Free database · 49 formats

49 viral formats, with the videos.

Every format as a playbook: watch the example, then follow the hook, middle and ending. Ranked by how consistently they go viral. 39 work on every platform without changes.

Effort

Platforms

Showing 49 of 49 formats

Tier list ranking

Place items into S/A/B/C/D tiers one at a time with a quick justification.

Hook

"[Topic] tier list" with the empty grid on screen (green screen or template).

Middle

Drag each item into a tier with one sentence of reasoning. The controversial placements drive comments.

Ending

Full tier grid shown; "what would you move?"

Adapt it: The final grid works as a standalone image on X/LinkedIn ("AI tools tier list 2026"). @danvmartell: 8.9M on TikTok.

Needs editing15–60sWorks on every platformGood for: AI tools/software, food, games

More examples:@dannyduhdaddie on YouTube Shorts · 7.3M @austinfelt on YouTube Shorts · 4.3M

"Things I wish I knew" list

The creator lists 3 lessons they learned the hard way in a field.

Hook

"3 things I wish I knew before [starting X]".

Middle

Numbered points (First / Second / Finally), each with a short reason.

Ending

Encouraging closer ("be consistent, trust me").

Adapt it: The same list converts directly into a carousel or a LinkedIn text post. It works as a TikTok photo carousel too (@elle_kvl 11.8M).

Phone only30–90sWorks on every platformGood for: fitness, parenting, careers

More examples:@connectwithgrowth on YouTube Shorts · 2.1M @haleyybaylee on YouTube Shorts · 1.3M

Price ladder / cheap vs expensive test

Test the same item at rising price points ($1 → $1,000) side by side and crown a winner.

Hook

Show both items on screen in frame 1 with price labels: "$1 knife vs $1,000 knife".

Middle

Same test on each (cut, taste, drop). Cut hard between tiers; price tag stays on screen.

Ending

Verdict, ideally a twist (cheap one wins, or it's a tie). Ask "what should we test next?"

Adapt it: Text-free visual test, so it travels as-is. For LinkedIn/X, cut it into a two-image comparison post ("$9/mo tool vs $299/mo tool") and put the verdict in the text.

Needs editing20–70sWorks on every platformGood for: food, cooking, tools/DIY

More examples:@hafu on YouTube Shorts · 181M @letstestlaurence on YouTube Shorts · 120M

POV skit

First-person role-play of a relatable situation, 'POV: you…'.

Hook

"POV: …" text overlay over the first line of dialogue.

Middle

One scene, 1–3 characters (often the same creator), escalating.

Ending

Punchline or relatable twist.

Adapt it: Works on every video app. LinkedIn only takes office or industry POVs ('POV: the client asks for one more revision').

Needs editing10–90sWorks on every platformGood for: comedy, school, workplace

More examples:@art.journal.comics on YouTube Shorts · 42M @MikaelaHappas on YouTube Shorts · 11M

Street interview (one question to strangers)

Stop strangers with one repeatable question and cut the best answers together.

Hook

The question as text plus the first surprising answer within 2s.

Middle

Fast montage of answers, or one deep exchange.

Ending

Wildest answer last, or a wholesome payoff.

Adapt it: Subtitles have to be burned in. Travels unchanged across the video apps; LinkedIn likes the 'what do you do and how much do you make' version.

Needs other people30–100sWorks on every platformGood for: finance ('what do you do for a living'), dating, education/trivia

More examples:@KarimJovian on YouTube Shorts · 18M @MisterLewisLux on YouTube Shorts · 10M

Rating / blind ranking / taste test

Try items one by one, score each out of 10 or rank blind before seeing the next.

Hook

"Rating every X" or "Blind ranking X" plus the lineup on screen.

Middle

One item per beat with an honest reaction; a running scoreboard on screen.

Ending

Final ranking card, and a hot take that invites disagreement.

Adapt it: Long TikToks (3–9 min) need a sub-60s cut for Shorts/Reels. Post the final ranking card as a standalone image on X/LinkedIn.

Needs editing25–180sWorks on every platformGood for: food, snacks, gaming

More examples:@realaddiebowley on YouTube Shorts · 58M @leahwatki on YouTube Shorts · 5.9M

Unboxing / first impressions

Open a package on camera with the reveal as the payoff.

