Video hook generator

Type your video's topic in a few words and get 24 opening lines for a Short, Reel or TikTok: questions, warnings, stories, myths and bold claims. Each is labelled with the kind of hook it is. Pick one that's true for your video, say it in the first two seconds, and put the same words on screen.

Why the first two seconds matter

Short-form feeds decide quickly. If a viewer swipes away in the first second or two, the platform shows the video to fewer people. A hook gives them a reason to stay: a question they want answered, a mistake they might be making, or a result they want.

What makes a hook work

• Say it and show it. Most people watch with the sound off at first. Put the hook on screen as text while you say it.
• Start mid-sentence. Cut any "hey guys" or intro. The first word on screen should be part of the hook.
• Promise something the video delivers. A hook that the video doesn't pay off loses viewers halfway, which hurts more than a weak start.
• Be specific. "3 home workout mistakes" beats "some workout tips". Numbers and concrete results are easier to picture.

Hooks for clips cut from long videos

When a Short comes from a podcast or interview, the hook is usually already in the recording: a bold claim, a surprising number, a story starting. ClipFlame looks for clips that open on a line like that, and writes a short hook for each clip's cover.

Next steps

Build the rest of the video with the script generator, find more topics with the video idea generator, and write the post text with the caption generator.

Common questions

What is a hook in a short video?

The first line, said and shown in the first one or two seconds, that gives a viewer a reason not to swipe.

How long should a hook be?

One sentence, under 3 seconds. Start mid-sentence, with no greeting.

Is the hook generator free?

Yes. Type a topic and get 24 opening lines, labelled by type, with no sign-up.

How does ClipFlame use hooks?

It favours clips that open on a strong line, scores each clip partly on its opening, and writes a short hook for each clip's cover. See the viral clip generator.