Here’s a scary thought: you have about three seconds.

Three seconds. That’s the entire window you get to stop someone from scrolling past your video ad. According to Meta’s own data, nearly half of an ad’s value is delivered in that tiny timeframe.

If your hook fails, the rest of your ad—your amazing offer, your brilliant editing, your perfect call to action—doesn’t matter. It will never be seen.

At Viral Mouse, we analyze thousands of high-performing ads every month. We’ve seen what grabs attention and what gets ignored. The difference always comes down to the hook.

So, we did the work for you. We’ve distilled our findings into the ultimate list of scroll-stopping hooks.

No more guessing. Here are 30 proven hooks, categorized by the psychological trigger they use, ready for you to steal for your next campaign.

Curiosity Hooks (Create an Itch They Have to Scratch)

1. “Stop doing [common activity]. Do this instead.”
2. “The #1 reason your [X] isn’t working.”
3. “Is [popular trend] secretly a waste of money? Let’s investigate.”
4. “I tried the viral [X] method for a week. The results were not what I expected.”
5. “Everyone is obsessed with [X], but they’re missing the most important part.”

Why they work: Humans are hardwired to seek answers. By creating an information gap, you make it almost impossible for them not to watch to find out what happens next.

Pain Point Hooks (Show You Understand Their Struggle)

1. “If you’re tired of [frustrating problem], you need to see this.”
2. “That feeling when [relatable negative experience] happens again.”
3. “My honest review of [product type] for people who struggle with [pain point].”
4. “POV: You’re about to give up on [goal]. Watch this first.”
5. “The real reason you haven’t been able to [achieve result].”

Why they work: Empathy is a powerful connector. When you accurately describe a viewer’s frustration, you instantly build trust and position yourself as the solution.

Authority Hooks (Establish Instant Credibility)

1. “As an agency that manages over $[X] in ad spend, this is our biggest secret.”
2. “What the top 1% in [your industry] do differently.”
3. “Here’s our exact framework for achieving [desirable result].”
4. “Most ‘gurus’ get this wrong. Here’s the truth about [topic].”
5. “I’m sharing [X] years of experience in the next 30 seconds.”

Why they work: People crave guidance from credible sources. A strong authority hook tells them your advice is worth listening to because it’s backed by experience.

Transformation Hooks (Sell the Destination, Not the Journey)

1. “Watch me fix [common problem] in under 60 seconds.”
2. “The moment I realized everything I knew about [X] was wrong.”
3. “From [starting point] to [end result] using one simple change.”
4. “A year ago, I was [struggling]. Today, I’m [thriving]. Here’s what changed.”
5. “This is what [amazing result] actually looks like.”

Why they work: People buy results. A transformation story allows them to visualize their own potential success, making your offer far more compelling.

“Us vs. Them” Hooks (Create a Sense of Community)

1. “If you know, you know.” (Paired with niche content)
2. “Unpopular opinion: [controversial statement related to your industry].”
3. “Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt [shared emotion].”
4. “Things people in [your community] are tired of hearing.”
5. “Let’s settle this debate once and for all: [A] or [B]?”

Why they work: These hooks create an “in-group” and make viewers feel understood. They encourage comments and shares, boosting engagement and organic reach.

Urgency Hooks (Compel Them to Act Now)

1. “This strategy probably won’t work in six months. Here’s why.”
2. “STOP! Before you [take an action], you need to know this.”
3. “This is your last chance to get [offer] at this price.”
4. “Why waiting on [goal] is costing you more than you think.”
5. “This is a sign. If you’ve been waiting to [X], this is it.”

Why they work: FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a powerful motivator. These hooks imply scarcity or time-sensitivity, encouraging immediate action.

The success of your entire ad campaign can hinge on those first three seconds. Don’t leave them to chance.

Start with a proven hook, build your story around it, and watch your engagement and conversions climb.

Now go make something that stops the scroll.