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What makes you stop scrolling when you see a video or post? It is probably the intro you heard, read, or saw – the hook.

It got your attention, and you can do the same to your audience.

A hook is the opening line that grabs the attention of viewers in the first few seconds.

It’s important because it determines if people will scroll past or engage with your content.

It’s common to think that hooks are for videos only, every content needs a scroll-stopping intro.

A good hook not only grabs attention, but it also sparks curiosity and emotion.

In this post, we reveal 10 hook ideas for all content types, including social media posts, emails, blogs, and videos.

10 Types of Hook Ideas to Make Your Content Stand Out

1. Question Hooks

This speaks directly to your audience by asking intriguing questions about their problems or desires.

Question hooks trigger curiosity because our brains are wired to seek and find answers, especially the ones that affect us.

Examples

• “Are you struggling to grow your email list?”
• “What if your content could work for you 24/7?”
• “Is your business thriving or striving?”
• “What if you could write a blog post in 10 mins?”
• “Is your content strategy still stuck in 2023?”

These types of hook ideas are ideal for video and blog intros, captions, and email subjects. 

However, ask questions that are relevant to your target audience.

2. Shocking or Surprising Hooks

These hooks use surprise or controversial claims and interruption to stand out.

They create reactions, making viewers pay attention because the message contradicts the norm.

Examples

• “You’re losing money every time you post a video.”
• “This $0 strategy grew my audience by 400% in 60 days.”
• “Hashtags are worthless: Here’s why.”
• “Stop posting if you’re not doing this one thing.”
• “Your best content idea is not online; it’s still in your spam folder right now.”

Surprising hooks work best with videos, captions, blogs, pins, and copy.

Avoid making claims without substance; false claims can work against your business goals.

 3. Storytelling Hooks

Storytelling hooks use relatable stories to build connection and trust.

Narrations and displays of vulnerability or transformation easily evoke empathy.

Examples

• “One year ago, I had zero followers. Today? I make a 6-digit income from content.”
• “I almost gave up after my first startup failed…”

• “How I moved from almost quitting to becoming a global B2B writer”
• “I launched my first product from our dining table.”
• “For years, I followed the natural skincare trend, but nothing worked until one ingredient changed everything.”

These types of hooks are ideal for videos, newsletters, LinkedIn, blog posts, and long-form content.

Be genuine about your anecdotes; don’t deceive your audience.

Related Post: Power of Storytelling in Content Creation

4. List Hooks

These offer clear and structured benefits.

List hooks promise viewers that your content is digestible, skimmable, and valuable. Just like listicles, list hooks boost SEO and content reach.

Examples

• “10 things I wish I knew before becoming an entrepreneur”
• “5 power words that tripled my open rate”
• “7 simple hooks examples that stop scroll”
• “Top 5 skincare routine every sensitive skin needs.”
• “12 common mistakes new moms make.”

List hooks are great for blog titles, email subject lines, social media captions, and YouTube thumbnails.

Check out our post on mastering the craft of writing headlines.

 5. Problem-Solution Hooks

These acknowledge the struggles of your audience and immediately suggest the solution.

The pain and hints of relief make the content hard to scroll past.

Examples

• “Struggling with writer’s block? Try this trick.”
• “Hate selling? Use this tested soft pitch method.”
• “Stop wasting time on videos nobody watches. Get results with an audience-centric strategy.
• “Content fatigue? Your comment and DM are a gold mine.”
• Are you losing organic traffic? Here are 2 SEO tactics to boost your visibility.”

Problem-solution hooks are effective for a variety of content types, including blogs, videos, emails, sales, and marketing materials.

 Be honest about the pain and solution, and do not over exaggerate the pain.

6. Contrarian Hooks

This hook example challenges popular advice and common myths. They spark debate, which drives engagement and reevaluation.

Examples

• “You don’t need to post daily to grow your brand.”
• “Content calendars are harming your creativity and strategy.”
•  “Don’t niche down, do this instead.”
• “Stop searching for your passion. It’s holding you back.”
• “Every day cleansing is ruining your skin. Here’s why you need less for a healthy glow.”

These types of hooks are best for thought leadership posts, videos, blogs, and podcast titles.

Avoid misleading your audience with false clickbait.

Don’t miss our post on the psychology of clickbait and how it works. 

7. Curiosity Hooks

These hooks tease unexpected or interesting information to open loops.

They trigger unfinished thoughts, which makes your audience click to find out more.

Examples

• “The business tip I almost didn’t want to share…”
• “I ignored this advice—and I regretted it.”
• “You’re probably making this one mistake in your email subject lines…”
• “What happens when you stop drinking coffee for 30 days?”
• “Turns out, the ‘golden standard’ of skincare was actually destroying my glow.”

Curiosity hooks are ideal for videos, social media captions, and email subject lines.

 8. Relatable Pain Hooks

Relatable pain hooks reflect the frustration or struggle of your audience.

They show empathy and belonging, which makes them feel seen and your solution trustworthy.

Examples

• “Spend 5 hours creating content only to realize it was out of context.”
• “Consistently showing up. No likes. No shares. Felt like giving up?”
• “Tired of running ads no one clicks?”

• Opening your fridge to find nothing inspiring for dinner is frustrating.
• “Is your phone battery dying when you need it the most?”

These hooks are suitable for social media posts, emails, blogs, and videos.

Also Read: Empathy Map Examples for Smart Content

 9. Success or Social Proof Hooks

These hooks use results to earn trust and build credibility.

Success proofs showcase your expertise, inspiring your audience to view your content because it will be worth it.

Examples

• “Here’s how I went from 0 to 10k readers in less than 6 months”
• “This sloppy post brought in 80 new leads overnight.”
• “I’ve helped 100+ businesses make 150% ROI without paid ads.”
• “See how Macy turned $500 into a thriving $10,000/ month business.”
• “Zero experience, no degree, still landed a dream remote tech job. Learn the back door entry strategy.”

These hook ideas are best suited for emails, ads, landing pages, testimonials, and long-form authority content.

Be transparent with your success proof; falsifying numbers can backfire.

10. Statistics or Data Hooks

These provide an impressive reporting point. Data hooks pique your audience’s curiosity, grab their attention, and help to build your authority.

Examples

• “Posts with strong visuals get 2x more engagement, here’s why.”
• “85% of people don’t read past the first line. You can change that.”
• 75% of all New Year’s resolutions fail by March. Here’s the missing step.”
• “Only 5% of job applicants get interviewed. Will your resume scale through?”
• “Over 65% of small businesses fold up within their first 5 years. Yours can beat the odds.”

These hooks are ideal for emails, blogs, and LinkedIn posts. Only cite credible and recent (unless in some instances) sources.

Start Strong and Keep Them Hooked

First impressions matter, and that’s why hooks are vital. They are the springboards that lure your audience to your content.

Whether by data, pain, surprise, or question, hooks help you capture your audience’s attention.

Apply these hook ideas to your content, watch, adjust, and keep them hooked.

Which of these hooks will you try first? Let us know in the comments.