15 Hook Formulas That Get Millions of Views (Copy-Paste Templates)

Copy-paste templates for every content type. Tested, proven, ready to use.

You don't need to reinvent the hook every time you post.

The best creators don't. They use proven formulas — structures that reliably stop the scroll — and customize them for their content.

This guide gives you 15 hook formulas that work across niches. Each one has been used in videos with millions of views. Copy them, adapt them, test them with Hook Analyzer.

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Table of Contents

1. The Curiosity Formulas
2. The Controversy Formulas
3. The Story Formulas
4. The Education Formulas
5. The Challenge Formulas
6. How to Customize These Formulas

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The Curiosity Formulas {#curiosity-formulas}

These formulas create an open loop — a question that can only be answered by watching.

Formula #1: The Hidden Truth

Template:

"[Authority figures/Everyone] have been lying to you about [topic]"

Examples:

• "Dermatologists have been lying to you about sunscreen"
• "Your parents lied to you about money"
• "Fitness influencers have been lying about protein"

Why it works:

• Implies deception (emotional trigger)
• Positions viewer as victim (empathy)
• Promises truth (value)

Hook Score Range: 7-9

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Formula #2: The Insider Secret

Template:

"Nobody talks about this, but [revelation]"

Examples:

• "Nobody talks about this, but your posture is why you're tired"
• "Nobody talks about this, but cheap wine and expensive wine are the same"
• "Nobody talks about this, but you're using your iPhone wrong"

Why it works:

• Implies exclusive knowledge
• Creates fear of missing out
• Positions creator as insider

Hook Score Range: 7-8

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Formula #3: The Specific Number

Template:

"The [specific number] [thing] that [changed/fixed/ruined] my [area]"

Examples:

• "The $12 product that fixed my skin"
• "The 3-minute habit that doubled my productivity"
• "The 7 words that ended my relationship"

Why it works:

• Specificity creates credibility
• Implies proven result
• Creates curiosity about the thing

Hook Score Range: 7-9

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The Controversy Formulas {#controversy-formulas}

These formulas take a stance that triggers engagement.

Formula #4: The Hot Take

Template:

"[Popular thing] is actually [contrarian opinion]"

Examples:

• "Waking up at 5am is actually making you less productive"
• "Meditation is actually bad for some people"
• "College is actually a waste of money for most careers"

Why it works:

• Challenges existing beliefs
• Forces viewer to evaluate their stance
• Creates debate potential

Hook Score Range: 8-9

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Formula #5: The Unpopular Opinion

Template:

"Unpopular opinion: [controversial statement]"

Examples:

• "Unpopular opinion: hustle culture is a scam"
• "Unpopular opinion: you don't need a skincare routine"
• "Unpopular opinion: remote work is making us worse at our jobs"

Why it works:

• Clear format recognition
• Creates instant tension
• Viewers pick sides

Hook Score Range: 7-8

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Formula #6: The Callout

Template:

"Stop [common action everyone does] — here's why"

Examples:

• "Stop drinking water first thing in the morning — here's why"
• "Stop saying 'sorry' in emails — here's why"
• "Stop posting at 9am — here's why"

Why it works:

• Implies viewer is making mistake
• Creates urgency to learn
• Direct and commanding

Hook Score Range: 8-9

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The Story Formulas {#story-formulas}

These formulas pull viewers into a narrative.

Formula #7: The Mid-Action Start

Template:

"So this just happened: [dramatic mid-story moment]"

Examples:

• "So this just happened: my landlord showed up unannounced"
• "So this just happened: I got fired over a Slack message"
• "So this just happened: a stranger paid for my groceries"

Why it works:

• Starts in the action
• Creates immediate tension
• Feels fresh/real-time

Hook Score Range: 7-8

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Formula #8: The Superlative

Template:

"This is the [most/worst/best/craziest] [thing] that ever happened to me"

Examples:

• "This is the worst date I've ever been on"
• "This is the best purchase I've ever made under $20"
• "This is the craziest thing a customer ever said to me"

Why it works:

• Superlative creates high stakes
• Personal story creates connection
• Viewer expects extreme content

Hook Score Range: 7-9

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Formula #9: The Transformation

Template:

"A year ago I [negative state]. Here's what changed."

