Last updated: October 2026
Most short videos are decided in the first one or two seconds. If your opening line starts with “Hey guys” or “In this video…”, many viewers are already gone. The good news: weak hooks follow predictable patterns — and so do strong ones. Our free Hook Analyzer checks your opening line against those patterns and tells you exactly what to fix.
How to use the Hook Analyzer
- Open the Hook Analyzer.
- Paste the first sentence you say (or show on screen) in your video.
- Click Analyze my hook. You get a score out of 100, a rating, how long the line takes to say, and a list of what’s working and what to improve.
- Rewrite, paste again, and compare. Keep the version that scores highest — then test it for real.
What the score looks at
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Length (ideally 5–12 words) | Short lines land in under 3 seconds, before people swipe. |
| Warm-up openers | “Hi guys”, “Today I’m going to…” delay the payoff and lose viewers. |
| Pattern-interrupt openers | “Stop…”, “Nobody tells you…”, “I tested…”, “POV:” create instant tension. |
| Talking to “you” | Direct address makes the viewer feel it’s about them. |
| Specific numbers | “3 months”, “$20”, “5 steps” are concrete and believable. |
| Curiosity gaps and questions | An open loop makes people stay for the answer. |
| Emotional or stakes words | Words like mistake, secret, finally or wrong raise the stakes. |
| Vague words | “Things”, “stuff”, “really” make a hook feel generic. |
Before and after: real examples
Example 1
Before (scores around 20 — Weak): “In this video I am going to show you some interesting editing tips.”
After (scores 80+ — Scroll-stopper): “Stop editing your Reels like this — I wasted 3 months doing it wrong.”
What changed: no warm-up, a command opener, a specific number, a stakes word (“wrong”) and a story promise.
Example 2
Before: “Here are some things about microphones.”
After: “I tested 3 cheap mics — the $20 one embarrassed the rest.”
Example 3
Before: “Today we’re talking about budgeting.”
After: “You’re losing money every month because of this one budgeting mistake.”
Pair the line with a visual hook
Your words are only half the hook. The first frame needs movement or surprise too. Many creators open with a 1–2 second clip — a fast action shot, a splash, a stunt — and cut straight into their topic. Grab one from our free hook clip library and add it to the start of your video with the Video Resizer & Hook Adder.
A 5-minute hook workflow
- Write your idea in one sentence.
- Generate 5–10 opening lines with the Hook & Caption Generator.
- Score your favourites in the Hook Analyzer and keep the top two.
- Check the timing with the Script Timer — the hook should land within 3 seconds.
- Film both versions on different days and compare average watch time in your analytics.
FAQ
Does a high score guarantee views?
No. The score checks patterns that commonly help retention. Your topic, visuals, delivery and audience matter just as much — always test.
Should my hook be spoken or written on screen?
Both, ideally. Many people watch with sound off, so put the hook in on-screen text as well as saying it.
How long should a hook be?
Aim for 1–3 seconds — usually 5 to 12 words. Use the Script Timer to check.
Bottom line: cut the warm-up, be specific, speak to the viewer and create a reason to keep watching. Score your next opening line free with the Hook Analyzer.
