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.