Examples:

• "A year ago I was $50,000 in debt. Here's what changed."
• "A year ago I couldn't run a mile. Here's what changed."
• "A year ago I had no friends in this city. Here's what changed."

Why it works:

• Before/after implies proof
• Relatable struggle
• Promises actionable insight

Hook Score Range: 8-9

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The Education Formulas {#education-formulas}

These formulas promise valuable information.

Formula #10: The Mistake Reveal

Template:

"You've been [doing common thing] wrong this whole time"

Examples:

• "You've been brushing your teeth wrong this whole time"
• "You've been using Excel wrong this whole time"
• "You've been cooking rice wrong this whole time"

Why it works:

• Challenges viewer's competence
• Creates need to learn correct way
• Implies they're not alone

Hook Score Range: 8-9

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Formula #11: The Simple Fix

Template:

"The fix for [common problem] is embarrassingly simple"

Examples:

• "The fix for bad sleep is embarrassingly simple"
• "The fix for back pain is embarrassingly simple"
• "The fix for dry skin is embarrassingly simple"

Why it works:

• "Embarrassingly simple" implies ease
• Addresses common pain point
• Creates hope for quick solution

Hook Score Range: 7-8

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Formula #12: The Expert Reveal

Template:

"What [experts/successful people] do that you probably don't"

Examples:

• "What millionaires do with their first $100 that you probably don't"
• "What professional chefs do before cooking that you probably don't"
• "What therapists do when they're stressed that you probably don't"

Why it works:

• Authority transfer
• Implies secret knowledge
• Gap between viewer and expert

Hook Score Range: 8-9

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The Challenge Formulas {#challenge-formulas}

These formulas create participation and engagement.

Formula #13: The Experiment

Template:

"I [did extreme action] for [timeframe]. Here's what happened."

Examples:

• "I woke up at 4am for 30 days. Here's what happened."
• "I quit sugar for a month. Here's what happened."
• "I said yes to everything for a week. Here's what happened."

Why it works:

• Creator took the risk for viewer
• Promises proven results
• Journey format creates investment

Hook Score Range: 8-9

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Formula #14: The Test

Template:

"Let's see if [claim/product/hack] actually works"

Examples:

• "Let's see if this viral cleaning hack actually works"
• "Let's see if expensive shampoo is worth it"
• "Let's see if you can really learn a language in 30 days"

Why it works:

• Viewer gets answer without effort
• Scientific framing
• Satisfies curiosity

Hook Score Range: 7-8

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Formula #15: The Bet

Template:

"I bet you can't [action] without [reaction]"

Examples:

• "I bet you can't watch this without cringing"
• "I bet you can't guess what this costs"
• "I bet you can't name 5 countries starting with A in 10 seconds"

Why it works:

• Direct challenge triggers competitive response
• Interactive engagement
• Viewers want to prove you wrong

Hook Score Range: 7-8

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How to Customize These Formulas {#how-to-customize}

Step 1: Choose the Right Formula

Match formula to content:

• Tutorial → Education formulas
• Story → Story formulas
• Opinion → Controversy formulas
• Review → Challenge formulas
• Reveal → Curiosity formulas

Step 2: Add Specificity

Generic hooks fail. Specific hooks win.

Generic: "The habit that changed my life" Specific: "The 5-minute morning habit that cured my anxiety"

Step 3: Test Before Posting

Use Hook Analyzer to:

• Score your customized hook
• Get improvement suggestions
• Generate stronger alternatives

Step 4: A/B Test Formulas

The same content can work with different formulas. Test which resonates with YOUR audience.

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The Formula Cheat Sheet

If Your Content Is...	Use These Formulas
Educational	#10, #11, #12
Personal story	#7, #8, #9
Opinion/take	#4, #5, #6
Review/test	#13, #14, #15
Revelation	#1, #2, #3

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Build Your Hook Muscle

Formulas are training wheels. Use them until you develop instinct.

The process:

1. Use formulas intentionally for 30 days
2. Track which formulas work for your audience
3. Start combining and modifying
4. Develop your signature style

But always test. Hook Analyzer takes 10 seconds and removes guesswork.

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🛠️ Test Your Formula Hooks

Hook Analyzer — Paste your hook, get instant score and improvements. Free, no signup.

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• How to Use a Hook Analyzer to 10x Your Views

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