We've analyzed over 100 viral videos. Here’s the hooks they have in common!

It’s all a pattern, & most content hooks fall into a few common "buckets" or categories based on their approach & the purpose behind it.  

Here are the primary buckets we’ve seen after analyzing 100 different viral videos:

Personal / Relatable Hooks

• Personal Experience Hook
• Relatable Hook
• Empathy Hook
• Narrative Hook
• Transformation Hook

These hooks rely on personal experiences & relatable content to build a personal connection with the audience. They evoke empathy & make the viewer feel seen, heard & understood. Sharing your journey or common experiences really helps you build a deep connection with your audience.

Interactive Hooks

• Question Hook
• Challenge Hook
• Provocative Statement Hook

Jumping into actively asking the audience to participate, think, or respond. They encourage interaction & foster a sense of community. Interactive content gets up to 150% more comments. Asking questions or issuing challenges instantly engages your audience.

Polarizing / Surprising Hooks

• Polarizing Hook
• Shock Value Hook
• Mystery Hook
• Trend Hook
• Pop Culture Hook

Shock your audience into a new way of thinking by challenging common beliefs or presenting surprising information. These hooks capture attention by introducing a different or unexpected viewpoint. Polarizing & surprising content can significantly boost engagement. While all the interactions might not be positive, challenging norms or providing shocking facts grabs immediate attention.

Authority / Credibility Hooks

• Expert Hook
• Statistic/Fact Hook
• Celebrity/Influencer Reference Hook

Build credibility with your audience from the first moment by referencing experts, statistics, or well-known figures. They will transfer that trust to you & see you as a trustworthy authority. This works well for business owners looking to boost their credibility & engagement. Authority hooks add trust & weight to your message.

Visual / Creative Hooks

• Visual Hook
• Metaphor/Analogy Hook
• Humor Hook

Using visual elements or true creativity always captures attention. It’s engaging because it appeals to the viewer’s sense of aesthetics & creativity. Creative visuals will help you see significantly higher view rates, remember social is all about entertainment. Stunning visuals & creative metaphors make your content stand out immediately.

Inspirational / Motivational Hooks

• Inspirational Hook

These hooks aim to inspire & motivate the audience. They focus on positive outcomes & personal growth, encouraging your audience to switch their positive mindset. Inspirational & motivational content resonates deeply often because it helps confirm something the viewer already believes or wants to believe about themselves. Sharing positive & uplifting messages can inspire and motivate your audience.

Now that you know the top hooks, which one will you use first?

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