It's no secret that TikTok is a powerful tool for businesses. According to Adobe Express, 54% of business owners use the app, and 1 in 4 small businesses work with TikTok influencers to boost sales. But how do you create a TikTok video that really grabs attention and gets lots of views? It all starts with a great hook! In this blog post, we'll share 10 simple ways to make your TikTok videos stand out and keep viewers from swiping away.

What Are TikTok Hooks?

A hook is the first thing you say or do in your video to grab attention. It's crucial because TikTok is full of engaging videos, and you need to stand out. TikTok for Business reports that 63% of videos with the highest click-through rates hook their audience within the first 3 seconds. You can create a hook using sounds, text, actions, or a mix of these.

Hook 1: “If you _______, stop scrolling!”

This is a classic and effective way to grab attention. Identify your audience and call them out. For example:

• “If you’re a foodie, stop scrolling!”
• “If you’re tired of your houseplants dying, stop scrolling!”
• “If you love sunscreen, stop scrolling!”

Hook 2: “The BEST way to _______.”

Fill in the blank with something your audience cares about. It could be the best way to cook pasta, the best exercises for abs, or the best apps for productivity. Tap to see the example.

Hook 3: Put Your Phone Down

Start by holding your phone, then set it down and grab a prop. This simple action can make your video feel more genuine and interesting.

Hook 4: “THIS is what happens when _______.”

Use this to show a result or consequence - just like RedBull did it. But, here are some more examples:

• “THIS is what happens when you water your plants too much.”
• “THIS is what happens when you book your event with us.”

Hook 5: The Mini Microphone

Using a mini microphone in your video can spark curiosity and make your content more engaging.

Hook 6: Slide Something Across the Screen

Slide a product or an object into the frame at the start. This movement draws attention and can be paired with trendy music for extra impact.

Hook 7: Pull a Product from the Screen

Make it look like you're pulling a product out of the screen. This creative editing trick can make your video stand out.

Hook 8: The Listicle

List a few items, like “5 tips for better sleep” or “3 must-visit places this summer.” Lists are easy to follow and engaging.

Hook 9: Multitask

Start your video while doing something else, like cleaning or making coffee. This keeps the scene dynamic and interesting.

Hook 10: “Have you heard of _______?”

Use this to introduce something new or surprising. Variations include:

• “Did you know _______?”
• “Here’s a fun fact: _______.”
• “This will blow your mind . . .”

Here are some simple yet powerful hooks to capture attention and boost your engagement on TikTok. And for a comprehensive strategy that covers all social media platforms, check out our 9 Steps to Social Media Domination.

More Tips for Engaging TikTok Content

Hop on Trending Audio: Using popular sounds can make your video more discoverable. TikTok's algorithm favors videos that use trending audio, which can help your content reach a wider audience.

Shoot Natively for TikTok: Make sure your videos are shot in TikTok's vertical full-screen format (9:16). This takes advantage of the entire screen space and typically results in a 25% higher 6-second watch-through rate. Balance authenticity with a polished look to fit seamlessly into users' feeds.

Engage Gen Z: To resonate with the younger audience, consider their preferences and trends. Gen Z values authenticity, social causes, and interactive content. To learn how to tailor your content to this influential group, check out A New Era of Marketing Strategies.

Break the Fourth Wall: Engage directly with your audience by looking straight into the camera. This approach makes your content feel more personal and interactive. Asking questions and encouraging viewers to respond can further boost engagement.

Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage viewers to keep watching, read your caption, or interact with your video. Examples include:

• “Tap the link in bio for more!”
• “Share this with a friend who needs to see it!”
• “Comment below with your thoughts!”

If you love TikTok virals, you’ll love this guide. If all the stars align, maybe your post will become as viral as the famous strawberry chocolate video. But before that happens, following these 10 hooks, along with additional tips, can help you create TikTok videos that grab attention and boost engagement. Try them out and see which ones work best for your audience. Happy posting! 💥