20 Short-Form Video Hook Formulas for Shorts, Reels and TikTok

The first two seconds decide whether a viewer stays. Use these proven hook structures for Shorts, Reels and TikTok, then fill in your own topic.

20 short-form hook formulas

1. The mistake: “Stop doing [common thing] if you want [result].”
2. The number: “[Number] ways to [result] without [pain].”
3. The secret: “Nobody tells you this about [topic].”
4. The before and after: “Here is [topic] before and after one change.”
5. The question: “Why does [surprising thing] happen?”
6. The challenge: “I tried [thing] for [time]. Here is what happened.”
7. The warning: “Do not [action] until you watch this.”
8. The result first: show the finished result, then explain how.
9. The myth: “Everyone thinks [myth]. It is wrong.”
10. The comparison: “[Option A] vs [Option B]: which wins?”
11. The story opener: “Last week, [short surprising event].”
12. The shortcut: “The fastest way to [result].”
13. The beginner: “If you are new to [topic], start here.”
14. The list: “Three tools I use every day for [task].”
15. The reaction: start on the most emotional moment, then rewind.
16. The direct address: “If you [describe viewer], this is for you.”
17. The cost: “This cost me [amount or time] to learn.”
18. The contrast: “Slow way vs fast way.”
19. The proof: “[Result] in [time]. Here is how.”
20. The cliffhanger: “Wait for the last second.”

Editing tips so hooks land

• Cut the intro. Start on the point.
• Put text or a caption on screen in the first second.
• Use a zoom or cut every 2 to 3 seconds to hold attention.
• End with one clear next step.

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