There’s no denying that TikTok and short-form video is reshaping the social media landscape.
While many apps started off as photo-sharing platforms, the biggest players (like Meta and Instagram) are rethinking their entire approach in 2024.
With video content now a must for all brands, businesses and creators, there’s never been more competition for attention online. Posting Instagram Reels and TikTok is a great start, but crafting a compelling hook is even more important.
Not sure where to start? If you’re ready to skyrocket your engagement and supercharge your success, discover our 15 must-try hook ideas for Instagram and TikTok.
What is a hook?
Before we go any further, let’s get the basics straight.
When we talk about a ‘hook’, we’re talking about the first few seconds of your Instagram Reel or TikTok. As the name suggests, your hook needs to grab your audience’s attention and compel them to keep watching.
Without a hook, it’s easy for your audience to keep scrolling and skip your brilliant content altogether. But, by taking the time to craft a compelling hook at the start of your video content, you can grab and hold your view’s attention (and make sure they remember your brand, too).
Usually, a hook in a TikTok or Reel is a voice-over or text overlay that captures the key message of your video. It speaks to the needs and painpoints of your audience and positions your video as the solution.
The elements of a great hook
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Now, you’re probably wondering: what does a good hook include?
While there are stacks of ways to create a great Reel or TikTok, your hook should include:
• A punchy transition or eye-catching visual that grabs the attention of your viewer and stops them in their tracks.
• A clear value statement that articulates why this viewer should watch your content: emphasise the problem you’re solving or the solution you’re delivering!
• Are you saving your audience time or money?
• Are you teaching them an insider tip or trick?
• Are you helping them work smarter, not harder?
• A call to action that directs them to keep watching, read your caption or engage with your content in some way to learn more.
Why should you add a hook to your TikTok or Instagram Reels content?
So, what’s the point of adding a hook to your video content? The truth is that there is so many Reels and TikTok videos fighting for the eyeballs of your ideal customers.
In 2024, you can’t leave things to chance when it comes to engaging your audience!
Here’s why you need to prioritize a hook on every single TikTok or Reel you create:
• A hook taps into the needs, goals and aspirations of your ideal customer, ensuring they resonate with your content and dive in to learn more about your business or brand.
• A hook gives your audience a clear reason to stick around, boosting your engagement rate and giving all the right signs to the Instagram and TikTok gods!
• A hook quickly summarizes the key points or benefits of your content in a punchy, compelling and convincing way.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to boost your engagement rate, expand your reach and enhance your chances of landing on the Instagram Discover page, you need to be adding a hook to every video you create.
Tips to Create Engaging Video Content for Social Media
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Users scroll faster than you think! According to Facebook, users on the social media platform have an attention span of fewer than two seconds for video content: the average attention span on a desktop computer is 2.5 seconds, whereas it is just 1.7 seconds on a mobile device.
Ready to make the most of your Reels and TikTok content? Along with adding a compelling hook, here are five bonus tips to boost the appeal of your video content:
• Use Captions: However good your video is, the best Reels and TikTok videos are bolstered by a top-notch caption. By pairing your video with excellent written copy, you can provide more value to your audience and dive into topics in more detail.
• Trending Music: It’s impossible to scroll away when a catchy song comes on! By adding trending audio to your next TikTok or Reel, you’ll be able to grab the attention of your ideal viewers.
• Eye-catching Visuals: Whether you add text overlays, fun transitions or graphic effects, make sure to keep your videos punchy and engaging.
• Original Content: Nobody spends time on something they have already interacted with earlier. Focus on your brand, what personality you want to showcase, and create original content.
• Entertaining: Don’t take your content creation too seriously! By mixing educational content and inspiring or entertaining visuals, you can grab attention and add value at the same time.
Now that you know what makes video content more engaging, let’s look at some of the brilliant ideas to hook the audience to get more views on your TikTok and Instagram Reels content.
15 Must-Try Hook Ideas To Skyrocket Your Video Views
A strong hook means a higher video watch time, and a higher video completion rate will lead to more views and traffic. Hook your audience at the start of a video with the voice-over or written text, and get your views growing!
1. “Watch till the end!”
This is one of the brilliant hooks at the start of the video to force the audience to watch it till the end. Keep up the audience’s excitement by telling them that something amusing is happening if they watch the entire reel.
2. “I need your help…”
Let the audience come to you to learn what you need help for!
3. “I’ve got a secret”
The audience will react, “Well! tell me!”. It’s intriguing and a smart way to hook your audience.
4. “This one is for ___”
Give your audience a name and personalize your TikTok or Reels to make it more fun! For example, start the video with ‘This one is for Plann’rs’.
5. “Quick Reminder!”
Show your audience you’ve got their back with handy tips and reminders.
6. “Did you know that…”
Yep, hook your audience with the most classic question!
7. “Hear me out…”
Your viewers would love to hear your thoughts.
8. “Stop scrolling!”
Why? Let’s see what this creator has to say.
9. “If you want to achieve_____ Listen up!”
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Help your audience reach their goals.
10. “You need to watch this if you struggle with______”
Address your specific audience and highlight the specific problem statement to make your video more engaging.
11. “This tip will blow your mind…”
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Everyone wants to learn something new.
12. “You need to hear this!”
Curious minds will fall for this one.
13. “I bet you didn’t know this!”
Who doesn’t want to stay updated with what’s going on around the world?
14. “Why are there not more people talking about___”
Aha! Let them talk about your product.
15. “How to___ FOR FREE”
Who doesn’t love freebie!
What are you waiting for? Start creating fantastic videos for TikTok and Instagram and use them effectively to boost engagement and drive tons of traffic to your website. Level up your social media game with Plann, the all-in-one social media suite that allows you to AUTO-POST your Reels and TikTok videos!
Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Plann Pro and see the magic for yourself.
