Hey
Here’s something wild—according to Facebook’s own research, 47% of a video ad’s impact happens in the first 3 seconds.
That means if your hook isn’t strong enough to stop the scroll, your audience is gone before they even hear your message.
We all know hooks are important. But how do you actually find good ones?
Well, we did the hard work for you.
After sifting through thousands of high-performing ads, we’ve compiled a list of 30 viral hooks that are proven to grab attention, spark curiosity, and boost engagement.
Here’s your ultimate list of hooks for your next video ad:
Curiosity Hooks (Make Them Think “Wait, What?”)
- “You’re doing [X] wrong—here’s what actually works.”
- “Nobody is talking about this [X], but it’s a game-changer!”
- “Ever wondered why [X] happens? Here’s the truth.”
- “The secret to [X] that experts don’t tell you.”
- “I tried [X] for 30 days—here’s what happened.”
Why it works: People can’t resist an open loop. They need to know what happens next.
Pain Point Hooks (Make Them Feel Seen)
- “Tired of [problem]? This [X] will change everything.”
- “Struggling with [X]? Here’s how to fix it fast.”
- “Say goodbye to [pain point] with this simple trick.”
- “Here’s why your [X] isn’t working—and how to fix it.”
- “The fastest way to [X] without [common struggle].”
Why it works: People are always looking for solutions to their frustrations. Show them you have the answer.
Authority Hooks (Position Yourself as the Expert)
- “[Expert’s] advice for [audience] who want to [goal].”
- “What [industry leaders] know that you don’t.”
- “If you want [X], stop doing [common mistake].”
- “I’ve spent [X years/money] learning this—so you don’t have to.”
- “The only [X] guide you’ll ever need.”
Why it works: When you position yourself as the authority, people trust what you’re saying.
Engagement Hooks (Get People to Comment and Share)
- “Let’s settle this—[popular topic] or [alternative]?”
- “Can you guess [X]? 90% of people get it wrong!”
- “Raise your hand if you’ve ever [struggle]!”
- “Be honest—how many times have you [X]?”
- “I wish someone told me this sooner…”
Why it works: People love debates, challenges, and content that makes them feel included.
Transformation Hooks (Show the Before & After)
- “This changed my life—here’s how it can change yours too.”
- “From [pain point] to [result]—here’s what worked for me.”
- “If you’ve ever felt [emotion], read this.”
- “10 Things People with (Desirable Possession) Do DAILY.”
- “One Trick to (Desirable, but Sometimes Difficult Activity) Everyday with Ease.”
Why it works: People love transformation stories because they want the same results for themselves.
Urgency Hooks (Make Them Act NOW)
- “This offer is disappearing soon—don’t miss out!”
- “You only have [X] hours left to claim this!”
- “Why waiting to [X] will cost you more.”
- “Limited spots available—secure yours before it’s gone!”
- “Last chance to [get benefit] before [event]!”
Why it works: Urgency and scarcity push people to take action before it’s too late.
The difference between an ad that gets ignored and one that drives clicks, engagement, and sales comes down to the first few seconds.
Next time you create an ad, don’t just wing it—start with a proven hook that immediately grabs attention and makes people stop scrolling.
Try out these hooks in your next campaign, and let me know which ones work best for you!
Happy advertising.