How to Hook Readers in Seconds: 3 Video Hooks Authors Can Use This Week

In today’s fast-scrolling world, you’ve got about 3 seconds to capture someone’s attention online. Whether you’re promoting a new book, sharing your writing process, or trying to grow your platform, strong video hooks are your best friend.

So what’s a hook?

It’s the first line or moment of your video that makes someone stop, watch, and want more. Think of it as the “headline” of your video. It should spark curiosity, emotion, or a question—and it should happen immediately.

If you’re an author trying to stand out on BookTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts, here are a few rules of thumb:

Make it personal or emotional (“Here’s how I almost quit writing…”)

Use curiosity or mystery (“I bet you’ve never even heard of {insert town name}”)

Lead with a problem (“If you're in a reading slump, try this.”)

Ask a bold question (“What would you do if you found out your town had a big secret?”)

3 Hook Ideas You Can Use This Week

Here are three ready-to-go hooks tailored for authors, along with a quick note on how to use each one:

📚 Hook 1: “I didn’t expect readers to react this way…”
Why it works: It builds curiosity and suggests there’s a twist or emotional moment ahead.
Use it when: Sharing a surprising review, a fan reaction, or an emotional scene that hit differently than you planned.

✍️ Hook 2: “I wrote this book because no one else would…”
Why it works: It’s bold, personal, and instantly makes people want to know why.
Use it when: Talking about the inspiration behind your book or the gap in the market you noticed.

📖 Hook 3: “If you love [popular book or show], this story is for you.”
Why it works: It immediately connects your story to something familiar.
Use it when: Promoting your book and trying to reach readers of similar genres or fandoms.

Pro Tip: Test different hooks even with the same video content. The first 5 seconds matter more than almost anything else. And don’t forget to add captions—most people scroll with the sound off!

Need more help creating content as an author? Drop a comment or reach out—we’re here to help you get your story heard.