viral-hooks

Overview

This skill focuses exclusively on the first 1-3 seconds of short-form video: the hook that decides whether the algorithm keeps distributing. It encodes hook archetypes from named-creator frameworks (Kallaway's six archetypes, MrBeast's match-the-promise, Hormozi's hook/retain/reward, Brunson's hook-story-offer, and others), the three-layer hook model (visual, verbal, and on-screen text working together in frame one), and the anti-patterns that tank first-three-seconds retention. The skill generates batches of 6-10 hooks across multiple archetypes rather than single lines, critiques draft hooks against a pass/fail checklist, and works across TikTok, Reels, and Shorts with platform-specific pacing adjustments.

Key Features

• Batch hook generation: Produces 6-10 hooks across at least three archetypes (contrarian, investigator, authority gap, cost confession, middle-of-action, and more) rather than a single guess, giving the creator a strategic set to choose from
• Three-layer hook design: Sketches each hook with its visual (what the first frame shows), verbal (the spoken line), and on-screen text (3-7 words) so all three layers reinforce the opening instead of working against each other
• Named-creator framework matching: Maps each idea to the framework that fits it best, whether that is Kallaway's archetype set, MrBeast's promise-matching approach, Hormozi's hook/retain/reward structure, or others
• Hook critique and rewrite: Diagnoses weak draft hooks against anti-patterns (welcome intros, logo animations, vague teases, bait-and-switch, subscribe-before-value) and rewrites the weak parts with specific alternatives
• Specificity enforcement: Pushes hooks toward concrete nouns, odd numbers, and named stakes rather than vague intrigue, since specific hooks consistently outperform clever-but-vague ones
• Cross-platform pacing: Adjusts hook execution for each platform's feed behavior while keeping the underlying archetype portable across TikTok, Reels, and Shorts

Who is this for?

• Short-form creators whose videos have strong content but poor first-3-second retention and need to fix the opening without changing the rest
• Content marketers producing hooks at volume who want a structured archetype system instead of ad-hoc copywriting for each video
• Creators who struggle to start filming because they cannot write the opening line, and want hook writing to double as idea validation
• Anyone producing for TikTok, Reels, or Shorts who wants to A/B test hooks systematically with labeled variants rather than guessing