Hook

The box and the promise ("world's biggest mystery bag").

Middle

Slow reveal of each item, ASMR sound.

Ending

The best item and a reaction.

Adapt it: Travels as-is.

Phone only30–90sWorks on every platformGood for: toys/collectibles, tech, beauty

More examples:@itsarah on YouTube Shorts · 17M @itsarah on YouTube Shorts · 16M

Types of people

Act out 4–8 archetypes of people in one setting.

Hook

"Types of people at the gym / on planes" plus the first type in 1s.

Middle

One labeled archetype per beat (text label on each).

Ending

The most relatable or absurd type last; "which one are you?"

Adapt it: Also works as a 'which one are you' carousel (Canva's archetype carousel: 10.2K likes, 233 comments).

Needs editing8–90sWorks on every platformGood for: comedy, school, fitness

More examples:@auntiecharli on YouTube Shorts · 26M @AlexOjeda on YouTube Shorts · 26M

Overhead quick recipe

Top-down, fast-cut recipe from raw ingredients to the final bite.

Hook

The final dish or the 'money shot' first, plus the name ("one pan breakfast sandwich").

Middle

Each step 1–3s, ingredients as text overlay.

Ending

Cut, cheese pull, or first bite.

Adapt it: Put the full recipe in the caption on IG/TikTok and in a pinned comment on Shorts.

Needs editing15–60sWorks on every platformGood for: food, fitness nutrition, parenting

More examples:@Feelgoodfoodie on YouTube Shorts · 30M @sosaute on YouTube Shorts · 26M

X explained in 60 seconds

Compress a complex topic into one minute with a visual aid.

Hook

"[Topic] explained in 60 seconds" or the core question.

Middle

3–5 beats building understanding: whiteboard, b-roll, or a clip from an expert.

Ending

A one-line takeaway.

Adapt it: Keep it under 60s so it stays eligible everywhere. The LinkedIn version adds a text summary.

Needs editing45–80sWorks on every platformGood for: science, news, finance

More examples:@connectwithgrowth on YouTube Shorts · 21M @mikegeorge360 on YouTube Shorts · 12M

Wrong answers only (comment-bait game)

Ask a question where everyone deliberately answers wrong, for laughs and comments.

Hook

"Wrong answers only" plus the question.

Middle

Rapid wrong answers from a group.

Ending

The most absurd answer last.

Adapt it: The brand version is a single image plus 'wrong answers only' on X/IG; comments do the work.

Needs other people45–120sWorks on every platformGood for: comedy, friend groups, classrooms

More examples:@Chattambees on YouTube Shorts · 15M @habibisquadofficial on TikTok · 7.3M

Before/after transformation (then vs now, 1 day vs 1 year)

Show the start state, then the end state after time or effort.

Hook

The 'before' with a date or label, and the promise of the 'after'.

Middle

Transition (snap, clap, or wipe) or a fast timelapse of progress.

Ending

The 'after' held long enough to replay.

Adapt it: As a carousel it's 2 slides (before/after photos). On LinkedIn/X it's a 'then vs now' chart or dashboard screenshot.

Phone only5–60sWorks on every platformGood for: fitness, home/renovation, beauty

More examples:@DOSEofFOUSEY on YouTube Shorts · 15M @itseliyasclips on YouTube Shorts · 52M

Guess the price (game with a stake)

Host asks someone to guess a price; if they're close they win it.

Hook

"Guess the price and it's yours" plus the item on camera.

Middle

The guess, then the reveal. Tension from the stake.

Ending

Win or lose reaction, then a hand-off to the next item or person.

Adapt it: Long TikTok versions (2–3 min) should be cut under 60s for Shorts, with an earlier reveal.

Needs other people30–180sWorks on every platformGood for: retail, luxury, cars

More examples:@theguy.99 on YouTube Shorts · 110M @theguy.99 on YouTube Shorts · 28M

Rich vs poor / class-contrast skit

The same situation acted out twice, 'rich' vs 'poor' (or broke vs wealthy habits).

Hook

Split label "RICH vs POOR" plus the situation.

Middle

Alternate cuts between the two versions and escalate the contrast.

