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On short-form video, you have about three seconds before people scroll past. That means the opening line, called the hook, matters more than almost anything else in the video. The good news is that hooks follow patterns you can learn, and AI can help you write dozens of options in minutes.

If you are new to making shorts, begin with AI Shorts and TikToks: Turning One Idea Into a Week of Content, and see From One Idea to Seven Videos for the full workflow.

The 5 hook formulas

1. The question: “Do you make this mistake when writing emails?” A question that matches what your viewer is thinking pulls them in.
2. The bold claim: “You don’t need an audience to get your first client.” Make it something you can back up in the video.
3. The mistake: “Stop doing this if you want more replies.” People are drawn to avoiding errors.
4. The before and after: “I went from no replies to three in one week.” Use only real results from your own experience.
5. The quick promise: “Here’s a 20-second trick for better captions.” It sets a clear, small expectation.

What makes a hook work

• It is specific. “Three ways to write a first client message” beats “Tips for freelancers.”
• It speaks to one person. Use “you” and name a clear problem.
• It is short. Aim for one sentence you can say in a couple of seconds.
• The video delivers on it. Clickbait that disappoints hurts watch time and trust.

Prompt to generate hooks with AI

I make short videos for [audience] about [topic]. Write 10 opening lines for a video about [specific idea]. Use five different styles: question, bold claim, mistake, before and after, and quick promise. Keep each under 12 words, in plain spoken language, and do not exaggerate.

Pick the two or three that sound most like you, and say them out loud. If a line feels awkward to speak, rewrite it until it sounds natural.

Test and keep what works

Make the same video with two different hooks on different days, then compare the views and how long people watched. Keep a simple list of your best-performing openers and reuse the patterns, not the exact words, in future videos.

Your next step

Take the next video you plan to make and write five hooks for it today. Want a simple place to start? Get the free guide: 10 Simple Methods Anyone Can Use to Start Earning Online.