AI Viral Hook Formulas for Reels, Shorts & TikTok
Hooks determine whether viewers stay or swipe. AI can generate endless hook variations so you never run out of attention-grabbing intros. Use this guide to build a hook system for every short-form platform.
Why hooks control watch time
Short-form algorithms measure retention within the first three seconds. A powerful hook promises value, teases conflict, or sparks curiosity. AI analyzes comments and performance data to identify which hooks resonate with your audience.
AI formulas for curiosity, emotion, and conflict
Template your hooks using AI prompts: “Write 10 shock hooks about X,” “Give me empathetic hooks for Y,” etc. Maintain a library categorized by emotion. When writing scripts in the Blog Post Generator, mark potential hooks for later use.
- Curiosity: “You’ve been doing this wrong…”
- Emotion: “Before you quit your job, watch this.”
- Conflict: “X vs Y—why everyone chooses wrong.”
Testing hook variants
Record multiple intros per clip and let AI split-test them. Track view-through rates, shares, and comments. When a hook wins, repurpose it across ads using the Facebook Ad Copy Generator.
Creating a hook library
Store hooks in a spreadsheet with columns for emotion, platform, and performance. AI can auto-tag entries and recommend new formats. Use the Email Writer to transform top hooks into newsletter subject lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hooks should I test?
At least two per video. Rotate winners frequently to avoid fatigue.
Do hooks change by platform?
Yes. TikTok favors bold claims, YouTube Shorts likes curiosity, Instagram responds to aspirational angles.