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Templates

30 TikTok Hook Templates (Copy-Paste Prompts)

30 proven TikTok, Reels, and Shorts hook templates you can copy-paste. Includes prompt examples, visual patterns, and tips for vertical AI video generation.

Hooks are the difference between a scroll and a watch. In short-form feeds, your first seconds must communicate curiosity, clarity, and payoff. The easiest way to produce consistent hooks is to use templates: repeatable opening lines paired with matching visuals and motion cues.

This page gives you 30 hook templates you can copy-paste, plus guidance on how to pair each hook with AI video prompts that work in 9:16 vertical. Use these templates to create daily content, test ad angles, and build a niche series without burning out.

How to Use These Hook Templates

  • Hook text: what the viewer reads or hears.
  • Visual prompt direction: what the video shows.
  • Motion cue: how the shot moves.
  • Optional niche swaps: product, food, travel, education.

Best practice: keep the video visually simple so the hook reads clearly.

30 Hook Templates

Curiosity hooks (1-10)

  • I did not expect this to work...: Close-up reveal, slow push-in, high-contrast lighting.
  • Nobody tells you this part...: Medium shot, static camera, text overlay space.
  • Watch what happens when...: Before/after setup, minimal motion, clear framing.
  • This is the fastest way to...: Clean product demo, spotlight, stable edges.
  • I wish I knew this earlier...: Simple step-by-step visual, static shot.
  • Most people do this wrong...: Split concept (wrong vs right), crisp composition.
  • Do not buy this until you see...: Product close-up, slow pan, premium lighting.
  • The secret is in the last step...: Countdown cue, stable camera, readable pacing.
  • This changed everything for me...: Transformation montage feel with stable framing.
  • If you only learn one thing...: Single concept shot, minimal motion.

Contradiction hooks (11-20)

  • This looks fake, but it is not: Realistic detail, slow push-in, clean background.
  • Stop doing this immediately: Static shot, bold text overlay, minimal movement.
  • The easy way is actually harder: Show messy vs clean result, stable framing.
  • This is why your videos flop: Simple example, readable composition.
  • You are overcomplicating it: Minimal design shot, calm camera.
  • Here is the shortcut nobody uses: One-step reveal, cinematic lighting, stable edges.
  • I tested the viral trick, results surprised me: Before/after, clean transitions.
  • This is not what I expected: Reaction-style visual, close-up, gentle push-in.
  • The expensive version vs this: Side-by-side comparison prompt, static shot.
  • I was wrong about this: Correction sequence, stable camera.

Payoff hooks (21-30)

  • Wait for the last second: Slow build, reveal cue, stable motion.
  • You will want to save this: Checklist visual, static framing.
  • Try this today, seriously: Simple demo, clear steps.
  • This is the cleanest result I have gotten: High-quality product shot, premium lighting.
  • Here is the exact template I use: Template screen and example, minimal motion.
  • Copy this if you want results: Direct CTA plus prompt overlay.
  • The difference is insane: Before/after, consistent lighting.
  • 3 mistakes everyone makes: Countdown sequence, static shot.
  • Do this in 10 seconds: Fast concept, camera stays stable.
  • This is your sign to start: Inspiring visual, slow push-in, cinematic mood.

Hook + Prompt Pairing Examples (3 Ready-to-Run)

Example A (Product)

Hook: "Do not buy this until you see..."

Vertical 9:16. Close-up of a [product] under a soft spotlight, slow push-in, clean dark background, premium commercial style, stable motion, no flicker.

Example B (Food)

Hook: "Watch what happens when..."

Vertical 9:16. Close-up of [food] with steam rising, gentle push-in, warm lighting, realistic detail, stable edges, no melting.

Example C (Travel)

Hook: "Wait for the last second."

Vertical 9:16. Wide scenic view at sunrise, slow pan, mist drifting, cinematic color grading, stable horizon, no jitter.

Tips to Improve Retention (Even With AI-Generated Clips)

  • Keep the subject centered and large enough for small screens.
  • Prefer slow push-ins and gentle pans over complex movement.
  • Use simple backgrounds so captions stay readable.
  • Build a series: same style + different hooks = scalable growth.

Related Resources

Use a Hook Template