What is Hook?

Also known as: Opening hook, First-2-seconds hook

Definition

The opening line or opening visuals of a post or video that grab a scrolling viewer's attention in the first 1-3 seconds — crucial for algorithm performance.

In-depth explanation

On TikTok and Reels, the hook decides whether a video gets watched through or the viewer scrolls past. Hooks that work: questions ("Did you know..."), contrarian takes ("Stop doing this"), numbers ("In 30 days I earned..."), or pattern interrupts (unexpected visual cuts).

Example from agency practice

A client tests 5 videos with different hooks. The hook "Stop posting daily — here's why" hits a 47% completion rate; the hook "Our tips for social media" hits 12%. Same content, different hook = 4x the performance.

Especially relevant for

  • Content creators
  • Social media managers
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