Introduction

In the fast-paced world of short-form video, the first 3 seconds can make or break your content. Viewers are ruthless with their attention — scroll or stay. A strong hook isn't optional; it's essential.

Here are 5 proven techniques to keep your audience locked in:

1. Start with Movement or Sound
   Movement grabs attention. Start with a fast cut, dramatic zoom, or unexpected sound. A subtle head tilt or hand gesture can break the "scroll pattern" and snap viewers into focus.

2. Ask a Relatable Question
   “Ever wondered why your content flops?”
   Questions create curiosity loops. They also make viewers feel personally addressed.

3. Use Text-on-Screen Hooks
   Overlaying big, bold captions with a promise (“This tip grew my page 10x”) makes content skimmable — and magnetic.

4. Create Visual Contrast
   Use lighting changes, outfit swaps, or jump cuts. This creates a dopamine-triggering pattern break — the same thing that keeps TikTok users hooked.

5. Jump to the Payoff
   Instead of setting up your point, lead with the payoff: “This one setting fixed my engagement overnight.” Context can come later — once you’ve earned their attention.

Conclusion

Your hook doesn’t need to be complex — it just needs to be intentional. Test, iterate, and remember: if they don’t stay, they don’t convert.