The best TikTok hooks to boost views and engagement (with examples)

It's no secret that brands are starting to recognize the power of TikTok. According to Adobe Express, 54% of business owners use the app to grow their business. And 1 in 4 small business owners use TikTok influencers to promote offers and drive sales.

So what’s the key to crafting a TikTok video that captures attention, racks up views, and boosts engagement? A scroll-stopping hook, of course!

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 ways brands can snag attention on TikTok before viewers swipe away.

What are TikTok hooks?

A hook is an initial phrase or action that captures your audience's attention and gets them interested in your content. Crafting compelling hooks is just one of the many ways to boost your engagement on social.

On TikTok, hooks are especially important – because the app is bustling with attention-grabbing videos! Every day, 34 million videos get posted to the platform. So it's important to pique your audience’s interest as fast as you can. In fact, TikTok for Business reports that 63% of videos with the highest click-through rate (CTR) hook their audience within the first 3 seconds.

You can create a hook on TikTok using sounds, on-screen text, and physical actions (or a combination of 2 or more!).

10 of the most engaging TikTok hooks

Here are some of the best TikTok hooks to boost your views and engagement.

1. “If you _______, stop scrolling!”

You can consider this hook the classic call-out. It's as simple as it seems. First, identify your target audience. Then, tell your target audience exactly what you want them to do: "Stop scrolling!" Here are some examples to spark inspiration:

• “If you’re a foodie, stop scrolling!”
• “If you want to travel more in 2024, stop scrolling!”
• “If you’re tired of watching your houseplants die, stop scrolling!”

Here's how Supergoop puts this hook into action.

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2. “The BEST way to _______.”

Fill in the blank with an action or subject that's relevant to your brand or client. Maybe you cover the best way to apply a skincare product, the best events in your city, or the best productivity hacks for marketers. The possibilities are endless!

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3. Put your phone down

No, really! Start your video with your phone in your hand before setting it down. Then, grab a prop (a coffee mug will do). The movement at the beginning of the video makes your content feel authentic, and it creates a subtle visual hook that grabs viewers' attention.

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4. “THIS is what happens when _______.”

Here’s another fill-in-the-blank hook for you. If you’re promoting a landscaping service, you could say, “THIS is what happens when you take care of your lawn throughout the winter.”

If you’re promoting a hospitality client, you could say, “THIS is what happens when you book your wedding at our venue.”

Red Bull uses this verbal hook effectively by pairing it with a visual hook: a man popping out of icy water!

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5. The mini microphone

This visual hook is trending for a reason: it works! Capture viewers’ interest by having the subject of your video hold a mini microphone. It sparks curiosity, signifies credibility, and commands attention. (And it makes your audio quality that much better!)

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6. Slide something across the screen

If you’re promoting a product, this is an effective visual hook. Simply slide your product into the frame at the beginning of the video. Bonus points if you pair this hook with trending audio. For an up-to-date list of the most on-trend sounds for Reels and TikTok, check out our trending audio blog post.

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7. Pull a product from the screen

This one is another engagement-boosting visual hook for brands that want to promote products. It requires some creative editing to make it look like you’re grabbing a physical product right from your computer screen. Check out this tutorial from TikTok user @ugcwithsaz.

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8. The listicle

You can use this hook by saying it aloud or by adding text to your video. The idea is to list products, experiences, or services you want to draw attention to. Preface your list with an attention-grabbing statement, like “5 restaurants that belong on your bucket list” or “3 things to do before you buy a new car.”

Here’s Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ take on the trending hook.

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9. Multitask

Start recording your video while you’re performing another task. Clean your counter, light a candle, or pour yourself a glass of water. The following example from Olaplex uses a blow dryer to hook viewers with sound and visuals.

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10. “Have you heard of _______?”

If you want to educate your audience, this hook might just become your go-to. Fill in the blank with a little-known industry fact or surprising product feature. You can also play around with variations of this hook, including:

• “Did you know _______?”
• “Here’s a fun fact: _______.”
• “This will blow your mind . . .”
• “Here’s the truth about _______.”
• "Did it ever occur to you that _______?”
• “Forget everything you know about _______.”

The Art Gallery of Ontario uses this hook to educate viewers about a painting’s historical significance. Plus, the account follows accessibility best practices by adding captions to the video.

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Summary

That’s a wrap! Now you know 10 of the best TikTok hooks. Try them out to get attention for your brand or clients. And if you want to maximize your TikTok engagement, check out our always-up-to-date list of trending TikTok templates. Or take a peek at this list to discover this week's trending audio for TikTok and Reels. Happy posting!

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