TikTok Hooks That Stop the Scroll: 50+ Proven Examples

Your hook is everything on TikTok. You have exactly 3 seconds to convince someone to keep watching—and in those 3 seconds, viewers decide if your video is worth their time.

After analyzing thousands of viral videos, we've identified the hook formulas that consistently stop the scroll. Here are 50+ proven examples you can adapt for your niche.

Why Hooks Matter More Than Ever

TikTok's algorithm prioritizes watch time and completion rate above all else. A weak hook means people scroll past, which signals to the algorithm that your content isn't engaging.

A strong hook does three things:

1. Stops the scroll with something unexpected
2. Creates curiosity about what comes next
3. Promises value worth sticking around for

Let's break down the most effective hook categories.

Category 1: The Bold Claim

Make a statement that demands attention. Be specific and slightly controversial.

Examples:

• "This is the only marketing strategy you need in 2025"
• "I grew to 100K followers in 90 days by ignoring every 'expert' tip"
• "Most creators are doing this completely wrong"
• "This one change doubled my engagement overnight"
• "Everything you've been told about the algorithm is a lie"

Why it works: Bold claims trigger curiosity and a slight emotional response. Viewers think "prove it" and stick around to see if you can.

Category 2: The Curiosity Gap

Tease information without giving it away immediately.

Examples:

• "Here's what no one tells you about topic..."
• "I finally figured out why my videos weren't getting views"
• "The reason your content isn't working has nothing to do with the algorithm"
• "I discovered something about TikTok that changed everything"
• "Wait until you see what happens at the end"

Why it works: Our brains hate incomplete information. When you create a gap between what viewers know and what they want to know, they stay to fill it.

Category 3: The Direct Address

Speak directly to your target audience by calling them out.

Examples:

• "If you're a niche creator, stop scrolling"
• "This is for everyone who's about to give up on TikTok"
• "Small business owners, this one's for you"
• "POV: You just started posting and have zero views"
• "To everyone who thinks they're 'not creative enough'"

Why it works: When people feel personally addressed, they pay attention. It's like hearing your name in a crowded room.

Category 4: The Promise

Tell viewers exactly what they'll get if they keep watching.

Examples:

• "By the end of this video, you'll know exactly how to outcome"
• "I'm about to save you months of trial and error"
• "This 30-second tip will change how you edit forever"
• "Here's a free tool that does what expensive software can't"
• "Watch this before you post your next video"

Why it works: Clear promises reduce uncertainty. Viewers know what they're getting, so they're more likely to commit.

Category 5: The Story Hook

Start in the middle of action or emotion.

Examples:

• "So there I was, about to post my 100th video with zero views..."
• "Yesterday, something crazy happened to my account"
• "I almost didn't post this, but..."
• "Let me tell you about the worst mistake I ever made"
• "Three months ago, I had 47 followers. Here's what changed."

Why it works: Stories are naturally engaging. Starting in medias res (in the middle of things) creates instant investment.

Category 6: The Question

Ask something your audience is already wondering.

Examples:

• "Why do some videos blow up while others flop?"
• "Have you ever wondered why the algorithm seems to hate you?"
• "What if I told you there's a better way?"
• "Want to know the real reason your competitors are winning?"
• "Sound familiar?"

Why it works: Questions engage the brain differently than statements. They prompt viewers to actively think and seek answers.

Category 7: The Controversy

Challenge common beliefs or popular opinions (respectfully).

Examples:

• "Unpopular opinion: common advice is actually hurting your growth"
• "I'm probably going to get hate for this, but..."
• "Hot take: Most niche content is boring"
• "This goes against everything the 'experts' say, but it works"
• "Sorry, but popular strategy doesn't work anymore"

Why it works: Controversy triggers emotional responses. Even people who disagree will watch to see your reasoning.

Category 8: The Tutorial Tease

Set up educational content with immediate value.

Examples:

• "How to desired outcome in short timeframe"
• "The easy way to difficult task"
• "Three things I wish I knew when I started"
• "Stop doing common mistake, do this instead"
• "The secret to desired outcome that nobody talks about"

Why it works: People love learning shortcuts and insider knowledge. Educational hooks promise practical value.

Category 9: The Social Proof

Reference results or authority to build credibility.

Examples:

• "This strategy helped me reach 1M views in a week"
• "I tested this for 30 days and the results were insane"
• "Here's what I learned from working with impressive credential"
• "After 500 videos, I finally cracked the code"
• "The top 1% of creators all do this one thing"

Why it works: Social proof reduces skepticism. If something worked for others, viewers believe it might work for them.

Category 10: The Pattern Interrupt

Do something unexpected that breaks the scroll trance.

Examples:

• Start mid-sentence ("—and that's why it doesn't work")
• Use an unexpected visual or sound
• Begin with intense eye contact and silence
• Open with a bold text overlay before speaking
• Start with the end result, then rewind

Why it works: Pattern interrupts snap viewers out of autopilot scrolling. Unexpected elements demand attention.

Hook Formulas You Can Copy

Here are plug-and-play formulas for any niche:

Formula 1: The Myth Buster

"Everyone thinks common belief, but actually surprising truth"

Formula 2: The Before/After

"I went from bad situation to good situation by doing one thing"

Formula 3: The List Tease

"Number things that outcome—number X is wild"

Formula 4: The Challenge

"I bet you didn't know you could surprising capability"

Formula 5: The Warning

"Stop common mistake before it negative consequence"

Formula 6: The Hack

"Here's a adjective hack that impressive result"

Formula 7: The Confession

"I have to admit something about topic..."

Formula 8: The Prediction

"In timeframe, everyone will be doing this"

How to Test Your Hooks

Not sure if your hook is strong enough? Try these tests:

The 3-Second Test

Show the first 3 seconds of your video to someone without context. Do they want to see more?

The Scroll Test

Post your video and check your analytics. If completion rate is below 50% and viewers drop off immediately, your hook needs work.

The Comparison Test

Create two versions of the same content with different hooks. See which performs better.

Common Hook Mistakes

Being Too Generic

"Here's a tip for you" tells viewers nothing. Be specific about what the tip is and why it matters.

Burying the Lead

Don't spend 10 seconds on intro before the hook. The hook IS the intro.

Over-Promising

If your hook promises something the video doesn't deliver, viewers will feel tricked and won't follow.

Copying Word-for-Word

Hooks that work for others might not fit your voice. Adapt formulas to your style.

Practicing Hook Writing

The best way to improve is to practice. Here's a daily exercise:

1. Watch 10 viral videos in your niche
2. Write down each hook word-for-word
3. Identify which category it falls into
4. Write 5 variations for your own content

Do this for 30 days and you'll develop an instinct for what works.

Hooks for Different Content Types

Educational Content

• Lead with the outcome viewers want
• Promise specific, actionable information
• Create urgency ("before the algorithm changes")

Entertainment Content

• Start with the funniest/most dramatic moment
• Use inside jokes your audience understands
• Lean into personality and energy

Storytelling Content

• Begin at the emotional peak
• Tease the ending without spoiling it
• Use cliffhanger structures

Your Hook Writing Toolkit

Save these templates and adapt them for your next video:

For tutorials: "The adjective way to action that outcome"

For stories: "Emotional statement. Here's what happened..."

For tips: "Stop mistake. Better alternative instead."

For opinions: "Unpopular opinion: controversial take"

For results: "I action for time and result"

Ready to Create Scroll-Stopping Hooks?

Writing great hooks is a skill that improves with practice. The more you study what works and test your own variations, the better you'll get.

Want to generate hooks tailored to your specific niche? Our AI Hook Generator creates dozens of proven hook variations in seconds. Try it free.