How to Write Better Hooks for Short Form Video in 2025
(4 minute read) | Relevant to anyone using content to grow their brand or business in 2025
Stop wasting content. Start grabbing attention in 3 seconds or less
You can have the best idea, the most valuable insight, or a perfectly edited video, but if your opening line doesn’t land, none of it matters.
We have seen this time and time again with creators, social media marketers and business owners. The content is strong. The message is clear. But without a compelling hook, the algorithm never gives it a chance.
And in short form video content, that means your post disappears before it ever had the chance to work.
Why Strong Hooks Are Essential for Short Form Content Strategy
If you want to grow your reach on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, your first three seconds are everything. That is where attention is won or lost.
We used to say content should lead with value. But in 2025, value starts with the hook.
Top creators now test three different hooks for every video they publish. They run A B tests. They study analytics. Because the first line does not just introduce the video. It decides whether anyone watches at all.
In Later’s 2025 short form content trends report, they shared the most effective short video hook styles. These include:
Curiosity hooks: “This might get me cancelled, but…”
Shock hooks: “I cannot believe I am saying this…”
POV hooks: “You are 32, scrolling at midnight, and still have not posted content…”
But most creators do not do this. They either wing it, or fall back on the default intro - “Hey guys…”
Inside our guide, we break down seven high performing hook types, with plug and play templates and real examples for each. The goal is not just to give you ideas, but to give you structure and speed.
The Real Reason Content Hooks Are Hard to Nail
You know what you want to say. You know your niche. You even know the call to action. But that first line? It holds everything up.
Most content creators do not struggle with what to post. They struggle with how to start.
That is why this guide includes a Write Your Own Hooks section. It features printable worksheets, content prompts and examples across different industries. Whether you are scripting Instagram Reels, planning YouTube Shorts, writing email subject lines or opening a blog, this section helps you craft stronger intros that grab attention fast.
Real Results from Real Businesses
Don’t just take our word for it, listen to our clients:
“In just one month, they boosted our engagement by 1200% – we now average 100k+ engagements monthly."
“Their organic strategy helped us win £1m+ in tenders – with no ad spend.”
“With Fresh Faced Marketing, we consistently hit 1 million+ views across TikTok, Facebook, IG, and YouTube.”
“We’ve grown by 23% month-on-month and reached over 50k accounts every month – all organically.”
These aren’t vague claims. This is the impact consistent short form content with better hooks can have on real businesses.
Using AI to Improve Content Creation Without Losing Your Voice
If you have ever tried using AI to generate your hooks, you know the struggle. Generic. Off brand. Wrong audience.
We wanted something more useful for creators and marketers who actually care about brand tone and clarity.
So we built the Hook Builder AI Assistant, included with the guide.
It asks for your niche, your audience and your content goals. Then it creates five custom hook suggestions and sorts them by type.
This is not about replacing creativity. It is about removing the guesswork and giving you repeatable frameworks that actually convert.
This Was Made for Creators Who Want Real Results
We built this because we needed it ourselves. Across our agency, we support creators, coaches, brands and teams who are trying to grow through content. And what we kept seeing was that the first three seconds were make or break.
We did not need another theory based guide. We needed something actionable. Practical. Fast.
So we created The Ultimate Hook Formula Pack — a printable swipe file, workbook and AI tool designed to make short form content easier to start and faster to grow.
Inside you will find:
Seven proven hook types including emotional, curiosity, urgency and more
Thirty five fill in the blank hook templates
Over seventy real examples from across different industries
A guided workbook to help you write hooks that work
A custom AI assistant to generate personalised hook ideas
If your goal is to grow faster on Reels, TikTok, Shorts or any other platform where attention spans are short, this guide will help you take your content strategy up a level.
👇 Download it here and give your first line the power it deserves: