Video Hooks: 50 Scroll-Stopping Openings for Your Ads

AdCreate Team

|February 18, 2026|20 min read

Video Hooks: 50 Scroll-Stopping Openings for Your Ads

The first three seconds of your video ad decide everything. Not your product, not your offer, not your targeting — the hook. If the opening fails, the viewer scrolls and the rest of your ad never gets seen.

This guide gives you 50 proven video ad hooks organized into 10 categories, each with a template, a filled-in example, and an explanation of why it works. Steal them, adapt them, and start testing today.

The Science of the 3-Second Hook

Facebook measures a "view" at just 3 seconds. TikTok's internal data shows that ads losing viewers in the first 2 seconds see a 70-80% drop in overall performance. When a viewer encounters your ad, the brain performs a near-instant assessment — "Is this worth my time?" If the opening triggers curiosity, surprise, or personal relevance, they keep watching. If not, they scroll.

A mediocre product with a great hook outperforms a great product with a mediocre hook — because the great product never gets seen. The solution is not one perfect hook. It is a library of hooks you can test.

Vibrant set of crochet hooks in multiple colors on a light background. — Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels

Category 1: Question Hooks

Question hooks exploit the brain's need to resolve open questions — psychologists call this the Zeigarnik effect.

Hook 1: "Did you know...?"

Template: "Did you know [surprising fact related to audience's problem]?"
Example: "Did you know 73% of skincare products contain an ingredient that actually accelerates aging?"
Why it works: Frames the viewer as potentially uninformed, triggering a need to learn more.

Hook 2: "What if I told you...?"

Template: "What if I told you [counterintuitive claim about their situation]?"
Example: "What if I told you your morning routine is costing you two hours of productivity every day?"
Why it works: Creates a conditional scenario that feels personal.

Hook 3: "Want to know why...?"

Template: "Want to know why [outcome they desire] is not happening for you?"
Example: "Want to know why your Facebook ads stopped converting last month?"
Why it works: Directly addresses a pain point and promises an answer.

Hook 4: "Have you ever wondered...?"

Template: "Have you ever wondered why [common phenomenon they have noticed]?"
Example: "Have you ever wondered why some brands go viral while yours gets 12 views?"
Why it works: Validates a thought the viewer has already had.

Hook 5: "What would you do if...?"

Template: "What would you do if you could [desirable outcome] in [short timeframe]?"
Example: "What would you do if you could create 30 video ads before lunch today?"
Why it works: Forces the viewer to mentally simulate the outcome, creating desire.

Category 2: Shock and Stat Hooks

Numbers cut through noise. Vague claims feel like marketing. A concrete number feels like a fact worth knowing.

Hook 6: "97% of marketers are doing this wrong."

Template: "[High percentage] of [audience group] are [doing something wrong]."
Example: "97% of ecommerce brands are running video ads that lose money in the first week."
Why it works: Creates fear of being in the majority.

Hook 7: "This one change increased our revenue by $2.4 million."

Template: "This one [change/strategy/tool] [achieved specific impressive result]."
Example: "This one change to our ad creative increased our ROAS from 1.2 to 4.8 in three weeks."
Why it works: Specificity signals truth — specific numbers feel measured, not made up.

Hook 8: "The average person spends $X on Y. Here is how to cut that in half."

Template: "The average [audience] spends [amount] on [category]. Here is how to [reduce/improve] that."
Example: "The average DTC brand spends $4,200 per month on video production. Here is how to cut that to $200."
Why it works: Anchors a relatable cost, then promises improvement.

Hook 9: "I analyzed 10,000 ads. Here is what the top 1% have in common."

Template: "I [researched/analyzed/tested] [large number] of [category]. Here is what [the best ones] have in common."
Example: "I analyzed 10,000 TikTok ads. Here is the one thing the top 1% all do in the first second."
Why it works: Large sample size signals credibility; distilled insight promises a shortcut.

Hook 10: "$0 to $100K in 90 days using this strategy."

Template: "[$starting point] to [$impressive result] in [timeframe] using [this approach]."
Example: "$0 to $100K in ad revenue in 90 days using AI-generated video ads."
Why it works: The transformation arc is irresistible.

A collection of various black international power plug adapters for global electronics use. — Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels

Category 3: Before/After Hooks

Before/after hooks leverage the contrast principle. Dramatic contrasts between states trigger both curiosity and desire.

Hook 11: "This is what my ads looked like before. This is what they look like now."

Template: "This is [my/our result] before [product/strategy]. This is [result] after."
Example: "This is what our video ads looked like before AI. And this is what they look like now — made in 3 minutes."
Why it works: Visual contrast is the most powerful form of proof.

Hook 12: "6 months ago I could not [skill]. Today I [impressive result]."

Template: "[Timeframe] ago I could not [relevant skill]. Today I [achievement]."
Example: "6 months ago I could not edit a video. Today I run a creative agency making $40K per month."
Why it works: Relatable starting point plus aspirational ending.

Hook 13: "My first ad vs. my ad after using [tool]."

Template: "My first [output] vs. my [output] after [using product/learning method]."
Example: "My first video ad vs. my ad after using AdCreate's text-to-video. Same product, completely different results."
Why it works: Direct comparison eliminates ambiguity.

Hook 14: "Here is my morning before this product. And here is my morning now."

Template: "Here is my [routine/process] before [product]. And here is my [routine/process] now."
Example: "Here is how I used to create ad content — 4 hours, expensive software. And here is how I do it now — 5 minutes, AI, professional quality."
Why it works: Lifestyle-focused hooks sell the transformation rather than the tool.

Hook 15: "Left: me struggling with [problem]. Right: me after discovering [solution]."

Template: "Left: [relatable struggle]. Right: [desirable outcome after solution]."
Example: "Left: me spending all weekend editing one video ad. Right: me after discovering AI video generation — 50 ads done by lunch."
Why it works: The split-screen mental model is immediately understood.

Category 4: Problem-Agitate Hooks

Problem-agitate hooks start with empathy and then twist the knife. The viewer feels understood, then desperate for the solution.

Hook 16: "Tired of [painful situation]?"

Template: "Tired of [specific recurring problem your audience faces]?"
Example: "Tired of spending $500 on a video ad that gets zero conversions?"
Why it works: "Tired" signals accumulated, ongoing frustration.

Hook 17: "If you are still [outdated method], you are falling behind."

Template: "If you are still [doing thing the old way], you are [negative consequence]."
Example: "If you are still manually editing video ads frame by frame, you are losing to competitors who use AI."
Why it works: Frames current behavior as outdated, triggering loss aversion.

Hook 18: "You are wasting money on [category]. Here is proof."

Template: "You are wasting [resource] on [category]. Here is proof."
Example: "You are wasting 80% of your ad budget on creatives that nobody watches past 2 seconds."
Why it works: A direct accusation demands a response.

Hook 19: "This is the #1 mistake [audience] makes with [topic]."

Template: "This is the number one mistake [target audience] makes with [relevant activity]."
Example: "This is the number one mistake ecommerce brands make with their video ads — and it is costing them thousands."
Why it works: Numbered rankings create urgency and implied authority.

Hook 20: "Nobody tells you this about [topic], but..."

Template: "Nobody tells you this about [industry/activity], but [uncomfortable truth]."
Example: "Nobody tells you this about running Facebook ads, but 90% of your budget goes to people who will never buy."
Why it works: Positions the speaker as an insider sharing forbidden knowledge.

Close-up of a yellow industrial crane used in manufacturing, highlighting strength and machinery. — Photo by Cemrecan Yurtman on Pexels

When we see evidence that others have validated something, our risk perception drops and interest spikes.

Hook 21: "This product has 50,000 five-star reviews. I had to find out why."

Template: "[Product/brand] has [impressive social proof metric]. I had to find out why."
Example: "This AI video tool has 50,000 five-star reviews. I had to find out why everyone is obsessed."
Why it works: Large number is proof; "I had to find out why" frames it as an investigation.

Hook 22: "I asked 1,000 marketers their #1 tool. The same name kept coming up."

Template: "I asked [large number] of [audience] their number one [category]. The same [answer] kept coming up."
Example: "I asked 1,000 media buyers their number one creative tool for 2026. The same name kept coming up."
Why it works: Crowdsourced recommendations feel more trustworthy.

Hook 23: "Every creator I follow uses this. Now I know why."

Template: "Every [respected group] I [follow/know] uses [product]. Now I know why."
Example: "Every top-performing ad creative team I know uses AI video generation. Now I know why."
Why it works: Aspirational peer association.

Hook 24: "This brand went from $0 to $10M using one strategy."

Template: "[Entity] went from [humble start] to [impressive result] using [specific approach]."
Example: "This DTC brand went from $0 to $10M in 14 months using nothing but AI-generated video ads."
Why it works: Case-study framing promises a replicable blueprint.

Hook 25: "My audience asked me to review this 847 times. So here it is."

Template: "[Audience/followers] asked me to [action] this [large number] times. So here it is."
Example: "You guys asked me to review this AI ad tool 847 times. So I finally did."
Why it works: Demand-driven content signals the topic is worth attention.

Category 6: Curiosity Gap Hooks

Curiosity gap hooks create an open loop the brain desperately wants to close.

Hook 26: "I tested [product/method] for 30 days. Here is what happened."

Template: "I tested [thing] for [timeframe]. Here is what happened."
Example: "I tested AI-generated video ads for 30 days against my hand-edited ones. Here is what happened to my ROAS."
Why it works: Withholding the result forces continued viewing.

Hook 27: "I replaced my entire [process] with [tool]. The results shocked me."

Template: "I replaced my entire [workflow/team/process] with [alternative]. The results [emotion word]."
Example: "I replaced my entire video production team with AI. The results shocked me."
Why it works: Dramatic action raises stakes; emotion word promises surprise.

Hook 28: "There is a reason this video has 10 million views."

Template: "There is a reason [this content/product/trend] has [impressive metric]."
Example: "There is a reason this ad format is dominating TikTok right now. And most brands have no idea."
Why it works: Promises the explanation behind something the viewer may have noticed.

Hook 29: "I found a loophole in [platform/system] that nobody is using."

Template: "I found a [loophole/hack/method] in [platform] that nobody is using yet."
Example: "I found a loophole in Facebook's ad algorithm that cuts your CPM in half."
Why it works: "Loophole" implies unfair advantage; "nobody" implies exclusivity.

Hook 30: "Watch what happens when I [unexpected action]."

Template: "Watch what happens when I [do something unexpected with your product/method]."
Example: "Watch what happens when I upload a single product photo and let AI turn it into a full video ad."
Why it works: Direct command plus anticipated surprise.

Close-up of a rustic metal hook entwined with thick ropes on a white surface, emphasizing texture. — Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels

Category 7: Contrarian Hooks

Contrarian hooks challenge existing beliefs. Cognitive dissonance makes the viewer watch to learn or argue — both count as engagement.

Hook 31: "Stop doing [common practice]. Here is why."

Template: "Stop [doing what everyone does]. Here is why it is [hurting/not working]."
Example: "Stop boosting posts on Instagram. Here is why it is destroying your ad account."
Why it works: A command to stop a current behavior creates immediate tension.

Hook 32: "Everything you have been told about [topic] is wrong."

Template: "Everything you have been told about [common belief] is wrong."
Example: "Everything you have been told about video ad length is wrong. Longer ads are outperforming short ones."
Why it works: Invalidates the viewer's knowledge, creating a need to rebuild it.

Hook 33: "I deleted [popular tool] and my results improved."

Template: "I deleted [popular thing] and my [metric] [improved dramatically]."
Example: "I deleted CapCut and switched to AI video generation. My ad output tripled overnight."
Why it works: Going against the crowd is inherently interesting.

Hook 34: "The worst marketing advice on the internet is [common tip]."

Template: "The worst [field] advice on the internet is [widely shared tip]."
Example: "The worst ad creative advice on the internet is 'keep it under 15 seconds.' Here is what the data actually shows."
Why it works: Attacks a sacred cow that many have followed.

Hook 35: "Unpopular opinion: [bold stance on industry topic]."

Template: "Unpopular opinion: [stance that contradicts mainstream advice]."
Example: "Unpopular opinion: you do not need a videographer, an editor, or a camera to make great video ads in 2026."
Why it works: The label gives permission to be provocative.

Category 8: UGC-Style Hooks

UGC-style hooks mimic organic content, lowering the viewer's ad-detection defenses.

Hook 36: "I was today years old when I found out..."

Template: "I was today years old when I found out [useful discovery]."
Example: "I was today years old when I found out you can turn a single product photo into a full video ad with AI."
Why it works: Meme format signals casual, authentic content.

Hook 37: "OK I need to talk about this because nobody else is."

Template: "OK I need to talk about [thing] because nobody else is."
Example: "OK I need to talk about this AI ad tool because nobody else is mentioning how insane the results are."
Why it works: Urgency plus exclusivity creates insider-knowledge energy.

Hook 38: "POV: you just discovered [tool] and your life will never be the same."

Template: "POV: you just discovered [product/method] and your [area of life] will never be the same."
Example: "POV: you just discovered AI video ad generation and you realize you have been wasting hundreds of hours editing."
Why it works: POV format is native to TikTok and Instagram.

Hook 39: "My honest review after using [product] for 3 months."

Template: "My honest review after [timeframe] with [product]."
Example: "My honest review after using AdCreate's AI tools for 3 months to run all my ad creative."
Why it works: "Honest" signals transparency; the timeframe signals thorough testing.

Hook 40: "I can not believe this actually works."

Template: "I can not believe [product/method] actually works [this well]."
Example: "I can not believe this AI actually made a better video ad than my $2,000 freelancer."
Why it works: Genuine surprise is contagious.

Close-up of ornate vintage brass octopus tentacle hooks on a rustic wooden background. — Photo by COPPERTIST WU on Pexels

Category 9: Urgency Hooks

Urgency hooks leverage FOMO. They signal that this opportunity has an expiration date.

Hook 41: "If you are not doing this by 2026, you are already behind."

Template: "If you are not [adopting new method] by [deadline], you are already behind."
Example: "If you are not using AI for video ad production by Q2 2026, you are already two years behind your competitors."
Why it works: Time-based framing triggers loss aversion.

Hook 42: "This strategy works right now — but it will not last."

Template: "This [strategy/hack/method] works right now — but it will not last."
Example: "This TikTok ad strategy is generating 5x ROAS right now — but the window is closing fast."
Why it works: Impermanence makes the information feel more valuable.

Hook 43: "You have 48 hours to take advantage of this."

Template: "You have [specific timeframe] to [take advantage of opportunity]."
Example: "You have 48 hours to lock in this pricing before it doubles. Here is what you get."
Why it works: A specific deadline beats vague urgency.

Hook 44: "The brands that adopt this now will dominate [timeframe]."

Template: "The [audience] that [adopt/learn] this now will dominate [future period]."
Example: "The brands that adopt AI video ads now will dominate paid social for the next 3 years."
Why it works: Positions the viewer at a crossroads.

Hook 45: "This just changed and most people do not know yet."

Template: "[Platform/algorithm/tool] just changed and most [audience] do not know yet."
Example: "Facebook's ad algorithm just changed and most advertisers do not know yet. Here is how to adapt."
Why it works: "Just changed" signals breaking news; "most people" signals advantage.

Category 10: Story Hooks

Story hooks work because the human brain is wired for narrative. Once the viewer is in the story, they must see how it ends.

Hook 46: "Last week I almost gave up on [goal]. Then this happened."

Template: "[Timeframe] ago I almost gave up on [goal/business]. Then [turning point]."
Example: "Last week I almost shut down my ad agency. Then I found a tool that changed everything."
Why it works: Vulnerability creates empathy; "then this happened" creates a curiosity gap.

Hook 47: "A year ago I was [humble situation]. Today I [impressive situation]."

Template: "[Timeframe] ago I was [relatable starting point]. Today I [aspirational endpoint]."
Example: "A year ago I was spending 6 hours on a single video ad. Today I generate 50 before my first coffee."
Why it works: Transformation arcs promise a replicable journey.

Hook 48: "My client called me panicking. Their ads were failing. Here is what I did."

Template: "[Person] called me [in distress]. [Their problem]. Here is what I did."
Example: "My biggest client called me at 11 PM. Their ROAS had dropped to 0.4 overnight. Here is how I saved their account."
Why it works: Crisis narrative creates immediate tension.

Hook 49: "I spent $50,000 learning this lesson so you do not have to."

Template: "I spent [significant cost] learning this so you do not have to."
Example: "I spent $50,000 on bad video ads before I learned the one thing that actually matters. Here it is for free."
Why it works: Offering a hard-earned lesson for free creates reciprocity.

Hook 50: "Three years ago, someone told me [advice]. I did not listen. I wish I had."

Template: "[Timeframe] ago, someone told me [specific advice]. I did not listen. Here is what happened."
Example: "Three years ago, someone told me to stop editing video ads manually and use AI. I ignored them. That decision cost me $200,000."
Why it works: Regret is a powerful motivator — the viewer does not want to repeat the mistake.

How to Test Hooks

Pick 5-8 hooks from different categories. Discover which type resonates first.
Keep everything else identical. Only the first 3 seconds change.
Measure hook rate (thumb-stop rate): 3-second views divided by impressions. Above 30% is good. Above 40% is excellent. Below 20% means replace it.
Kill losers at 1,000-2,000 impressions. Double budget on anything above 35%.
Iterate within the winning category. Create 10 more variations and repeat.

Using AdCreate's text-to-video tools, you can generate dozens of hook variations in minutes with different AI avatars and visual treatments.

Hook Performance by Platform

TikTok — Best: UGC-style, curiosity gap, contrarian. The best TikTok ad hooks sound like a friend sharing a discovery.

Facebook/Instagram — Best: problem-agitate, before/after, social proof. Facebook ad hooks that state a problem clearly outperform subtle approaches. Text-forward hooks dominate since many browse with sound off.

YouTube — Best: stat, story, question hooks. Pre-roll must capture before the 5-second skip button.

LinkedIn — Best: contrarian, stat, story hooks. Audiences respond to data and professional insights.

Using AI to Generate Hook Variations

Start with your core message, choose 3-4 hook categories, generate 10 variations per category, filter for platform fit, then turn each into a video using AI tools. With AdCreate, you go from hook idea to finished video ad in minutes — AI generates motion, music, captions, and a talking avatar.

Matching Hooks to Ad Frameworks

Question hooks pair with PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solution)
Stat hooks pair with AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action)
Before/after hooks pair with BAB (Before-After-Bridge)
Social proof hooks pair with the 4Ps (Promise-Picture-Proof-Push)
Story hooks pair with narrative arc

For deeper coverage, see how to write video ad scripts that convert and our video scriptwriting guide.

FAQ

What is a video ad hook?

A video ad hook is the opening 1-3 seconds designed to stop viewers from scrolling. It is the most important element of any video ad because it determines whether the rest gets watched. Effective hooks use psychological triggers like curiosity, surprise, social proof, or problem identification.

How long should a video ad hook be?

1-3 seconds for TikTok and Instagram Reels, up to 5 seconds for YouTube pre-roll (before the skip button). For Facebook feed ads, the 3-second mark is critical because that is when Facebook counts a "view."

What makes a good hook for a video ad?

Three traits: it is specific (numbers beat vague claims), it is relevant to the viewer's situation, and it promises value without delivering it immediately — forcing continued watching.

How many hook variations should I test?

At least 5-8 per campaign from different categories. Give each 1,000-2,000 impressions before evaluating. High-volume advertisers test 20-30 hooks simultaneously using AI-generated video variations.

Do video ad hooks differ by platform?

Yes. TikTok rewards UGC-style hooks. Facebook performs best with problem-agitate hooks. YouTube needs fast stat or question hooks. LinkedIn favors contrarian and data-driven hooks. Always match hook style to the platform's native content feel.

Can I use the same hook for different products?

Hook templates are reusable, but content must be customized. "I tested [X] for 30 days" works for any product, but [X] and the implied result must be specific to your offer.

How do I measure if my hook is working?

Measure hook rate: 3-second video views divided by impressions. On Facebook, check "3-Second Video Plays." On TikTok, look at the 2-second view rate. Above 30% is good, above 40% is excellent, below 20% means replace immediately.

Your video ad is only as strong as its first three seconds. Use these 50 hook templates as starting points, customize them for your product, and test relentlessly. Use AdCreate's AI video tools to turn any hook into a finished video ad in minutes. Get started free — 50 credits, no credit card required.

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