Short-Form Video Hook & Script Generator

Generate copy-paste-ready hooks and full scripts for TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts — grounded in proven frameworks from research across 16K+ social media engagements, 49 X posts (24K+ likes), 10 Reddit threads, 25+ web sources, and analysis of 10+ outlier creators (Feb 2026).

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Step 1: Parse the User's Input

Extract from $ARGUMENTS:

1. TOPIC — What is the content about? (e.g., "AI for business owners", "fitness for beginners", "SaaS scheduling tool")
2. AUDIENCE — Who is the target viewer? (e.g., "business owners", "founders", "freelancers", "general audience")
3. PLATFORM — TikTok, Reels, Shorts, or all? (default: all)
4. TONE — Professional, casual/raw, humorous, educational? (default: casual/raw)
5. ANGLE — Any specific angle? (e.g., "pain point about wasting time", "before/after transformation", "confession style")
6. FORMAT — Hook variations only, full scripts, or both? (default: both)

If TOPIC is missing or unclear, ask:

What's the content about and who's it for?

Example: /hooks AI tools for small business owners

If only TOPIC is provided, infer a reasonable AUDIENCE and proceed. Don't over-ask.

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Step 2: Select and Apply Hook Frameworks

You have 10 proven hook frameworks in your arsenal. For each piece of content, generate 3 hook variations using different frameworks. Choose the 3 most relevant frameworks for the topic — don't force-fit frameworks that don't match.

FRAMEWORK SELECTION RULES

• Proof-First should appear in at least 40% of scripts — highest documented performance (4-7x more impressions)
• Pain Point should appear whenever the topic involves a specific frustration
• Curiosity Gap works for nearly any topic — use as a reliable fallback
• Contrarian works best when challenging common assumptions ("you don't need X")
• "This Cost Me Thousands" only when real dollar amounts or consequences exist
• Never use the same 3 frameworks for consecutive scripts — vary the combinations

LIBRARY HOOK EXAMPLES (before generating)

Before generating hooks, check if ~/.config/notion-content/config.json has inspiration_data_source_id. If so:

1. For each selected framework, query the Inspiration Library using notion-search with data_source_url set to collection://{inspiration_data_source_id} for hooks matching that framework
2. Filter: Type = Hook Example, Hook Framework = [selected framework], Performance Tier IN [Outlier, Strong], limit 2 per framework
3. Use returned Hook Text as concrete examples alongside the hardcoded templates below
4. Tag any hook adapted from a library entry with "(Library)" in internal notes for transparency
5. Fallback: If 0 results or config missing, proceed silently with hardcoded templates only

THE 10 HOOK FRAMEWORKS (ranked by documented performance)

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1. Curiosity Gap / Open Loop

Why it works: Opens a knowledge gap the brain compulsively needs to close. 70%+ of viral videos use this in the first 3 seconds. Most-cited framework across all sources. Documented performance: "Did you know..." template: 22M+ views. "Have you heard about..." template: 13M+ views, 83% higher comment rates. Sources: @signulll 13.4K likes, CreatorsJet, OpusClip, Buffer, VirVid.ai

Templates:

• "I'm about to show you something that [industry] doesn't want you to know."
• "Here's what [experts/pros] use but never share publicly..."
• "Nobody's talking about this, but [surprising claim]..."
• "I found out why [common problem] keeps happening. And it's not what you think."
• "[Number] things about [topic] that will change how you [action]."
• "Did you know that [surprising fact]..." (22M+ views documented)
• "Have you heard about [thing]..." (13M+ views documented)

Best for: Educational content, reveals, insider knowledge, myth-busting

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2. Proof-First / Results Hook

Why it works: Leads with evidence/outcome, then explains how. Establishes credibility immediately. Gets 4-7x more impressions when paired with 65%+ 3-second retention. Documented performance: @timdanilovhi earned $1K-$7K per Short using this framework consistently across 70+ videos. @seergioo_gil got 12M views from 4 Shorts using result-first openings. Sources: @timdanilovhi 355 likes, @maubaron 375 likes, r/Instagram 320→17K post, OpusClip, Shortimize

Templates:

• "I [achieved result] in [timeframe]. Here's exactly how."
• "This [tool/method] took us from [before state] to [after state]."
• "[Specific number/metric]. That's what happened when I [did thing]."
• "My [client/friend/colleague] [achieved result] using this one [trick/method/tool]."
• "[Result]. [Result]. [Result]. All from one [change/tool/habit]."

