The hook vault: 100 hooks that work.
Templates from real viral posts. Swap the [bracketed] parts.
Showing 100 of 100 hooks
#001 · Contrarian
Doing [common effort] won't [get the result people expect].
“Doing hundreds of sit-ups won't burn off your lower belly fat.”
@5minexercises on YouTube Shorts · 19M views#002 · Contrarian
The #1 best way to [goal] is not [the obvious answer].
“The number one best workout for losing weight is not running.”
@elevatemindhq on YouTube Shorts · 4.8M views#003 · Contrarian
Stop wasting time on [tactic] that worked [N years] ago.
“Stop wasting time on side hustles that worked a decade ago.”
@Adamerhartvideo on YouTube Shorts · 3.3M views#004 · Contrarian
Stop wasting your time and money on [task]. These [N] free [tools] do it for you.
“stop wasting your time and money on video editing these four AI tools can edit…”
@WebsiteLearners on YouTube Shorts · 2.2M views#005 · Contrarian
Your [thing] isn't [flaw]. You're just [doing it this way].
“Your ponytail isn't ugly.”
@notsophiesilva on YouTube Shorts · 49M views#006 · Contrarian
Never, ever [make big move] before you understand these [N] things.
“Never, ever start a business before you understand these five things.”
@wealthbywei on TikTok · 711K views#007 · Contrarian
The [old path] is dead. The future is [new path].
“The degree is dead, the future is experience.”
@codie_sanchez on X · 9.9M views#008 · Contrarian
Nobody is coming to [save / fix / hand you] [outcome].
“Nobody is coming to save you.”
@thedankoe on X · 2.2M views#009 · Contrarian
[Topic] advice that doesn't work:
“Career advice that doesn't work:”
@Akshat Shrivastava on LinkedIn · 3K likes#010 · Mistake
Don't do that. This is the wrong way to [everyday task].
“don't do that okay this is the wrong way…”
@MattRandon on YouTube Shorts · 27M views#011 · Mistake
Don't repeat the mistakes I made [doing X].
“Don't repeat the mistakes I made.”
@Grant Cardone on LinkedIn · 2K likes#012 · Mistake
[N] [topic] mistakes I will never make again.
“Three fashion mistakes that I will never make again.”
@alenayuan on YouTube Shorts · 5.6M views#013 · Mistake
Sometimes [the upgrade everyone buys] actually makes [thing] worse.
“There are times when upgrading your PC can actually make it worse.”
@LinusTechTips on YouTube Shorts · 7.2M views#014 · Mistake
One of the biggest mistakes I made in my first year of [skill] was [choice].
“One of the biggest mistakes I made in my first year of developing Power BI…”
@Timothy Osborn on LinkedIn · 557 likes#015 · Numbered list
You'll never [goal] if you keep [wasting resource] on these [N] things.
“You'll never get rich in your 20s if you keep wasting money on these three…”
@marktilbury on YouTube Shorts · 15M views#016 · Numbered list
[N] of the worst [choices] you can make today, from a [credible person].
“Three of the worst businesses you can start today from a millionaire businessman.”
@marktilbury on YouTube Shorts · 11M views#017 · Numbered list
The top [N] [options] you can start today to [result] with no experience.
“these are the top three side hustles you can start today and make 500 a…”
@DanielIlesshorts on YouTube Shorts · 5.7M views#018 · Numbered list
[N] signs it's time to [big decision].
“16 signs it's time to quit your job”
@Rob Dance on LinkedIn · 14K likes#019 · Numbered list
Here are my [N] best tips on [task], because I want you to [benefit].
“Here are my 5 best tips on how to negotiate your job offer because…”
@Anna Papalia on LinkedIn · 4K likes#020 · Numbered list
[N] harsh truths nobody told you about [topic]:
“5 harsh truths nobody told you about entrepreneurship:”
@Sahil Bloom on LinkedIn · 1K likes#021 · Numbered list
The most useful [rules / tools / ideas] I've found:
“The most useful razors and rules I've found.”
@george__mack on X · 6.6M views#022 · Numbered list
Your [outcome] will be determined by [N] things:
“Your future will be determined by 3 things:”
@thedankoe on X · 2.7M views#023 · Numbered list
[N] [topic] hacks I learned in [place or from source].
“three beauty hacks I learned in Korea to achieve Flawless makeup one stop using pimple…”
@AylenPark on YouTube Shorts · 15M views#024 · Numbered list
[N] ways to [change an outcome]:
“Four ways to change human behavior:”
@hormozi on Instagram Reels · 3.4M views#025 · Ranking or levels
I've tried a lot of [things], so here's how I'd rate them from worst to best.
“I've tried a lot of side hustles in my life, so here's how I'd rate…”
@marktilbury on YouTube Shorts · 5.9M views#026 · Ranking or levels
Ranking the best [topic] hacks ever.
