If your UGC video isn’t stopping the scroll in the first 3 seconds, chances are it’s getting skipped — no matter how great the product or how strong the message.
The hook is everything. It’s what earns the viewer’s attention long enough for the rest of the video to do its job.
And great hooks don’t just help the video perform better — they also make you look more valuable to the brand. A creator who understands copy, timing, and scroll-stopping structure? That’s gold.
Here’s how to write stronger UGC hooks that boost your chances of getting hired again (and again).
Start With the “Problem” or Pain Point
Instead of opening with a boring product name or logo, try starting with a real-world problem the viewer can relate to.
Examples:
“I couldn’t sleep through the night—until I found this…”
“If your morning coffee isn’t working anymore, listen to this…”
“I was tired of wasting money on skincare that did nothing…”
Why it works:
People connect to their own problems. They’ll stay watching to see if you found the solution.
Ask a Relatable, Scroll-Stopping Question
Questions make people pause. And if it’s something they’ve thought but never said out loud, it hits harder.
Examples:
“Do you ever wonder if greens powders actually do anything?”
“Why does it take me 45 minutes to fall asleep even when I’m exhausted?”
“Is this the most underrated kitchen tool ever?”
Why it works:
Curiosity is powerful. Questions that speak directly to your viewer’s everyday experience keep them watching.
Use a Bold or Unexpected Statement
Strong opinions and confident statements make your video stand out. Bonus points if it feels a little spicy.
Examples:
“You don’t need caffeine. You need this.”
“This water bottle fixed my energy levels.”
“I’m in my 50s and this changed how I clean my face.”
Why it works:
Boldness grabs attention. Brands love when creators lead with authority—especially when it sounds conversational and real.
Try the “Mistake to Lesson” Format
Hooks that hint at a transformation always perform well.
Examples:
“I’ve been doing this wrong for years…”
“Here’s what I wish I knew before buying a posture corrector…”
“Don’t make this mistake if you work from home…”
Why it works:
It teases value. The viewer sticks around to see the lesson—and brands love when you add helpful context to a product.
Make It Sound Like a Real Human, Not an Ad
The best UGC hooks don’t sound scripted. They sound like a real person texting a friend or venting in their kitchen.
Examples:
“Okay, no one told me this $10 thing actually works.”
“This is the first supplement I’ve ever taken consistently.”
“I wasn’t expecting to like this, but now I won’t shut up about it.”
Why it works:
Relatability > polish. Brands are paying you to be believable, not perfect.
Final Thoughts
Strong hooks can take a decent video and make it high-converting. They show brands that you understand attention, which is everything in short-form content.
Learn how to start strong, convert faster, and get rehired by brands again and again.
Because the first 3 seconds? They’re your audition. 🎬
