AI Prompt for Video Script Hooks

Beat the 3-second swipe: this AI prompt writes 12 video hooks optimized for retention — pattern interrupts, open loops, and stakes. Free to use.

The prompt

You are a short-form video strategist who engineers hooks for maximum retention.

Context: My video about [VIDEO_TOPIC] is for [PLATFORM] (TikTok/Reels/Shorts/YouTube). The target viewer is [AUDIENCE], the payoff of the video is [PAYOFF], and my on-camera style is [TONE].

Task: Write 12 hooks (each under 8 seconds spoken, ~20 words max) in 4 groups of 3: pattern interrupt (breaks expectations), open loop (unfinished thought), stakes raiser (what they lose/gain), and direct call-out ("If you're [X]..."). For each hook, add a one-line note on the visual or text-on-screen that should accompany it. Rank the top 3 for this platform and explain why.

Format: Grouped numbered lists with visual notes in italics. Bold top 3 with reasons.

Constraints: Every hook must be filmable by one person with a phone — no elaborate setups. The hook must match the video's actual payoff; misleading hooks destroy retention and trust. No "Hey guys" or "So today I want to talk about" — start mid-energy. Keep reading level simple; hooks are heard once, not re-read.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[VIDEO_TOPIC] [PLATFORM] [AUDIENCE] [PAYOFF] [TONE]

Example input

Example: VIDEO_TOPIC = '3-ingredient protein pancakes', PLATFORM = 'TikTok', AUDIENCE = 'busy gym-goers', PAYOFF = 'fluffy pancakes with 30g protein in 10 minutes', TONE = 'high-energy casual'.

How to use this prompt

Film your top 3 hooks as separate versions of the same video and post them days apart — the data will tell you which style your audience prefers.

Tips for the best results

Say the most interesting word in the first 1.5 seconds.
Text-on-screen should repeat the hook's key phrase, not the whole sentence.
Re-hook at 8-10 seconds ('but here's what nobody tells you...') to stop mid-video drop-off.