Ending

Punchline or reversal, e.g. the 'poor' one is smarter.

Adapt it: The finance/habits version ("rich habits vs poor habits") also works as a LinkedIn/IG carousel.

Needs editing20–60sWorks on every platformGood for: comedy, food, personal finance

More examples:@AlanChikinChow on YouTube Shorts · 92M @content_machine on YouTube Shorts · 8.7M

Satisfying process / how it's made

Uninterrupted footage of a process from raw input to finished result, with no talking.

Hook

Frame 1 is already mid-action (press coming down, blade touching).

Middle

Continuous steps, ASMR sound, few or no cuts.

Ending

The finished object, or a loop back to the start so it replays.

Adapt it: No language, so it goes everywhere untouched. On LinkedIn it works as a factory or 'how our product is made' clip with a 1-line caption.

Phone only8–60sWorks on every platformGood for: manufacturing, food, crafts

More examples:@HydraulicPressChannel on YouTube Shorts · 208M @SeeTechnology on YouTube Shorts · 76M

Life hack / "you've been doing it wrong"

Show the common way, call it wrong, then show a better trick.

Hook

"You've been doing X wrong your whole life" plus the wrong way on screen.

Middle

The trick, shown step by step in close-up.

Ending

Result shot, often with a 'save this' prompt.

Adapt it: Works on every video platform. On X/LinkedIn post it as a screen-recording GIF with 'most people do X, do Y instead'.

Phone only10–60sWorks on every platformGood for: home, cooking, cleaning

More examples:@_vector_ on YouTube Shorts · 142M @CirqnamicsOfficial on YouTube Shorts · 26M

Unpopular opinion / hot take

State a contrarian opinion bluntly and let the comments argue.

Hook

"Unpopular opinion:" plus the take in 1 line.

Middle

Short defense (or none; text-only versions work).

Ending

"Agree or disagree?"

Adapt it: One of the strongest LinkedIn/X text formats. The same line works as a text post.

Phone only5–60sWorks on every platformGood for: travel, food, careers

More examples:@LittleVictorianBoy on YouTube Shorts · 4.3M @nottinacolada on YouTube Shorts · 2.1M

Expectation vs reality / Instagram vs reality

The polished version first, then the messy truth.

Hook

"Expectation" or "Instagram" label over the glossy shot.

Middle

Hard cut to "Reality". Repeat 2–5 pairs.

Ending

Funniest or most honest pair last.

Adapt it: As a carousel it becomes a 2-slide before/after. LinkedIn: 'what the job posting said vs the actual job'.

Phone only7–30sWorks on every platformGood for: travel, fitness, parenting

More examples:@thetravelshack on YouTube Shorts · 29M @Cofoundrclub on YouTube Shorts · 25M

Would you rather / this or that

Two options per screen; the viewer picks before the timer or reveal.

Hook

The first choice pair on screen within 1s.

Middle

10–20 rapid pairs with a timer and vote percentages.

Ending

The hardest pair last; "comment your score".

Adapt it: Works as an IG carousel poll (one pair per slide) and as X polls.

Needs editing30–60sWorks on every platformGood for: faceless entertainment, food, kids

More examples:@StayShorts on YouTube Shorts · 48M @selectyourchoice on TikTok · 21M

Day in the life (incl. what I eat in a day)

Timestamped montage of one day in a specific role or life.

Hook

"Day in the life of a [specific role]" plus a time stamp (e.g. 4:00am).

Middle

Clips with time labels and voiceover or text commentary.

Ending

Wind-down shot, reflection line, or earnings/result.

Adapt it: Works on every video app. For LinkedIn, frame it around the job ('day in the life of a solo SaaS founder').

Phone only30–120sWorks on every platformGood for: careers/jobs, parenting, students

More examples:@mialicevlogs on YouTube Shorts · 16M @dadacafe__ on YouTube Shorts · 7.6M

Wait for it / delayed payoff

Build tension with an on-screen promise of a payoff, then deliver it in the last seconds.

Hook

Text overlay: "wait for it…" or "watch till the end" over an ordinary-looking setup.

Middle

Slow build with nothing given away.

Ending

Twist or reveal in the final 1–3s. Short enough that people replay it.