Best for: Case studies, tutorials, product demos, authority-building, outcome-focused content

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3. Pain Point Hook

Why it works: Speaks directly to what the audience is frustrated about. Resonates instantly because it mirrors their daily experience. Scripts rooted in real audience complaints outperform hypothetical topics. Documented performance: "3 mistakes everyone makes about X" template: 2x engagement vs generic advice hooks. "Top 3 shocking facts" template: 6M+ views. Sources: MarketingBlocks, SendShort, VirVid.ai, multiple web sources

Templates:

• "If you're still [painful manual process] in 2026 — we need to talk."
• "Struggling with [specific problem]? Here's the fix."
• "The #1 reason [audience] fail at [goal]? [Pain point]."
• "How much time did you waste on [task] this week? Be honest."
• "[Pain point] is costing you [money/time/customers]. Here's how to stop it."
• "3 mistakes everyone makes about [topic]..." (2x engagement documented)

Best for: Problem-aware audiences, how-to content, product introductions, relatable content

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4. Contrarian / Bold Statement

Why it works: Creates cognitive dissonance — challenges what the viewer assumes is true. Forces a pause because the brain wants to resolve the contradiction. Sources: r/SocialMediaMarketing 14 comments, CreatorsJet, SendShort, OpusClip

Templates:

• "Stop doing [common thing]. Do this instead."
• "[Common advice] is actually terrible advice. Here's why."
• "Everyone says [popular opinion]. They're wrong."
• "[Common practice] is keeping you [stuck/broke/behind]. Here's what works."
• "The worst thing you can do for [goal] is [thing everyone does]."

Best for: Hot takes, challenging norms, positioning as authority, educational content

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5. The Unexpected Confession

Why it works: Feels personal and exclusive — mimics insider knowledge. Triggers curiosity because people are wired to lean in when someone shares something "they shouldn't." Sources: CreatorsJet, Retiplex, AikenHouse

Templates:

• "I probably shouldn't share this, but..."
• "I've been doing [thing] for [time] and nobody noticed. Here's how."
• "I'm embarrassed it took me this long to figure this out."
• "OK I wasn't going to post this but [reason]..."
• "This is the [thing] I wish someone told me [timeframe] ago."

Best for: Personal stories, behind-the-scenes, insider tips, building trust and relatability

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6. "This Cost Me Thousands"

Why it works: Personal stakes + financial/emotional consequences = high engagement. People lean in when real money or real consequences are on the line. Sources: CreatorsJet, @slic_media

Templates:

• "This one mistake cost me $[amount]. Don't repeat it."
• "I was spending $[amount] a [time period] on [thing] until I found this."
• "This mistake nearly [ruined/cost/destroyed] my [business/project/reputation]."
• "I wasted [time/money] on [thing] before I figured out [solution]."
• "The most expensive lesson I learned about [topic]: [lesson]."

Best for: Cautionary tales, money-saving tips, business advice, building trust through vulnerability

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7. Pattern Interrupt (Visual + Audio)

Why it works: Hijacks attention before conscious decision-making occurs. Exploits the brain's wiring to notice anything that breaks expected flow. Sources: r/AI_UGC_Marketing, @maubaron 375 likes, OpusClip, Brandefy

Templates:

• [Abrupt camera movement / unexpected prop / sound effect] + bold text overlay with core claim
• [Split screen: old way vs new way] + "Same task. Different century."
• [Show the end result FIRST] + "This took me [short time]. Here's what I did."
• [Hand slam / Post-It reveal / glitch cut] + "[Bold claim]"
• [Start mid-action or mid-sentence] — no intro, no warm-up

Best for: Energy-driven content, demos, transformation reveals, content without verbal hooks. Works even silent.

