When to use it
When the Short or Reel is shot but the opening line does not grab — and that line is exactly what decides between watching through and swiping away. The role is a short-form scriptwriter. Result: 3 different hooks (≤ 12 words) written for spoken delivery, plus why each one works.
The prompt (copy and paste)
You are a short-form video writer with millions of views.
Video topic: "<PASTE THE TOPIC>". Audience: <WHO>.
Give me 3 HOOK options (the opening line, ≤ 12 words each) that:
- break the pattern (pattern-interrupt) and open a curiosity gap;
- promise a specific benefit or an intrigue;
- sound like real speech, no corporate stiffness.
Format: just 3 lines, no commentary. Then one line — why each one works.
Filled-in example
Topic: "why junior developers burn out within six months". Audience: students and juniors in tech.
Expected AI answer: 1) "Nobody warned you about this in the bootcamp." 2) "I fired a junior — and it wasn't over his code." 3) "Six months, and that's it. Burnout. Here are three reasons." + a line of reasoning: the first hits the gap in their training, the second cuts off mid-thought (curiosity gap), the third gives a number and promises a list.
Variations
- Niche-tuned. Add "the angle is provocation/pain/insight" and you get hooks of a single type to choose from.
- Visual hook. "For each hook, suggest what is on screen in the first second" — sound plus image holds far better together.
- A/B in bulk. "Give me 10 hooks, mark the top 3 by strength" — for testing on your channel.
Pro tips
- The classic mistake is deceptive clickbait: the hook promises something the video does not have → watch-through drops and the algorithm punishes you. Promise only what you will actually show.
- Ask for "real speech": by default the model writes smooth and bookish, while Shorts reward conversational and blunt.
- Any model can do this; the value is in the number of options. Generate 10, pick 3, test them on a real audience.