Adapt it: Keep the loop tight. Shorts gets the most out of it because it counts replays.

Phone only6–20sWorks on every platformGood for: comedy, pets, sports

More examples:@royaltyfam on YouTube Shorts · 89M @DolphinMinecraftMc on YouTube Shorts · 25M

Captioned podcast / interview clip

The strongest 30–90s from a long conversation, reframed vertically with big captions.

Hook

The most controversial or funny line within 2s, and a title bar.

Middle

Uncut exchange with speaker-tracked framing.

Ending

Laugh or punchline; cut before the energy drops.

Adapt it: Most-cross-posted format of all. On LinkedIn, lead with the business quote in text.

Needs editing30–120sWorks on every platformGood for: business, comedy, fitness

More examples:@Clipherpod on YouTube Shorts · 4.3M @Impaulsive on YouTube Shorts · 4.0M

What $X gets you in [place]

Show exactly what a fixed budget buys in a specific place.

Hook

"What $100 gets you at [Walmart / NYC / the Apple Store]".

Middle

Items added with a running total.

Ending

Final haul and verdict.

Adapt it: The running total needs burned-in text. Travels as-is.

Phone only30–210sWorks on every platformGood for: food, travel, retail

More examples:@mysticrips on YouTube Shorts · 3.9M @hxsain on YouTube Shorts · 3.5M

Behind the scenes / how we made it

Reveal the setup behind a finished result.

Hook

The finished result, then "here's how we made it".

Middle

Rig, set, or process footage.

Ending

Side-by-side of BTS vs final.

Adapt it: For brands, LinkedIn is strong for BTS of launches or campaigns.

Needs editing15–80sWorks on every platformGood for: film/video, music, products

More examples:@GlitteryScenes on YouTube Shorts · 3.6M @behindthesceneblitz on TikTok · 5.7M

"Things that just make sense" roundup

A quick tour of clever details in a place or setup.

Hook

"Things in [Japan / our salon / my house] that just make sense".

Middle

One detail per 2–4s clip, with a label or a pointing gesture.

Ending

The best detail last.

Adapt it: The business version ('things in our office/app that just make sense') is a light brand post on any platform.

Phone only15–60sWorks on every platformGood for: travel, home, small business

More examples:@iLove_japan143 on YouTube Shorts · 31M @hangukii on YouTube Shorts · 26M

I asked ChatGPT/AI to…

Give an AI a prompt on screen and react to the result.

Hook

The prompt as text ("ChatGPT, show me an apple").

Middle

The AI output (screen recording or skit), escalating.

Ending

Absurd final output or reaction.

Adapt it: Screen-recording versions also do well on X and LinkedIn.

Phone only10–60sWorks on every platformGood for: tech, comedy, productivity

More examples:@teddywang86 on YouTube Shorts · 43M @iamAImaster on YouTube Shorts · 11M

"Tell me you're X without telling me"

Show one telling detail that identifies a group without naming it.

Hook

Text: "Tell me you're [X] without telling me you're [X]".

Middle

One visual 'proof' moment.

Ending

The reveal is the proof itself.

Adapt it: Mostly 2021–22 examples. Still recognizable, but not rising.

Phone only8–20sWorks on every platformGood for: culture, professions, parenting

More examples:@ZachMemes on YouTube Shorts · 11M @yoleendadong on TikTok · 10M

Insider confession ("things I'd never do as a [job]")

A credentialed professional lists what they personally avoid.

Hook

"Things I would NEVER buy as a lawyer", with the credential in the first line.

Middle

3–5 items, each with the insider reason.

Ending

The most surprising item, then 'follow for more'.

Adapt it: Ideal LinkedIn text post: 'As a [role] for 10 years, 5 things I'd never do'.

Phone only30–90sWorks on every platformGood for: law, medicine, finance

More examples:@LawByMike on YouTube Shorts · 33M @DoctorYoun on YouTube Shorts · 5.0M

Stop doing this / myth vs fact

Call out a common behavior as wrong, then show the fix.

Hook

"Stop doing this" with the wrong behavior on screen.

Middle

Why it's wrong, then the correct method.

Ending

Before/after result or a 'do this instead' recap.

Adapt it: LinkedIn/X text: 'Stop doing X. Do Y.' works as a one-liner post.

