Our video intro delays the start of our videos. The first several secconds of our video can HOOK our viewer!
The first several seconds can also lose our viewer. A welcome intro, even with an overview of what is about to follow
is no longer recommended.
What is recommended is that we "JUMP" right into our video. The idea is to not
talk about it, rather do it. (Read on for how to use the first few seconds to best HOOK your viewers)
Why the first six seconds matter
Viewers decide whether to keep watching or swipe away in 1–3 seconds
Platforms reward videos with strong early retention
The opening frames set promise + curiosity + energy
A strong hook helps even average videos perform better
Think of the first six seconds as:
👉 A promise + a reason to stay
The formula (simple and reliable)
Hook = Pattern Break + Clear Promise + Curiosity
Pattern Break → stop the scroll Promise → what they’ll get if they stay Curiosity → something unresolved they want answered
Example:
“This looks like an ordinary guava tree… so why did it lose every fruit overnight? Watch this.”
Types of powerful 6-second hooks
1. Bold claim / strong promise
“This saved me 6 months of failure.”
“Most people get this completely wrong…”
“No one is talking about this, but they should.”
Works great for:
✔ tutorials ✔ health / weight loss ✔ business & how-to content
2. Open loop curiosity hook
Create a question the brain wants to close.
“I didn’t expect the gorilla to do this next…”
“At first, I thought he was stealing. Then I saw why.”
“This is the mistake that almost ruined everything.”
3. Visual shock or surprise
You don’t even need words.
Unusual image
Unexpected action
Fast movement or zoom
Before/after contrast
Example:
Show → empty guava tree first Then → reaction face Then → quick glimpse of gorilla
4. Direct benefit to the viewer
Make it about them, not the topic.
“If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to hear this.”
“Parents — this will save you so much stress.”
“Creators, stop doing this to your videos.”
5. “You vs. problem” framing
“Struggling with short watch time? Here’s why.”
“If your channel is stuck at 200 views, listen.”
“Kids won’t sleep? Try this.”
What to include in those six seconds
To make the hook strong, try to add at least two of the following:
motion
emotion (surprise, worry, excitement, wonder)
big, readable text onscreen
fast pacing / quick cuts
a direct “you” statement
open loop / mystery
strong audio cue or sound effect
What to avoid in first six seconds
❌ long logos or intros ❌ slow talking ❌ explaining background ❌ “Hi, welcome back to my channel” ❌ long music-only montage without a promise
The viewer doesn’t owe you attention yet — you earn it first, then introduce yourself later.
Copy-paste hook templates you can customize
“This almost went very wrong…”
“I wish someone told me this earlier…”
“You’re going to be shocked when you see this part…”
“Everyone focuses on X — but the real problem is Y.”
“Stay to the end, because the last part is the most important.”
For kids’ stories:
“But then… the gorilla did something unexpected.”
“The cat walked in with a briefcase. Inside was… well…”
“Nobody believed him — until this happened.”
Quick checklist
Before finalizing your video ask:
Does something interesting happen instantly?
Do I open a question in the viewer’s mind?
Do I clearly signal what they’ll get if they stay?
Is there unnecessary intro I should cut?
Would I keep watching?
A video outro with a CTA to like, comment, and subscribe is still a good idea for videos that a not shorts.
Thank you for reading.
Much success,
George Pierce
PS. Let your video do the TALKING, about 80% of our viewers watch with NO sound.
Comments
Excellent advice and tips George Pierce and I know many people on Youtube will benefit from your post. I learned something new today as well.
I am happy to be of help, I thank you, Terri.