Top 10 Short-Form Content Hooks to Keep People Watching
Are you looking for innovative ways to boost your engagement on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts? The easiest way to achieve that boost is by effectively capturing your audience’s attention. Due to the length of this content, it is crucial to have something that makes your brand stand out. A specific phrase or introduction can help your content stand out and make you and your content unique. These aspects can capture your audience and encourage them to watch more of your content, ultimately leading to increased engagement. Interested in how to achieve this? Check out our list below for the best content hooks to use in your content creation!
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1. “They don’t want you to know this secret…”
One of the best ways to connect with others in a short amount of time is to create intrigue. This hook effectively taps into the psychology of people’s desire to be included. People want to know what you know and be included in the joke. This feeling can create a sense of community and connection between you and your audience, which will make them want to continue watching your video because you are sharing something meaningful and relatable. This type of content hook can also add to your relationship with your audience and make your content more personal.
2. “Stop doing that. Do this instead…”
With the rise of short-form content, an increasing number of users have turned to these apps for tips and tricks to enhance their lives. This type of content hook can capitalize on this desire and improve engagement by convincing the user to save the video. Many people who use these platforms have entire albums of saved videos that follow this type of format. This format can be used not only to share advice but also to promote your own products or resources.
3. “What happens next will shock you…”
Shock is often an effective way to capture your audience’s attention. Again, this content hook leans into the idea that everyone wants to know what you know. People are drawn in by their own curiosity. This hook works best when you are trying to share information or statistics, or when you want to showcase a product for your brand.
Want to check out some examples? Look at NeoReach’s list of the Top 10 Gen Z content Creators to find some inspiration!
4. “I was today years old when I found out…”
This trend has been adopted across various types of platforms. It is an excellent way to share fun facts with your audience or recount an experience. This can be used as a way to bring some humor into your content by making fun of yourself in a relatable way. You can also use this trend to make connections with your own childhood or discuss experiences from your younger years. This can make you a more relatable creator while also tapping into people’s nostalgia for specific childhood experiences.
5. “Questions I get asked a lot…”
This content hook can provide insight into an industry or lifestyle. On these apps, users are primarily seeking a connection between themselves and the content they consume. Opening with this type of connection can allow your audience to see into your everyday life. You can also use this to share advice or knowledge about the industry you are working in. People want to see behind the scenes, especially when it comes to the life of a content creator. This hook can be used as a way for your audience to get to know you better and allow the type of connection that will have them consuming your content more.
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6. “You’ll wish you knew this sooner…”
Similar to the first content hook, this opener really leans into people wanting to be in on the joke with you. It also relates to the idea that people want to know how to make their lives easier. This hook would work well for sharing advice or when reviewing products within your content. People wish to be advised and helped on how to lead a more productive life.
7. “I’m trying this so you don’t have to…”
Another significant aspect you often see on these platforms is experimental content. The promise of a solution by the end of the video draws people in. This type of curiosity can keep people watching and interacting throughout. Videos about product reviews often use this type of opener, but it could also be used in a series of vlog content. Reviewing food, travel, or other lifestyle adventures.
8. “Stop scrolling!”
Although this hook is brief, it is an effective way to capture someone’s attention immediately. This phrase serves as a compelling action hook, contrasting well with some of the other longer hooks. Especially on apps where you can scroll endlessly for hours, this hook can be just different enough to give people pause. It can be used effectively for sharing events or upcoming content related to your brand.
9. “This is your sign to finally…”
Again, this content hook can be used as a way for your audience to connect with you and your lifestyle. You can find ways to bring your audience along for your adventures while also inspiring others to explore and have adventures of their own. This will help make you more relatable to your audience, drawing them into a stronger relationship between you and your brand.
Looking to increase your presence on YouTube? Discover the top strategies to grow your channel with YouTube Shorts.
10. “Swipe left to reveal a surprise…”
This final hook is particularly relevant to apps like TikTok, which allow users to create carousel content featuring photos. It sparks curiosity and intrigue within your audience, and people will want to know what is on the other side of the swipe. Having an opener like this also allows users to interact directly with the content they are consuming, building that connection and making them feel like they are a part of the community. With this interaction, the user is also spending more time with the content, allowing for a more extended engagement, even with time constraints.