Phone only15–60sWorks on every platformGood for: hair/beauty, fitness, health

More examples:@Sambucha on YouTube Shorts · 6.9M @alim_kh0 on TikTok · 9.2M

Product finds roundup (N things I bought)

Rapid list of products with a demo of each.

Hook

"Coolest things I bought on Amazon this month" plus the first product in use.

Middle

One product per 3–8s, showing it in use.

Ending

Best product last; link-in-bio or storefront CTA.

Adapt it: Travels as-is. IG/TikTok need an affiliate or storefront link; on Shorts put the link in a pinned comment.

Needs editing20–60sWorks on every platformGood for: home, gadgets, beauty

More examples:@justicebuys1 on YouTube Shorts · 40M @GeniusGifts on YouTube Shorts · 39M

I tried X for 30 days

A personal experiment with day markers and a result reveal.

Hook

"I tried [creatine / 100 situps] for 30 days" plus Day 1 footage.

Middle

Day markers (1, 7, 15, 30) with honest check-ins.

Ending

Before/after comparison and verdict.

Adapt it: Series variant (Day 1/30 daily posts) is TikTok-native. The recap version travels everywhere and doubles as a LinkedIn 'I tried X for 30 days, here's what happened'.

Needs editing25–90sWorks on every platformGood for: fitness, habits, language learning

More examples:@BrandonWilliamyt on YouTube Shorts · 25M @BalancingLaura on YouTube Shorts · 3.9M

Pack an order with me (small business)

ASMR packing of a real customer order, addressed to the customer by name.

Hook

"Hi [name], this is your order packing video".

Middle

Items added one by one, extras, wrapping.

Ending

Sealed box, thank-you note.

Adapt it: TikTok hits run 4–17 min. Trim to 60s for Shorts/Reels; the addressed-to-customer hook still works.

Phone only30s–5minGood for: ecommerce, handmade, Etsy/TikTok Shop sellers

More examples:@CharCharms on YouTube Shorts · 2.6M @CutieLaza93 on YouTube Shorts · 2.5M

"Things you should never do" numbered list

A numbered list of warnings for a place, time, or situation.

Hook

"Never do these things in [China] / at night".

Middle

3–5 items, each with a visual and a one-line why.

Ending

The most surprising item last.

Adapt it: Faceless versions travel best. Post the list as a carousel on IG/LinkedIn.

Needs editing30–100sWorks on every platformGood for: travel, health, safety

More examples:@Itsbenreidd on YouTube Shorts · 7.9M @bkybizz on TikTok · 2.3M

Red flags / green flags

List warning signs (or good signs) in a person, job, or product.

Hook

"🚩 red flags in [a partner / a job / a client]".

Middle

One flag per beat, often acted out.

Ending

The most controversial flag; "many people fall for the last one".

Adapt it: The client/job red-flags version works as a LinkedIn text post.

Phone only10–80sWorks on every platformGood for: dating, workplace, freelancing/clients

More examples:@lourdasprec on YouTube Shorts · 6.0M @brok.bresser on TikTok · 2.3M

See the example on Instagram carousel →

Tweet/text screenshot carousel

One tweet-style card per slide, 30–60 words each.

Hook

The strongest insight as slide 1.

Middle

More cards in the same template (color tint changes per slide).

Ending

None needed; the caption asks a question.

Adapt it: Native on X as a text post. On IG/LinkedIn it's a carousel; on TikTok, a photo slideshow with audio.

Phone only2–10 slidesGood for: psychology, business, humor

More examples:@adamgrant on Instagram carousel @adamgrant on Instagram carousel @influencersinthewild on Instagram post

Learn X in 3 steps

Break a hard skill into 3 progressive steps.

Hook

"How to [backflip] in only 3 steps" plus the finished move.

Middle

Step 1, 2, 3, each with a demo and a text label.

Ending

The full move, and 'save this'.

Adapt it: The same steps can go out as a carousel or a LinkedIn how-to.

Phone only20–60sWorks on every platformGood for: sports, dance, makeup

More examples:@vitalypavlenko2896 on YouTube Shorts · 4.0M @justjugglerin on YouTube Shorts · 1.2M

Mistakes beginners make

Show common beginner mistakes, each followed by the fix.

