Free Viral Hook Generator

Get 5 scroll-stopping hooks for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts instantly. Choose your tone, describe your product, and let AI do the rest.

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Why Your First 3 Seconds Matter More Than Anything

On TikTok and Instagram Reels, you have roughly 1-3 seconds before someone decides to keep watching or swipe away. That tiny window is your hook — and it determines whether your video reaches 200 people or 2 million. Studies show that videos with strong hooks see 3-5x higher watch-through rates, which directly signals the algorithm to push your content to more people. A viral hook generator helps you craft that critical opening using proven psychological patterns.

5 Viral Hook Formulas That Work

The best hooks aren't random — they follow repeatable patterns rooted in human psychology. Here are five proven formulas used by top creators:

  • Problem Amplification: Start with a pain point your audience feels deeply. "Stop wasting money on ads that don't convert."
  • Transformation Promise: Lead with an unbelievable result. "I went from 0 to 10K followers using this one trick."
  • Curiosity Gap: Create irresistible mystery. "Nobody's talking about this, but it changed everything."
  • Relatability Trigger: Mirror what the audience thinks. "POV: you just discovered the tool everyone's been hiding."
  • Authority Challenge: Go against the grain. "Unpopular opinion: your content strategy is completely backwards."

How to Test Which Hook Performs Best

Generating multiple hooks at once isn't just about having options — it's about testing. The most successful creators treat hooks like headlines in advertising: you test multiple variations and let the data tell you what works. Post the same video with different hooks across a few days and compare watch-through rates. The hook that keeps viewers past the 3-second mark is your winner.

Pro tip: test hooks in pairs from different pattern categories. A Curiosity Gap hook vs. a Problem Amplification hook will teach you what resonates most with your specific audience. Over time, you'll build a library of winning formulas unique to your niche.

Want a full video script? Try our TikTok Script Generator. Need a complete UGC ad script? Try our UGC Script Generator. For 47 ready-to-use hook ideas, check out our viral hook ideas collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a viral hook?+
A viral hook is the first 1-3 seconds of a short-form video that grabs attention and stops people from scrolling. It uses psychological triggers like curiosity, surprise, or relatability.
How many hooks does this generator create?+
It generates 5 unique hook variations using different patterns like curiosity gaps, problem amplification, authority challenges, and more.
What platforms do these hooks work for?+
The hooks work for any short-form video platform: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels, and more.
Can I choose the tone of my hooks?+
Yes, select from Casual & Fun, Bold & Controversial, Emotional & Story-driven, or Professional & Authority to match your brand voice.
How is this different from the TikTok Script Generator?+
This tool focuses on variety — 5 short hook one-liners using different patterns you can test quickly. The TikTok Script Generator creates 3 hooks plus a full 30-second video script.