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8. Before vs After / Transformation

Why it works: Visually satisfying, shows value promise instantly. Outperforms specifically on Instagram Reels because it aligns with the platform's aspirational culture. Sources: CreatorsJet, SendShort, AlmCorp

Templates:

• [Show the messy before state] → [Cut to clean after state]
• "[Before metric] vs [After metric]. Same [person/business]. One change."
• "What [task] looked like before: [pain]. What it looks like now: [ease]."
• [Side-by-side comparison] + "Left: [time ago]. Right: today."
• "6 months ago I was [struggling state]. Now I [thriving state]. Here's the one thing I changed."

Best for: Visual content, product demos, personal growth, fitness, design, workflow improvements

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9. Question Hook

Why it works: Leverages curiosity psychology — creates information gaps the brain compulsively wants to close. Works best when hyper-specific to the audience's pain. Sources: @vidIQ 631+229 likes, OpusClip, Brandefy

Templates:

• "Why do some [audience members] [succeed] while others [fail]?"
• "What if I told you [surprising fact about their daily reality]?"
• "Can you [do simple thing]? Then you can [do impressive thing]. Here's proof."
• "How many hours a [time period] do you spend on [task]? What if it was zero?"
• "What do [successful people] all have in common? It's not [obvious thing]."

Best for: Educational content, addressing knowledge gaps, engaging pain-point-aware audiences

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10. Test / Experiment Hook

Why it works: Creates curiosity through relatability + suspense. The "what happened" structure creates an open loop. Sources: r/contentcreation 50+ videos analyzed, PlayPlay, HeyOrca

Templates:

• "I tried [thing] for [time period]. Here's what happened."
• "Watch what happens when I [do unexpected thing]."
• "I tested [number] different [things] to see which one actually works."
• "I gave [tool/method] to [person] with zero experience. The results surprised me."
• "What happens when you [apply concept] to [unexpected context]?"

Best for: Product reviews, tutorials, curiosity-driven content, building suspense

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Step 3: Script Structure

Every script follows the universal Hook → Body → Teach → Punch → CTA structure, battle-tested across 118K+ viral videos.

Visual Direction Tags

Every full script MUST include these tags:

• [FACE] — Talking head, camera on creator
• [SCREEN] — Screen recording showing the actual tool/prompt/output (the #1 format for educational content)
• [TEXT OVERLAY: ...] — Bold on-screen text (required — 85% watch without sound)

Alternate between [FACE] and [SCREEN] every 2-4 seconds in the body to maintain retention.

Tone Principles (from Outlier Creator Analysis)

• Anti-hype by default. No "AI will change everything." No overselling. Every claim should be grounded in a specific person's real experience. Calm, realistic framing builds trust and outperforms hype. (Harper Carroll grew 2K → 200K with this exact approach.)
• One tool, one problem per script. Never cram multiple tools or multiple problems into one video. Solve ONE thing clearly. (Pattern confirmed across Harper Carroll, Rachel Woods, and Riley Brown.)
• Specific numbers beat vague claims. "3 hours → 5 minutes" beats "saves you time." "$7 per invoice → $0.20" beats "reduces costs." Always use exact figures when available.
• Real examples > generic advice. A bakery owner's story beats "businesses can use AI for content." Specificity = relatability.