Hook

"Top 3 mistakes [violin / crochet / new writers] beginners make".

Middle

Mistake shown, then the correct way.

Ending

The biggest mistake last, or 'which one are you guilty of?'.

Adapt it: Converts directly to a carousel (marketingharry 'UGLY FONTS KILL POSTS' is the carousel version).

Phone only25–90sWorks on every platformGood for: hobbies, sports, skills

More examples:@xjviolin on YouTube Shorts · 1.5M @TactiClipsYT on YouTube Shorts · 1.2M

Faceless top-5 countdown compilation

Countdown of clips ranked 5 to 1 with a ranking bar on the side.

Hook

"Top 5 most [dangerous sea creatures]" plus clip #5.

Middle

Clips 4 to 2 with the rank overlay updating.

Ending

#1 is the most extreme clip.

Adapt it: Often uses third-party clips, which carry copyright/unoriginal-content risk on YouTube. Using your own footage travels unchanged.

Needs editing25–70sGood for: nature, sports, memes

More examples:@rankingslove on YouTube Shorts · 38M @Damaker60 on YouTube Shorts · 5.6M

Relatable "when you…" meme video

Text caption of a universal moment over a reaction clip or performance.

Hook

"When you realize…" caption.

Middle

A single reaction beat, often lip-sync or trending audio.

Ending

Loop.

Adapt it: Relies on trending audio that may be unavailable on other apps. Swap to original audio or royalty-free sound when cross-posting.

Phone only5–15sGood for: comedy, any niche with in-jokes (SMM, devs, teachers)

More examples:@itssimannn on YouTube Shorts · 7.4M @EzyCric on YouTube Shorts · 12M

Asking 100 people / survey montage

Pose one question to a big number of people and show the tally.

Hook

"We asked 100 [group] about X".

Middle

Rapid answers with a running count.

Ending

The final tally, or the most unexpected answer.

Adapt it: The B2B version ('we asked 100 marketers') becomes a data carousel or LinkedIn post with the stat.

Needs other people30–180sWorks on every platformGood for: culture, dating, pop culture

More examples:@awesome_funnel on YouTube Shorts · 1.5M @channel/UC2B9dhxb3EVrjGsk5Rxoc3A on YouTube Shorts · 572K

Green screen reaction to a screenshot/post

The creator in front of a screenshot (tweet, headline, comment, Reddit post) reads it and reacts or explains.

Hook

The screenshot fills the background; the creator points at it and reads the key line.

Middle

Commentary, context, or storytime about it.

Ending

Opinion, question to the audience, or the next screenshot.

Adapt it: TikTok's green-screen effect has no IG/YT equivalent. Record it with TikTok or CapCut and export the file; the output travels unchanged.

Phone only10–120sWorks on every platformGood for: news/commentary, marketing, finance

More examples:@333oliviam on TikTok · 2.3M @realbrittanydawn on TikTok · 3.7M

GRWM storytime (talk while doing a routine)

Tell a story or rant while doing makeup, cooking, or cleaning on camera.

Hook

The story's most shocking line first ("we almost lost…").

Middle

The routine as visual filler, the story as the content.

Ending

Resolution or 'part 2'.

Adapt it: The TikTok hits run 5–10 min. Cut a 60–90s version with the payoff for Reels/Shorts.

Phone only60s–10minGood for: beauty, lifestyle, relationships

More examples:@JennyHoyos on YouTube Shorts · 1.1M @kylienicoletuttle on YouTube Shorts · 876K

Things I regret buying (de-influencing)

Honest list of purchases that weren't worth it.

Hook

"Things I regret buying" with the first item held up.

Middle

Item, why it failed, and what to buy instead.

Ending

The biggest regret or the one they'd buy again.

Adapt it: SaaS variant: 'tools I stopped paying for'. Works as a LinkedIn text post too.

Phone only30–100sWorks on every platformGood for: beauty, fashion, art supplies

More examples:@MattRandon on YouTube Shorts · 7.0M @mel.yew on TikTok · 1.2M

How much I make / income breakdown

Reveal real earnings for a job or shift, itemized.

Hook

"How much I make as a [job]" or "how much I made working a double".

