Don't rely on a single hook. The most effective scroll-stopping videos combine multiple elements simultaneously in the opening seconds: a compelling visual, a text overlay, an intriguing caption, and a voiceover to create a multi-sensory experience that grabs attention.

To create more Trial Reel content from a single idea without being penalized, you don't need to reshoot the entire video. The algorithm's duplicate detection primarily focuses on the first 6-7 seconds. Making minor changes to just the intro—like new on-screen text or a different opening clip—is enough to register it as unique content.

A fast, slightly confusing transition in the opening hook plays on human nature. Viewers will re-watch the clip to understand what they just saw, effectively doubling the view count and increasing watch time, which signals to the algorithm that the content is engaging.

To create high-performing videos, don't invent from scratch. Find viral content in your niche and replicate its structural elements—the on-screen headline and the first few seconds of the spoken hook. Then, deliver your own unique insights within that proven format.

Start your video with another person filming you and saying, "Wait, tell them what you just told me about [your topic]." This point-of-view (POV) format creates an immediate sense of candidness and intrigue, setting you up as an expert about to share a valuable, unscripted tip and subverting the feel of a typical talking-head video.

A new feature in testing will allow users to select the exact moment a Reel begins playing when shared to a Story. This moves beyond the default start, enabling creators to strategically use a video's climax or a high-impact moment as a hook to drive viewers from Stories to the full Reel.

For videos longer than a minute, a single hook at the start isn't enough. Insert a 'mid-reel hook'—a statement that builds curiosity for the end of the video (e.g., 'Wait until you hear number five...'). This re-engages viewers and significantly boosts watch time, a key algorithm metric.

A viral video's success hinges on more than just a strong opening hook. It must be inherently shareable, elicit comments, maintain engaging pacing, and conclude with a satisfying "button" that provides a clean, memorable finish and encourages a rewatch.

This psychological tool, called "pattern interruption," uses extremely short clips to keep the viewer's brain in a constant state of digestion. By preventing the brain from having enough time to form an opinion (e.g., "this is boring"), you maximize retention and keep them from scrolling away.