You’re doing this wrong—and it’s not your fault.”
• “You’ve been lied to about sleep.”

Keep the tone real. Don’t preach. Sound like a friend who knows something useful.

5. Tell Them What’s Coming

Promise a clear payoff.

Let them know what they’ll get if they stick around.

Examples:

• “Here’s how I went from zero to 10k in one month.”
• “By the end of this, you’ll be sleeping like a baby.”
• “Watch me turn this $5 thrift find into $500.”

People like clear rewards. Make it worth their time.

But don’t give it all away up front. Leave just enough mystery.

6. Show a Before/After Moment

This hook type is great for transformations—hair, rooms, outfits, art, fitness.

Examples:

• [before photo] “I looked like this…”
• [messy room] “Here’s what I started with…”
• [dirty shoes] “Can these even be saved?”

Show the “before” fast. Then hint at an amazing “after.”

This works because people love watching change happen.

7. Use Fast Cuts and Movement

TikTok is built for motion. If nothing moves in the first second, you risk losing people.

Try:

• Jump cuts
• Quick zoom-ins
• Hand gestures
• Facial reactions
• Camera flips

You don’t need fancy gear. Just keep it moving.

Even a quick head turn or eye pop can add energy.

8. Open With a Strong Emotion

Show how you feel. Make it real. Don’t fake it.

Examples:

• Start laughing before you speak.
• Look shocked or disgusted.
• Whisper if it’s serious.

People connect with faces. If you feel something, show it. The viewer will feel it too.

9. Tease the Payoff

Hint at something big, but don’t give it all away.

This builds tension.

Examples:

• “What I found under the bed shocked me.”
• “He said this one word, and I lost it.”
• “I almost deleted this, but here’s what happened.”

This only works if the rest of the video delivers. Don’t clickbait. Give them what you promise.

10. Use Trendy Sounds With a Twist

Trendy sounds catch the ear. But you have to stand out too.

Use a popular audio, but pair it with a visual that’s unexpected or funny.

Example: A sad piano track—but you’re using it to mourn the loss of your favorite coffee mug.

That contrast grabs attention.

11. Use Quick Text on Screen

Sometimes people scroll with the sound off. Text can save you.

Put a short, bold line on screen in the first second.

Examples:

• “She said WHAT???”
• “This one thing changed my life.”
• “I should NOT have done this.”

Keep it short. Make sure the font is big and easy to read.

12. Tell a Short Story

Stories grab people—fast. Don’t build up. Just start.

Examples:

• “Last night, I walked in on something crazy.”
• “I only had 10 minutes to fix this mess.”
• “She looked me dead in the eye and said…”

Keep it moving. Use short cuts. Cut the fluff.

If you hook them in the first three seconds, they’ll stay to see how it ends.

Bonus Tips to Make Hooks Work Better

Keep the energy up. Talk like you’re excited or shocked. Not fake, but real.

Use subtitles. Many people watch with no sound. Text helps.

Get to the point. Don’t warm up. Start with the punch.

Film in good light. Bright, clear video matters. Dark clips lose views.

Test different hooks. Don’t post just once. Try 3-5 hooks for the same idea.

Wrap-Up

If you want people to stop scrolling, your hook has to hit hard and fast.

Start bold. Ask questions. Show something weird. Tease the payoff. Use motion, emotion, and your face.

TikTok is fast. You have less than two seconds to win the viewer. Make them count.

Pick a hook style. Try it in your next video. Then keep tweaking until it works.

Want your videos to get more views? Start strong. Start with a great hook.