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Creator Playbook

The Hook Library

92 proven openers for Reels, TikToks, and captions — grouped by the job each one does. Copy one, fill in the blanks, stop the scroll.

Want these written for your niche? Try the Hook Generator →

Curiosity

Open a loop the viewer needs closed. These work because the brain hates an unanswered question.

  • Did you know…?
  • You'll never guess…
  • This might shock you…
  • This feels illegal to know…
  • Not to be dramatic, but…
  • Okay, I know what you're thinking…
  • Somebody has to say it…
  • Here's what others aren't telling you…
  • I can't believe no one told me about [thing] sooner…
  • The benefits of this are unlike anything I've seen.
  • I'm completely mind-blown that some people still don't know this…
  • What is your unique [thing]?

Contrarian & myth-busting

Take a side against the common advice. Disagreement earns attention and reads as honest.

  • Unpopular opinion:
  • MYTH: [common belief].
  • Don't believe this lie about [topic]…
  • Don't believe the hype on this…
  • Here's why you actually SHOULDN'T [common advice]…
  • Here are the myths I need to debunk right now.
  • This goes against what most people tell you, but it's crucial…
  • I don't agree with [common take], and here's why…
  • Do you still believe this myth about [topic]??
  • I'll go to my grave preaching this, even if no one else is.
  • I'm probably going to get hate for this, but I believe it 100%.
  • Don't waste your money on this…
  • Don't give up on this just because everyone's telling you to.

Mistakes & warnings

Point at the thing they're getting wrong. Loss aversion makes 'stop doing X' hit harder than 'do Y'.

  • 3 mistakes to stop making with [topic].
  • The worst way to [do the thing]…
  • 5 things to stop doing if you want [result].
  • Be careful not to do this…
  • 3 things to stop doing.
  • You have to stop believing this if you want [result].
  • You have to stop doing this if you want [result].
  • Please, I beg you — stop making this mistake!
  • If you still think this way, it could be costing you [time/money]…
  • Here's what I'd tell [person] if they [did the thing].

Lists & promises

Name a number and a payoff. A clear, finite promise is easy to say yes to.

  • Steal my [thing]…
  • 3 things I learned from [experience].
  • 5 cheat codes I wish I knew at [age].
  • The only 2 types of [thing] I use…
  • 5 ways to [result].
  • Ways to save time on [task].
  • 3 things I wish I knew about [topic].
  • Here's my methodology for [result].
  • 3 steps all [group] should be taking right now.
  • 3 things every [group] must know.
  • Here's the exact [product] I used to go from [before] to [after].
  • This will help you go from [before] to [after].

Story & transformation

Open in the middle of your own before-and-after. People stay for a person, not a lecture.

  • The scariest decision I've ever made…
  • This one mindset shift changed everything for me…
  • Here's how I went from [before] to [after] in [timeframe]…
  • Here's the shocking story of how I [result]…
  • This one changed my life. Here's how…
  • Let me take you to the lowest point of my life…
  • I never thought I could come back from [hardship], but here's how I did…
  • They told me I couldn't. Here's how I proved them wrong.
  • This is the moment everything changed on my journey.
  • Let me take you back to [time], before I was [who you are now].
  • I made this one mindset shift and everything changed…
  • I wasn't ready to talk about this, but now I know I need to share it.
  • Even though [obstacle], here's how I [result]…

Calling out & targeting

Say who it's for, out loud. When someone hears their exact situation, they stop scrolling.

  • Raise your hand if you're sick of [problem].
  • Calling all [group]!
  • What your [thing] says about you.
  • Do this if you [situation]…
  • Where are the [group] who want more out of life?
  • I'm looking for [group] — do these things describe you?
  • If you're a [group] who's tired of [problem], this is for you…
  • Crucial info [group] need to know!!!
  • If you're a [group], listen up — this'll change your perspective.
  • I wish more [group] knew this…
  • Why isn't anyone telling [group] that they need to [action]?
  • This tip is for [group] — if that's not you, keep scrolling.
  • If you're a [group], don't forget this crucial step.
  • If you struggle with [problem], you are not alone.
  • If you're over [age/stage], this could change everything for you.
  • If you like these things, we should connect…

Problem → solution

Name the pain, then point at the fix. Highest intent — best for anything you're selling.

  • This will change how you [do the thing].
  • Your [thing] is begging for a revamp.
  • POV: [scenario].
  • If you wish you could [desire]…
  • This is your sign to [action].
  • The secret to [result]…
  • Run, don't walk, to try this.
  • This is my secret weapon for [result].
  • Tired of [problem]? Try this first…
  • Ready to learn how to [result]?
  • This is the #1 way I help my clients.
  • If you want [result] without [pain], I can help. Here's how:
  • This got my client [result]. Here's how we did it.
  • Ready to [result]? Here's how we'd get started…
  • 3 signs it's time to hire a [role].
  • Here's why my approach to [thing] is different from what you're used to.

FAQ

How do I use these hooks?

Copy one, fill in the [bracketed] parts for your niche, and use it as the first on-screen line of a Reel or the first line of a caption. The hook's only job is to stop the scroll, so keep it short and specific.

What makes a hook actually stop the scroll?

Specificity and a little surprise, aimed at one person rather than everyone. 'Three things I'd stop doing if I ran a candle shop' beats 'candle tips' because it's pointed. Read it out loud — if it sounds like an ad, rework it.

Can I get hooks written for my exact topic?

Yes — the free Hook Generator takes your niche and writes a dozen personalised hooks in a few seconds, built from this same bank. Use this library to browse, and the generator when you want them tailored.

A hook is the first line of a Reel or caption — its only job is to stop the scroll. This library has 92 proven hooks grouped by what they do: curiosity, contrarian, mistakes, lists, story, calling-out, and problem-to-solution. Copy one, fill in the blanks for your niche, and use it.