“Ranking the best hair hacks ever.”
@TopTrek-q8w on YouTube Shorts · 3.8M views#027 · Ranking or levels
[N] levels of [thing].
“3 Levels Of Cheese”
@nick.digiovanni on Instagram Reels · 8.0M views#028 · Ranking or levels
The best and worst [methods], ranked.
“The best and worst recovery methods, ranked”
@jeffnippard on Instagram Reels · 5.5M views#029 · Comparison
$1 [thing] vs $[huge number] [thing].
“$1 Car vs $100,000,000 Car!!!”
@MrBeast on X · 179M views#030 · Comparison
[Famous person A] vs [famous person B]'s [thing].
“Messi vs Ronaldo’s Favorite Foods”
@nick.digiovanni on Instagram Reels · 5.4M views#031 · Comparison
[Option A] vs [option B]: which actually matters most for [goal]?
“Negative vs positive: which actually matters most for gains?”
@jeffnippard on Instagram Reels · 7.7M views#032 · Comparison
The difference between [A] and [B].
“The difference between Sales and Marketing”
@Famous Campaigns on LinkedIn · 6K likes#033 · Comparison
One of these was [made with A], the other with [B]. Can you tell which?
“One of these was shot with iPhone 15 Pro, and the other was shot with…”
@MKBHD on X · 18M views#034 · Experiment
I tried [famous person]'s [extreme routine] for one day, and this is what happened.
“I tried Isaac Newton's impossible study routine for one day and this is what happened…”
@ultimateivyleagueguide on YouTube Shorts · 7.1M views#035 · Experiment
Testing [viral trend] so you don't have to (part [N]).
“testing Tick Tock side hustle so you don't have to part 13.”
@BenAlistor on YouTube Shorts · 4.5M views#036 · Experiment
I drastically [changed one habit] for [time], and the results surprised me.
“On the sofa? For episode 1 of Health or Hype, I drastically reduced my movement…”
@thebodycoach on Instagram Reels · 1.2M views#037 · Experiment
I analyzed my [N]+ [posts / data points]. Here's what actually worked.
“I analyzed my 450+ LinkedIn posts”
@MJ Jaindl on LinkedIn · 373 likes#038 · Result with proof
Yesterday, my little [one-person setup] crossed [$ milestone].
“Yesterday, my little one-person business crossed $4M in revenue.”
@thejustinwelsh on X · 2.4M views#039 · Result with proof
I have [exact big number] [subscribers / customers].
“I have 4,391,728 Youtube Subscribers.”
@AliAbdaal on X · 2.3M views#040 · Result with proof
Before [life change], I never cracked [$ number] a year.
“Before I met my wife, I never cracked $3,000,000 per year.”
@AlexHormozi on X · 3.4M views#041 · Result with proof
This is how I made [$] at [unexpected place] in [time].
“this is how I made 1500 at Costco in 30 minutes and yes this is…”
@RiosToRichy on YouTube Shorts · 1.6M views#042 · Result with proof
How I grew from 0 to [N] followers on [platform].
“how I grew from 0 to 195k followers on Instagram”
@sahelichatterjeehere on YouTube Shorts · 4.9M views#043 · Result with proof
Look at this guy. He makes [$]/month [doing unexpected thing].
“look at this freaking guy right here this guy makes 15 grand a month building…”
@thekoerneroffice on YouTube Shorts · 1.9M views#044 · Result with proof
These [N] [templates] helped me get [big result].
“These 100 LinkedIn templates helped me get 275M+ views.”
@Will McTighe on LinkedIn · 544 likes#045 · Result with proof
[N] frugal things I do as someone who [has $ debt / hit $ goal].
“here's five Frugal things I do to save money as someone who took out $160,000…”
@samswallet on YouTube Shorts · 10M views#046 · Secret or insider
If you [do odd action] to [common thing], it [surprising result].
“If you cut a cucumber in half and rub it against itself, it produces this…”
@JennyHoyos on YouTube Shorts · 37M views#047 · Secret or insider
There's a hack to get unlimited [perk] at [brand].
“there's a hack to unlimited sauce at McDonald's how is that possible what's he going…”
@chefnick on YouTube Shorts · 40M views#048 · Secret or insider
Did you know that [ordinary detail] actually tells you [useful info]?
“Did you know that the color of a USB port is commonly an indicator of…”
@LinusTechTips on YouTube Shorts · 17M views#049 · Secret or insider
Every [product] has a secret [feature] most people aren't aware of.
“Every iPhone has a secret security feature most people aren't aware of.”
@AllThingsSecured on YouTube Shorts · 6.4M views#050 · Secret or insider
Here's a [topic] hack nobody tells you about.
