TikTok · How to write TikTok hooks
TikTok Hooks That Stop the Scroll
Engineer scroll-stopping TikTok openings using contrast, curiosity, and stakes patterns proven on the FYP.
Why TikTok hooks decide everything
The first 1.5 seconds determine whether the algorithm pushes your video. Strong hooks lift completion rate, which is the FYP's primary signal.
5 hook frameworks that work in 2026
Contrast ("Everyone says X, but…"), Stakes ("I tried X for 30 days"), Curiosity gap, Numbered list, and Hot take.
How to test hooks at scale
Generate 10 variants with the Viral Hook Generator, post 3, measure 3-second hold rate, then double down on patterns that convert.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should a TikTok hook be?
Aim for under 3 seconds spoken and a visual change in the first frame.
Do text hooks still work?
Yes — text hooks paired with a strong visual outperform voice-only hooks for new creators.
Keep exploring
More TikTok playbooks
Workflow guides
Prompts to ship faster