TikTok Hooks That Work: Tips for More Views and Shares (with Examples)

Here’s the truth: if you want to stop viewers from scrolling past your videos, you need a powerful TikTok hook.

What’s a TikTok hook? It’s the first few seconds of your TikTok that grab attention and make people want to watch more. 

Nail this, and you’ll see higher views, better engagement, and maybe even a shot at going viral.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to create hooks for TikTok that work, from tried-and-true strategies to examples of hooks that have already gone viral. 

Whether you’re a content creator or a brand, you’ll walk away with everything you need to craft scroll-stopping videos.

Let’s dive in.

What Are TikTok Hooks and Why Do They Matter?

Simply put, a TikTok Hook is the first few seconds of your video designed to grab attention and stop viewers from scrolling.

Think of them as the headline of your TikTok.

Just like a good headline makes you want to read an article, a great hook makes people want to watch your video.

Why does this matter?

TikTok is fast-paced, with endless videos competing for attention.

How fast? A TikTok for Business report stated that 63% of the most successful videos hook their audience within the first three seconds.

And with an estimated 23.6 million videos uploaded every day, capturing attention is the name of the game.

But here’s the good news.

A strong hook not only boosts your views but also improves engagement, helping your videos perform better in TikTok’s algorithm.

This means more reach, more likes, and more opportunities to grow your audience. Maybe even a shot at going viral on TikTok.

Bottom line?

Mastering TikTok hooks is the secret to standing out in a crowded feed.

9 Awesome TikTok Hook Examples to Boost Engagement

Here are nine powerful TikTok hooks you can use to grab attention and drive engagement:

1. Share an Unconventional Opinion - Ruggable

Ruggable’s hook is brilliant because it plays with the idea of contradiction and curiosity. By starting with an unconventional opinion, it immediately sparks interest and creates a sense of intrigue. 

Viewers are drawn in because they want to know: Why are yellow rugs overrated? 

This curiosity holds their attention, increasing the watch time - a key signal to TikTok’s algorithm that the content is engaging.

For your brand? Think of a cheeky opinion or bold statement your audience can’t ignore. Do you have a claim that flips the script? Pair it with visuals that make them go, “Wait, I need that.”

2. “This is Your Sign To…” Brooklinen

Brooklinen keeps it simple yet effective with the text overlay: “This is your sign to…” followed by content showcasing their cozy bedding.

It’s universal, inviting viewers to imagine their own need for comfort.

This hook works because it speaks directly to the viewer’s inner desires while subtly promoting the product’s benefits.

For your brand, use this approachable format to nudge viewers toward action. What’s their “sign” to embrace your product or service? Keep it personal, relatable, and visually inviting.

3. The Relatable Hook - Casper

An elevator door opens to reveal… a Blanket Robe at work. It’s hilarious, relatable, and oh-so-shareable.

For your brand? Spotlight a real-life fantasy (like wearing a blanket at work) and sprinkle in some absurdity.

What’s your audience’s cozy or wild dream? Make it happen - and make it unforgettable.

4. Use a Before & After - UKLash

This hook uses the power of before-and-after storytelling to grab attention. 

The opening statement, “I threw all of my false eyelashes in the bin…” immediately draws viewers in by hinting at a dramatic change. 

It’s relatable (many people struggle with false lashes) and intriguing (what made her throw them out?). 

The payoff - the same eye with fuller, natural lashes - seamlessly demonstrates the product’s effectiveness without needing extra explanation.

Want to steal this move? Call out a struggle your audience faces, then hit them with a jaw-dropping “after”. What’s the frustration your product solves? Show them the glow-up they’ve been waiting for.

5. Try a Mini-Mic - Supergoop

This hook thrives on the interactive interview format, which has become a viral trend for good reason. 

Starting with a quirky detail—the mini mic—draws immediate interest, and the visual of someone in a Supergoop costume adds a layer of humor. 

The street interviews create curiosity: What are people saying? Are they wearing SPF? Viewers can’t help but stick around to hear the answers.

