Social Media / Viral Hooks

Write the exact first 3 seconds of a video (visual + audio hook) to stop the scroll.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Model: GPT-4 / Claude / Gemini
Use Case: Video Openings, Scroll-Stopping, Retention
Updated: May 2026
Why This Prompt Exists
Most videos lose viewers in the first 3 seconds because the opening is too slow or boring.

You get:

  • slow intros (“Hey guys, welcome back”) that lose viewers
  • no visual hook (just talking head)
  • audio that doesn’t grab attention
  • no reason to keep watching
  • low retention and completion rates

But the first 3 seconds are not an introduction.

They are the only chance to stop the scroll.

  • Visual: what the viewer sees (action, text, expression)
  • Audio: what they hear (voice, sound effect, music)
  • Text: what appears on screen (hook, question, statement)
  • All three must work together

Without a strong first 3 seconds, the rest of your video doesn’t matter.

This framework forces AI to write scroll-stopping openings.

The Prompt
Assume the role of a video hook specialist who writes the first 3 seconds that stop the scroll.

Your task is to write a first 3 seconds script.

Generate:

1. VISUAL DESCRIPTION
   - What the viewer sees
   - Action, expression, setting

2. AUDIO SCRIPT
   - What they hear (voice, sound effect)

3. ON-SCREEN TEXT
   - What text appears (if any)

4. COMBINED SCRIPT
   - How visual + audio + text work together

5. HOOK TYPE (labeled)
   - Curiosity, pattern interrupt, bold claim, relatability, controversy

6. WHY IT STOPS THE SCROLL
   - One-sentence rationale

INPUTS:

Video Topic:
[WHAT IS THE VIDEO ABOUT?]

Target Audience:
[WHO ARE THEY?]

Desired Emotion:
[CURIOSITY / SURPRISE / RELIEF / URGENCY]

Platform:
[TIKTOK / INSTAGRAM REELS / YOUTUBE SHORTS]

Brand Personality:
[EDUCATIONAL / ENTERTAINING / BOLD / RELATABLE]

RULES:
- Visual must be engaging (action, expression, movement)
- Audio must grab attention (not monotone)
- Text must be readable in 1 second (short, bold)
- All three elements must work together
- No "Hey guys" or slow introductions
- The hook must make them want the next 3 seconds
How To Use It
  • Visual must be engaging — action, expression, or movement (not static talking head).
  • Audio must grab attention — not monotone or slow.
  • Text must be readable in 1 second — short, bold, high contrast.
  • All three elements must work together — don’t rely on just one.
  • No “Hey guys” or slow introductions — get to the hook immediately.
  • The hook must make them want the next 3 seconds — not explain the video.
Example Input

Video Topic: How to raise freelance rates without losing clients

Target Audience: Freelancers earning $30-80/hour

Desired Emotion: CURIOSITY

Platform: TIKTOK

Brand Personality: EDUCATIONAL

Why It Works
Most videos lose viewers in the first 3 seconds.

This framework improves outcomes by forcing:

  • visual hook (attention)
  • audio hook (engagement)
  • text hook (reinforcement)
  • combined execution (impact)
  • rationale (learning)

Great first 3 seconds don’t introduce — they interrupt and compel.

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See also  The Hook Bank by Niche