“Here's a flight hack nobody tells you about.”
@missmoneymichelle on TikTok · 1.4M views#051 · Secret or insider
Okay, so I'm an ex-[insider role].
“Okay, so I'm an ex flight attendant.”
@bianca.flightsavings on TikTok · 1.7M views#052 · Secret or insider
Who wants to know the secret to [platform or goal]?
“who wants to know the secret for YouTube shorts it's one of the strangest things…”
@PirateSoftware on YouTube Shorts · 13M views#053 · Secret or insider
If you don't know what the [named rule] is, I'm about to blow your mind.
“If you don't know what the 369 rule is, then I'm about to blow your…”
@AnnabelFans on YouTube Shorts · 2.0M views#054 · Secret or insider
Nobody talks about how [common purchase] actually costs you [shocking number].
“Nobody talks about how a $1,000,000 mortgage costs you $1,217,160 in interest payments ON TOP…”
@levelsio on X · 4.8M views#055 · Secret or insider
I really wish someone told me these things when I first started [activity].
“I really wish someone told me these things when I first started lifting.”
@JeffNippard on YouTube Shorts · 2.7M views#056 · How-to promise
If I had to [start X] again, here's exactly what I'd do.
“If I was gonna invest my first $100 again, here's what I would do.”
@c_buildingquietwealth on TikTok · 1.6M views#057 · How-to promise
Try this to get more [result] on your next [post].
“try this to get more views on your next YouTube short it's a simple video…”
@keeansocial on YouTube Shorts · 10M views#058 · How-to promise
Here's how to make your [thing] so [good] it's scientifically impossible to [ignore].
“Here’s how to make your storytelling so addictive, it is scientifically impossible to skip.”
@kallawaymarketing on Instagram Reels · 1.0M views#059 · How-to promise
This is how you turn [tool] into a [outcome] machine.
“This is how you turn Claude into a social media machine.”
@kallawaymarketing on Instagram Reels · 816K views#060 · How-to promise
If your [thing] is stuck at [bad state], here's a little trick you can try.
“if your YouTube short is stuck at one view here's a little trick you can…”
@OpviousGrowth on YouTube Shorts · 7.1M views#061 · How-to promise
How to [big transformation] (in [short time]):
“How to do a hard reset on your life (in 30 minutes):”
@thedankoe on X · 7.3M views#062 · How-to promise
How to stay [bad outcome]:
“How to stay poor:”
@AlexHormozi on X · 3.0M views#063 · How-to promise
Learn how to [skill] to anyone.
“Learn how to sell anything to anyone.”
@brandon_.marketing on TikTok · 2.3M views#064 · How-to promise
How to turn 1 [input] into [N] [outputs]:
“How to turn 1 idea into 6 pieces of relevant content:”
@Justin Welsh on LinkedIn · 847 likes#065 · Callout
This is for [specific group] only, so if you're not one, keep scrolling.
“this is for the teenage girls and the teenage girls only so if you're a…”
@TheEmmaGrace on YouTube Shorts · 6.5M views#066 · Callout
If you struggle with [specific problem], this is for you.
“If you struggle with what color to wear with your pants, this is for you.”
@StyledByAva7 on YouTube Shorts · 3.9M views#067 · Callout
If you're in your [age], here's how you [hit milestone].
“if you're in your 20s here's how you save your first 100K now this won't…”
@HighLifeWorkout on YouTube Shorts · 2.6M views#068 · Callout
If you [do activity] a lot, you're going to love these tricks.
“If you travel a lot, you're going to love these tricks.”
@Nazzytips on YouTube Shorts · 28M views#069 · You scenario
You work at [ordinary job] and have some extra [money / time] lying around.
“You work at Taco Bell and have some extra cash lying around.”
@goharsguide on YouTube Shorts · 31M views#070 · You scenario
You and your [sibling / friend] are each handed [$ amount].
“You and your brother are each handed $50.”
@zackdfilms on YouTube Shorts · 30M views#071 · You scenario
Your [teacher / boss] announces [awkward public moment].
“Your teacher announces the highest and lowest grades on the last exam.”
@goharsguide on YouTube Shorts · 102M views#072 · You scenario
Your friend asks you to [start X] with them. Here's what you do before [first step].
“your friend's tired of selling hot dogs and asks you to start a business with…”
@goharsguide on YouTube Shorts · 16M views#073 · You scenario
You [got a result] because you [did X], or so you thought.
“You scored at the top of your class because you studied for three hours the…”
@studywithlizzz on TikTok · 3.7M views#074 · Question
Do you have a [common product]?
“Do you have an iPhone?”
@hackphonew on TikTok · 13M views#075 · Question
Should I put all my money in [trending thing]?
“Should I put all my money in Bitcoin?”