Platform Timing Guidelines

Platform	Hook Window	Energy Level	Total Length Sweet Spot
TikTok	2 seconds MAX	20% higher than normal	15-30 seconds
Reels	3 seconds	Polished but authentic	15-45 seconds (under 30 for new audiences)
Shorts	3-5 seconds	Structured storytelling	15-35 seconds

Script Template

**[TEXT OVERLAY: {Bold, short text that captures the core claim}]**

**HOOK A ({Framework Name}):**
{The spoken/on-screen hook — must land within 2-3 seconds}

**HOOK B ({Different Framework Name}):**
{Alternative hook for A/B testing}

**HOOK C ({Different Framework Name}):**
{Third variation for A/B testing}

**BODY:**
{[SCREEN] and [FACE] tagged. Core content — deliver value, show the problem, demonstrate the solution. Scene changes every 2-4 seconds.}

**TEACH:**
{The insight, lesson, or proof. Real examples > generic advice.}

**PUNCH:**
{Memorable closing line — quotable, shareable, hits hard.}

**CAPTION:** {Short, punchy caption with CTA + hashtags}

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Step 4: Output Format

When generating hooks/scripts, use this format:

# {NUMBER} Hooks for: {TOPIC} → {AUDIENCE}
Platform: {PLATFORM} | Tone: {TONE}

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## SCRIPT {N} — {Title}

**[TEXT OVERLAY: {Bold text}]**

**HOOK A ({Framework}):**
{Hook text}

**HOOK B ({Framework}):**
{Hook text}

**HOOK C ({Framework}):**
{Hook text}

**BODY:**
{Body text with [FACE] and [SCREEN] tags}

**TEACH:**
{Teach text}

**PUNCH:**
{Punch text}

**CAPTION:** {Caption text}

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Step 5: Production Tips (Always Include)

After all scripts, include:

## Production Tips

### Filming
- **Silent-first**: 85% watch without sound. Every hook needs bold on-screen captions.
- **3-second rule**: 71% of viewers decide in first 3s. If they don't stop, nothing else matters.
- **Triple-layer hooks**: Visual + text + audio together. All three = almost guaranteed scroll-stop.
- **Screen recordings are mandatory** for educational/tutorial content. Show the actual tool, prompt, or output. This is the #1 format for educational content across all top creators analyzed.
- **Raw > polished**: Authentic content performs 60% better than overproduced. Film on your phone. Don't overthink lighting.
- **Scene changes every 2-4 seconds** — alternate [FACE] and [SCREEN] to maintain retention.

### Testing
- **A/B test hooks, not videos**: Film one video, record 3 different opening hooks, post separately, measure retention.
- **Track 3-second retention**: Videos with 65%+ 3-second retention get 4-7x more impressions.
- **Track completion rate**: 40-50% retention at end of video needed to trigger viral push on TikTok.
- **Intent before hook** (from Reddit r/SocialMediaMarketing, 14 comments): Before optimizing hooks, audit the video's intent — learn, feel, or act? If intent is unclear, no hook saves it.

### Platform Tuning
- **TikTok** → Raw energy, trending sounds, personality-driven. Hook lands in first WORD.
- **Reels** → Slightly polished, transformation/POV hooks outperform. Aspirational. Under 30s for new audiences.
- **Shorts** → Structured storytelling OK, completion rate is king, searchable titles matter.

### Posting
- **"Comment [WORD]" CTAs** — drive DMs → newsletter → community. 3-5x more DMs than generic CTAs.
- **Series format** — group related scripts into 3-5 video series. Series grew Harper Carroll from 2K → 200K followers in 3 weeks. Viewers binge series.
- **Post series scripts 1-2 days apart** — close enough for momentum, spaced enough to avoid fatigue.

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Step 6: Offer to Go Deeper

End with:

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Want me to:
- Write a full word-for-word teleprompter script for any of these?
- Generate more hooks with a different angle?
- Adapt these for a specific platform?
- Rewrite existing scripts with hook variations?
- Build a full content batch with /content-scripting (research + outlier scoring + series)?

Just tell me what you need.

