12 Hook Styles Explained (With Examples)

Most hooks that go viral fall into a small set of styles. Knowing them means you never stare at a blank screen again: pick a style that fits your video, fill it in with your topic, and you have a strong opening. Here are the twelve we use in HookKit, with an example for each.

1. The question

Ask something your viewer has wondered but never answered. Works well for teaching content.

2. The bold claim

Make a confident statement the viewer wants to check. Back it up in the video.

3. The mistake

People fear doing things wrong more than they want to do things right. Naming a mistake makes viewers check if it's them.

4. The story

Start in the middle of a personal moment. Stories keep people watching because they want to know how it ends.

5. The list

Numbers set expectations and make the video feel quick and organised.

6. Curiosity

Hint at something hidden or surprising without giving it away.

7. The hot take

Share an opinion people will want to argue with. Great for comments, but only use takes you actually believe.

8. POV / relatable

Describe a moment your audience knows well. Relatable videos get shared and tagged.

9. Proof / results

Lead with a result, then show how you got it. Screenshots and real numbers make this style powerful.

10. The how-to

Promise a clear outcome and a simple path. Add "even if" to remove the viewer's excuse.

11. Comparison

Put two things side by side. Our brains love to pick a winner.

12. Urgency

Give a reason to act now. Use it carefully and honestly — fake urgency breaks trust fast.

Which style should you use?

Mix styles across the week so your feed never feels repetitive. When one style clearly works for your audience, use it more often — that's the signal to double down.

To see all twelve applied to your topic at once, try the free HookKit hook maker.