Tap into trending formats and ask a question your audience can’t ignore. What would they love to answer - and how does it tie to your product?

6. “You’re not upset…” - Chipotle

Chipotle opens with a closed hand and the text “You’re not upset…” - immediately creates intrigue. 

Then, as each finger opens, the solution appears: “You just need a burrito.” 

It’s fun, it’s quick, and it’s undeniably shareable. 

For your brand, think about the small frustrations your product solves.

How can you deliver that solution in a playful, visual way that keeps viewers hooked until the big reveal?

7. “What’s This?” - Scrubdaddy

Scrub Daddy starts with the simple hook, “What is this?”

Then, they reveal one of their scrubbers styled like an iconic Croc shoe. 

The question grabs attention, and the quirky reveal keeps viewers engaged.

For your brand, start with a question that sparks curiosity about your product. 

What’s a fun or unexpected way you can showcase your product that makes people go, “I need to know more!”

8. Call out a holiday or event - Glossier

Glossier hooks viewers with on-screen text: “Home for the holidays? We got you (and your lips) covered.”

It’s simple, festive, and instantly connects with anyone gearing up for the season. 

For your brand, think about upcoming holidays or events that matter to your audience. 

How can you tie your product to their seasonal needs in a way that feels personal and relevant?

9. Answer a Question - Blume Skincare

Bloom Skincare taps into their audience’s curiosity with a simple question: “So what’s your full skincare routine now?” 

The video then naturally answers it, showcasing their products in a relatable and authentic way. 

For your brand, think about the questions your audience is already asking. 

What do they want to know, and how can you position your product as part of the answer? Simple, native, and powerful.

More Powerful TikTok Hook Ideas to Stop the Scroll

Need a little inspiration? These quick-fire TikTok hooks are here to jumpstart your creativity.

Whether you’re teasing a reveal, solving a problem, or sparking curiosity, these ideas are easy to adapt and designed to grab attention. 

Let’s dive in!

Future-Goals Hooks

• “Imagine waking up to [desired result] every day.”
• “What if achieving [goal] was simpler than you think?”
• “Dreaming of [desired result]? Here’s how to make it real.”
• “What if you could [goal] without [pain point]?”

Question Hooks

• “Ever wonder why [common problem] happens?”
• “Why isn’t anyone talking about [your niche]?”
• “Do you struggle with [pain point]? You’re not alone.”
• “What’s one thing you’d change about [your niche]?”

Solution Hooks

• “Here’s the fastest way to solve [pain point].”
• “Having trouble with [problem]? Try this.”
• “Struggling with [specific issue]? This hack changes everything.”
• “Finally, a solution to [pain point] that actually works.”

Statistic Hooks

• “X% of people struggle with [problem]. Here’s why.”
• “Only X% of [target audience] know this secret about [niche].”
• “This one stat explains why [pain point] happens.”
• “Did you know that [eye-opening stat]?”

Experimental Hooks

• “I tried [hack/trick] so you don’t have to.”
• “What happens when you [test or experiment]?”
• “Here’s the result of [unexpected approach].”
• “Can this [hack] actually work? Let’s find out.”

Tension-Based Hooks

• “This one mistake could ruin your [desired result].”
• “Nobody tells you this, but [niche insight].”
• “The truth about [problem] no one wants you to know.”
• “Stop doing [common action] if you want [result].”

Curiosity/Surprise Hooks

• “You’ll never guess why [unexpected fact].”
• “Here’s the real reason [common issue] happens.”
• “Stop scrolling if you want to know this [niche secret].”
• “Everything you’ve heard about [niche] is wrong.”

List Hooks

• “3 ways to [solve pain point].”
• “X steps to [desired result].”
• “The top [number] secrets about [niche].”
• “Here are [number] hacks to [goal] in no time.”

Attention-Grabbing Hooks

• “This one hack will change your [niche] game.”
• “You won’t believe what I just discovered.”
• “This might be the most genius [product] ever.”
• “Don’t hate me, but here’s the truth about [niche].”

