Glossaryhookscaptions
Hook
A hook is the opening line that stops the scroll and signals the payoff for watching the rest of the video.
Definition
Core meaning and scope.
Hooks are short, high-contrast statements or questions that frame the next few seconds of a video. A strong hook sets context, promise, and tone before the viewer decides to bounce.
Why it matters
Impact on SEO and retention.
Hooks protect retention, which is a top ranking signal for short-form platforms. A clear hook also makes captions and overlays easier to format because the first line carries the intent.
Examples
Quick phrases and formats you can reuse.
"Stop scrolling if your edits feel slow."
"What if your first cut could be 30 minutes faster?"
Related Links
Patterns, cases, and tools that build on this term.