@marktilbury on YouTube Shorts · 11M views#076 · Question
What's the best [topic] advice you've ever received?
“what is the best financial advice you've ever received invest in assets not liabilities what…”
@karlniilo2420 on YouTube Shorts · 31M views#077 · Question
What is ignored by [group] today but will be studied by [future group]?
“What is ignored or neglected by the media -- but will be studied by historians?”
@george__mack on X · 25M views#078 · Question
Would you [do hard thing] for [big reward]?
“Would you spend 100 days in this room with a random stranger for $500,000?”
@MrBeast on X · 57M views#079 · Question
Is it [A] or [B]?
“Is it cake or fake?”
@zachking on Instagram Reels · 81M views#080 · Story
I've never told this story publicly, but I used to be a [unexpected role].
“I’ve never told this story before publicly but, I used to be a journalist covering…”
@codie_sanchez on X · 3.5M views#081 · Story
[Time] ago, I left my position as [impressive title] at [company].
“Just over a month ago, I left my position as Google’s Chief Decision Scientist after…”
@Cassie Kozyrkov on LinkedIn · 5K likes#082 · Story
I was invited to [newsworthy thing]. I said no.
“I was invited earlier this month to ride the titanic submarine, I said no.”
@MrBeast on X · 104M views#083 · Story
When I was [age], I wanted to [goal].
“When I was 20, I wanted to be a millionaire.”
@hormozi on Instagram Reels · 2.6M views#084 · Story
I'm [age], my [family] are [X], and I want to be [X] too.
“I'm 42 years old, and both of my kids are influencers, and I want to…”
@heyitsmelaura_lou on TikTok · 4.5M views#085 · Story
I quit my [job] without [a safety net].
“I quit my job without another offer.”
@Rajaikepin R. on LinkedIn · 775 likes#086 · Story
My $[N] [project] failed.
“My $100M startup failed.”
@Dakotah Rice on LinkedIn · 254 likes#087 · Bold claim
The single greatest skill you can develop is [skill].
“The single greatest skill you can develop is the ability to stay in a great…”
@AlexHormozi on X · 3.1M views#088 · Bold claim
[Successful group] buy [scarce resource].
“Rich people buy time.”
@AlexHormozi on X · 1.1M views#089 · Bold claim
[Institution] teaches you how to [basic], but very few teach you how to [advanced].
“Schools teach you how to earn money, but very few people teach you how to…”
@beccaxbloom on TikTok · 13M views#090 · Bold claim
[Skill] is the highest paid skill you can learn.
“Selling is the highest paid skill a man can learn, and nobody in this city…”
@pr0ject47 on TikTok · 1.2M views#091 · Bold claim
This is worth [big $] to you over the course of your career.
“This is worth a million dollars to you over the course of your career.”
@GlimmixMedia on YouTube Shorts · 1.3M views#092 · Bold claim
If you don't [create X], you'll be assigned one.
“If you don’t create a routine, you will be assigned one.”
@thedankoe on X · 1.4M views#093 · Bold claim
The best way to [goal] is to [counterintuitive action].
“The best way to retain a customer is to sell them something else.”
@hormozi on Instagram Reels · 804K views#094 · Bold claim
I'm shocked at how good this [thing] is. It's only [N] [ingredients / steps].
“i am so shocked at how good this cake is it's only three ingredients and…”
@FitwaffleKitchen on YouTube Shorts · 101M views#095 · POV
First day at [place]... I don't think I'm coming back tomorrow.
“First day at work… I don’t think I’m coming back tomorrow.”
@khaby00 on Instagram Reels · 51M views#096 · POV
I only have $[small amount]. Let's see what I can [make / do] with it.
“I only have $10.25 let's see what I can feed my family for dinner we're…”
@the_solodad on YouTube Shorts · 6.4M views#097 · Challenge
Wait for the end.
“Wait for the end”
@mrbeast on Instagram Reels · 37M views#098 · Challenge
Whoever has the most liked reply in [time] gets [prize].
“Whoever has the most liked reply to this in 48 hours gets all my Twitter…”
@MrBeast on X · 117M views#099 · Challenge
Need [N] [people] to test this. Any volunteers?
“Need 100 men to test this, any volunteers?”
@MrBeast on X · 52M views#100 · News
New [platform] feature for [audience]
“🚨 New LinkedIn Feature for Job Seekers 🚨”
@Dani Molina-Ross (Araya) on LinkedIn · 438 likes
How to use a hook
Then pair it with a viral format.
Open strong
Say it and show it on screen in 2 seconds.
Pay it off
Deliver on the hook in the very next line.
Test three
Film 3 hooks, keep the one that holds.
Hooks come from high-performing posts on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. View counts are from when we collected them and link to the original post. Last updated 2026-11-09.