Middle

Itemized numbers on screen (tips, clients, platform payouts).

Ending

The total, with an honest take (worth it or not).

Adapt it: Travels as-is. LinkedIn/X: an income screenshot plus a breakdown text post (a proven X format).

Phone only15–150sWorks on every platformGood for: service jobs, creators, freelancers

More examples:@H1T1 on YouTube Shorts · 15M @TheIcedCoffeeHour on YouTube Shorts · 12M

Video reply to a comment

A comment sticker on screen, then the creator answers it on video.

Hook

The comment bubble ("Replying to @user…") shown in frame 1.

Middle

Direct answer, demo, or clapback.

Ending

Invite the next question.

Adapt it: The native comment sticker exists on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and IG. When cross-posting, burn in a screenshot of the comment so it reads on every app.

Phone only10–120sGood for: any niche with an audience asking questions, support/FAQ, coaches

More examples:@And3nMM2 on YouTube Shorts · 329K @dotingbeauty on TikTok · 3.5M

Text/TTS storytime over gameplay or satisfying b-roll

A written story (often from Reddit) read by text-to-speech over unrelated looping footage.

Hook

The first line of the story as a title card ("My sister asked why her husband came home at 3am…").

Middle

TTS narration with word-by-word captions over Minecraft parkour, cake-cutting, or slime.

Ending

Cliffhanger or 'part 2' to drive follows.

Adapt it: TikTok allows long parts; Shorts caps at 3 min and Reels at 3 min, so split into parts. Commonly flagged as unoriginal on YouTube, so change the story and voice.

Needs editing45s–3min (TikTok long form up to 30min)Good for: faceless channels, drama/relationships, horror

More examples:@ANBeeStorytime on YouTube Shorts · 7.9M @NoobieBloxYT on YouTube Shorts · 5.0M

See the example on Instagram carousel →

Numbered list carousel

A cover promising N items, then numbered items across slides with continuous numbering.

Hook

Slide 1: "25 lessons…" / "7 practices that…" plus a swipe cue.

Middle

3–4 numbered items per slide or one per slide, same template.

Ending

Recap slide plus a save/share or comment-keyword CTA.

Adapt it: IG and LinkedIn take the same PDF/image set (LinkedIn wants a PDF document post). TikTok photo mode needs a 9:16 or 3:4 crop. X takes up to 4 images, so split it or post as a thread.

Phone only5–12 slidesGood for: self-improvement, business, creators

More examples:@sahilbloom on Instagram carousel @Sahil Bloom on LinkedIn @notfionaleona_ on tiktok_photo

Notes-app / plain text card

A screenshot of the iPhone Notes app (or a plain black card) carrying a confession, list, or question.

Hook

A familiar Notes UI with a first line that reads like a private thought.

Middle

List or short rant in plain text.

Ending

A question that invites confessional comments.

Adapt it: The TikTok version is a 6s slideshow with audio. On IG/X/LinkedIn post the static screenshot (influencersinthewild's question card got 52.7K likes and 1,121 comments).

Phone onlysingle image / 5–15s slideshowGood for: relationships, mental health, creators

More examples:@Hannah.Montoya on YouTube Shorts · 710K @bubblyyapple on TikTok · 3.4M

See the example on tiktok_photo →

Selfie cover + list slides (TikTok photo mode)

Casual selfie with native text as the cover; the following slides are a Notes-app or plain list of tips, apps, or brands.

Hook

Selfie plus "I've been posting consistently for 3 months and these are the 4 things I learnt".

Middle

1 item per slide (app, brand plus email, tip), often over a photo.

Ending

The last tip plugs a tool or resource, or 'save this'.

Adapt it: Built for TikTok photo mode with a trending sound. Repost to IG as a carousel (add the music in the IG app). The 'Part N' website series (@lucaswebq, 2.6M plays at part 772) shows how well it serializes.

Phone only2–8 slidesGood for: creators/UGC, students, beauty

More examples:@emily_reels_growth on tiktok_photo @paulastrausa on tiktok_photo @bahinspo on tiktok_photo

Ranked by the number of examples with over 1M views, how many platforms a format works on, and median views. View counts are from when we collected them. Open any format with a hook from the hook vault, or see more free resources to grow online.

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