The 5 Building Blocks of an Irresistible TikTok Hook

Now that you’ve seen some of the best TikTok hook examples, let’s quickly cover the underlying elements that all these great hooks share.

Ultimately, you want to grab your viewer's attention.

See, TikTok users scroll fast, but our brains are wired to stop when something catches our attention.

When viewers sense there’s more to discover, they’re compelled to keep watching.

Think about it.

Ever watched a TikTok that starts with:

• “Wait until you see this…”
• “You won’t believe what happened next…”
• “Here’s a secret you didn’t know…”
• “Stop scrolling if you love [insert interest here]…”

It’s nearly impossible not to stay and find out what happens next.

So here’s five principles that make the best TikTok hook truly irresistible:

1. Pull Emotional Triggers

Emotions drive action.

A hook that makes people laugh, feel inspired, or even shocked is far more likely to hold their attention.

For example: “This hack changed my life - and it’ll change yours too.”

2. Exploit The Curiosity Gap

Humans are naturally curious.

When you present an unanswered question or hint at something intriguing, people can’t help but stick around to find out more.

Example: “Here’s why you’ve been doing [X] all wrong.”

3. Tailor For Personal Relevance

A great hook feels like it’s speaking directly to the viewer.

Using specific call-outs like “If you…” or “For anyone who…” immediately connects with your target audience.

Example: “If you love coffee, you need to see this!”

4. Add Big Visual Impact

TikTok is a visual platform, and your hook should reflect that.

Start your video with a bold, unexpected action or an eye-catching visual to grab attention before a single word is spoken.

Example: Show a stunning transformation or a surprising moment in the first second.

5. Brevity is Your Friend

On TikTok, every second counts.

The most effective hooks deliver their message quickly and leave no room for confusion.

Example: “Watch this in the next 3 seconds…”

When you combine these elements, you create a hook that’s impossible to ignore.

And remember—a great hook doesn’t just grab attention; it sets the tone for your entire video.

Create Awesome TikTok Hooks Today

TikTok hooks are your secret weapon to stand out in a sea of endless scrolling. 

Whether it’s sparking curiosity, tapping into humor, or solving a problem, a great hook grabs attention and keeps viewers engaged. 

Use the examples and ideas in this guide to craft hooks that resonate with your audience and showcase your brand’s unique value. 

Remember, TikTok is all about being authentic and creative - so have fun experimenting! Your next viral moment might just be one hook away.

If you’re not sure where to start, try Minta’s AI-powered TikTok Ad Maker for free. It’ll help you create a year’s worth of on-brand TikTok content in just a few clicks (all with proven scroll-stopping TikTok hooks to boot!)

TikTok Hooks FAQ

Let’s quickly cover some of the most commonly asked questions in relation to TikTok hooks.

What are good TikTok hooks?

Good TikTok hooks grab attention in the first few seconds and spark curiosity, emotion, or relatability. Examples include bold statements, intriguing questions, or surprising visuals like “What happens when you mix this?” or “Stop scrolling if you love coffee!”

What are good tags for TikTok?

Good tags for TikTok should be relevant to your content and niche. Use a mix of trending hashtags (e.g., #FYP, #ViralVideo), niche-specific tags (#BeautyTips, #DIYProjects), and branded hashtags to boost discoverability.

What is a viral hook?

A viral hook is a compelling opening that captures viewers’ attention immediately and encourages them to keep watching. It often plays on curiosity, humor, or relatability, like “You won’t believe this hack…” or “This one tip changed everything.”

What is the best hook for content?

The best hook for content is one that resonates with your audience and aligns with your goal. Whether it’s a bold claim, a relatable question, or a visual transformation, make it relevant, engaging, and quick.

What is a catchy hook?

A catchy hook is one that immediately grabs attention and sticks in the viewer’s mind. For example: “These 3 tips feel illegal to know…” or “What nobody tells you about [niche]…”

How long should your TikTok hook be?

Your TikTok hook should be 1-3 seconds long. The goal is to capture attention instantly, as most viewers decide whether to keep watching within the first few seconds.