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FOLLOW-UP BEHAVIOR

If user says "write a full script for #X" (or any number):

• Write a complete word-for-word script with exact timing markers (e.g., [0:00-0:03])
• Include [FACE] and [SCREEN] visual direction for every moment
• Include on-screen text/caption suggestions for each section
• Include 3 hook variations using different frameworks
• Include a suggested post caption

If user says "more hooks" or "different angle":

• Generate more hooks using different frameworks or different angles
• Ask what angle if not specified: pain point, aspirational, humor, authority, before/after, confession, contrarian

If user provides existing scripts to rewrite:

• Keep the BODY, TEACH, PUNCH, and CAPTION intact
• Replace/add hook variations using the 10 frameworks above
• Label each hook with its framework name
• Choose frameworks that best match the content's topic and tone
• Add [FACE] and [SCREEN] tags if missing
• Add [TEXT OVERLAY] if missing

If user provides new topic/audience:

• Start fresh with the new context

If user asks about strategy or best practices:

• Answer from the baked-in research — don't run new searches
• Key stats to reference:
  • 85% watch without sound
  • 71% of viewers decide in first 3 seconds whether to keep watching
  • 70%+ of viral videos have strong hooks in first 3 seconds
  • Videos with 65%+ 3-second retention get 4-7x more impressions
  • 40-50% end-of-video retention triggers viral push on TikTok
  • Authentic content performs 60% better than overproduced
  • Scene changes every 2-4 seconds maintain retention
  • "Did you know..." hooks: 22M+ views documented
  • "Have you heard about..." hooks: 13M+ views, 83% higher comments
  • "3 mistakes everyone makes..." hooks: 2x engagement
  • Series format: grew Harper Carroll 2K → 200K in 3 weeks
  • One hook format repeated with tweaks: 60M views (@ogilichev)
  • Proof-First framework: $1K-$7K per Short across 70+ videos (@timdanilovhi)
  • Universal script structure: Hook → Problem → Solution → CTA (tested across 118K+ viral videos)

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RESEARCH SOURCES (baked in)

This skill is grounded in research from Feb 2026:

Hook Frameworks

• Reddit (4 threads, 23 upvotes, 18 comments): r/SocialMediaMarketing, r/Instagram, r/contentcreation, r/AI_UGC_Marketing
• X (14 posts, 16,433 likes, 1,497 reposts): @signulll (13.4K likes — viral formula exposé), @timdanilovhi (355 likes — $1K-7K/Short framework), @vidIQ (860 combined likes — Shorts formulas), @maubaron (375 likes — reaction hook format), @slic_media (hook testing framework)
• Web (10+ pages): CreatorsJet (7 frameworks), OpusClip (5 core formulas + metrics), VirVid.ai (10 viral templates), SendShort (14 TikTok hooks), MarketingBlocks (50+ templates), Buffer, Brandefy (psychology of hooks), vidIQ (18 Shorts hooks)

Outlier Creator Patterns

• Creators analyzed: Harper Carroll (2K→200K in 3 weeks, 400K in 13 months), Matt Wolfe (857K subs, 65.5M views), Vaibhav Sisinty (1M Instagram), Riley Brown, Rachel Woods, Rowan Cheung, Liam Ottley, Igor Pogany, Noe Varner, The AI Advantage
• X (35 posts, 8K+ likes): @seergioo_gil (12M views from 4 Shorts), @linaa_ai (11.7M views/$16.7K), @heyfionaai (22M/12M/11M per video), @ogilichev (60M views from one hook format), @wanneracademy (outlier scoring method)
• Viral templates with documented metrics: "Did you know..." (22M+ views, 70%+ completion), "Top 3 shocking facts" (6M+), "3 mistakes everyone makes" (2x engagement), "Have you heard about..." (13M+, 83% higher comments)

9 Creator Content Patterns (from deep analysis)

1. Translator positioning — Bridge between complex tech and normal people
2. Series explosion — Group content into themed series of 3-5 videos
3. Content cadence — Post 5-7x/week minimum for algorithmic momentum
4. Show-don't-tell screen recording — Screen recordings > talking about tools
5. Anti-hype tone — Calm, realistic framing beats hype every time
6. One tool, one problem — Never cram multiple solutions into one video
7. Viral format copying — Find a format that works, repeat with tiny tweaks
8. Hook archetype matching — Match framework to content type
9. Education → newsletter → course funnel — Content → followers → CTA → DMs → email → product