21 Top-Performing Ad Hooks Tried and Tested by Our Team in 2024

Sehar Fatima
November 7, 2024
October 10, 2024

Did you know an average person is exposed to an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 ads per day, yet only a small fraction of ads actually leave a lasting impression? 

In such a crowded industry, a strong, attention-grabbing hook can make all the difference between an ad that gets ignored and one that drives action.The right hook can be the deciding factor for your ad’s success.

After spending countless hours testing different strategies, our team has identified 21 top-performing ad hook types that consistently increase engagement and boost conversions. In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • Proven ad hooks, along with examples
  • Real-world applications of top-performing hooks
  • Crucial tips for crafting effective ad hooks
P.S. Struggling to make your ads stand out in a sea of digital noise? At inBeat Agency, we specialize in creating standout campaigns that drive measurable results. Our data-backed strategies, influencer collaborations, and performance-driven UGC ads are designed to amplify your message and engage your audience. Let us help you cut through the noise and deliver real, impactful performance. Book a FREE Strategy Call Now!

Why You Need Well-Crafted Ad Hooks

A well-crafted hook can be the game changer in your marketing strategies.

It’s more than just grabbing attention; it’s about sustaining that interest throughout your entire video or post to inspire meaningful action, whether it’s a click, a like, or a purchase. 

An effective hook has a direct impact on the conversion rate and retention rate by ensuring that the audience stays engaged, interacts with the content, and ultimately takes action. In fact, the difference between a successful ad campaign and one that fails often comes down to how compelling the content hooks are.

Mastering the art of creating a compelling hook is a valuable skill for anyone in marketing. It can be the secret sauce that sets a campaign apart and allows business owners to avoid common pitfalls and retain the interest of their audience.

How To Write Attention-Grabbing Advertising Hooks

As we said above, a powerful hook is key to capturing attention and driving action.

However, different types of hooks serve different purposes, depending on your goals, audience, and platform. From building curiosity to evoking emotions, the right hook ensures your content stands out in a crowded market.

At inBeat, our experts have spent years perfecting these strategies to deliver impactful results for our clients.

Let’s explore the 21 most successful ad hook types, each carefully tested and tailored by our team to boost engagement and conversions!

1. Question Hooks

Question hooks are one of the most effective hooks to grab attention quickly.

By asking a question, you immediately engage your target audience, prompting them to think about their own experiences or opinions.

This type of hook works exceptionally well on social media platforms where users tend to have shorter attention spans. 

Questions that touch on relatable pain points or provide an opportunity for self-reflection are especially powerful for building authentic connections and improving engagement rates. 

Examples:

  • "What’s the biggest mistake you're making in your fitness routine?" 
  • "Did you know this simple change could be a game changer for your business?"
  • "Are you making these mistakes that hurt your [marketing strategy/conversion rates]?"

An example of a successful question hook can be seen in a TikTok ad created by our agency for Unroll.me – an email decluttering app.

Experts at inBeat used the hook, 'Does your inbox look like this?' to instantly engage viewers overwhelmed by their cluttered inboxes.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/727790024?app_id=122963&h=298b399ade

P.S. You can receive plenty more examples of successful ads directly in your inbox by subscribing to AdCollection. Join the newsletter now and stay ahead with the latest in ad creativity!

2. Negative Hooks

Negative hooks work by addressing common pitfalls or unhealthy habits that your target audience might be making. 

Highlighting the negative consequences of a behavior or decision can create a compelling case for change, which in turn improves engagement rates and encourages viewers to stick around for the solution.

This approach taps into the fear of making mistakes and motivates your audience to take action. 

Examples:

  • "Stop making this one mistake that’s killing your conversion rate."
  • "Why your current marketing strategy is failing to connect with your audience."
  • "Don’t fall for these common fitness myths that are holding you back."

A great example of a negative hook can be found in a TikTok ad created by our agency for Fake Fragrances. Our inBeat experts crafted the hook, "Never spend a fortune on luxury colognes," tapping into the common frustration of overspending and offering an affordable alternative.

Source

3. Taboo Hooks

Taboo hooks leverage topics that are often avoided or not openly discussed, making them highly intriguing and attention-grabbing.

By addressing subjects that feel a bit controversial or uncomfortable, these hooks can pique curiosity and draw in your target audience. 

Using a taboo hook can create a sense of exclusivity or "hidden knowledge" that encourages viewers to engage.

This approach helps brands establish authentic connections by tackling common challenges or misconceptions that people rarely talk about.

Examples:

  • ‘The Last Photo' ads for the Campaign Against Living Miserably. In this case, the taboo hook is the photos themselves.
  • Trigger words like “bum” in “Bum’s the word” for hemorrhoid cream Anusol
  • Taboo questions asked by your prospects and turned into TikTok bubble hooks

4. Controversial Hooks

Controversial hooks are designed to spark debate and catch attention by introducing unpopular opinions or challenging widely accepted beliefs.

This type of hook works particularly well on social media platforms, where users are eager to engage in discussions and share their viewpoints. 

Opening with a bold statement, you immediately capture your target audience’s interest, encouraging them to continue watching the entire video or reading the piece of content.

However, it's important to use them wisely, as they can be polarizing and may alienate some viewers.

Examples:

  • "You're not going to agree with me, but I think personal trainers are overrated."
  • "Why I believe traditional marketing strategies are failing today's business owners."
  • "Fitness routines that promise quick results are a scam; here's why."
  • "Most people have been using email marketing wrong this entire time."

5. Personal Experience Hooks

Personal experience hooks are highly effective because they create an emotional connection with the target audience by sharing relatable stories or results.

This type of hook allows you to showcase your own journey by offering simple steps that others can follow to achieve similar outcomes. 

Audiences often resonate with personal stories, which makes this approach great for building authentic connections and increasing engagement rates.

Examples:

  • "This is how I achieved a 50% increase in my conversion rate using content hooks."
  • "Here’s how I built a loyal customer base by addressing a common challenge in my business."
  • "This is how I lost 10 pounds by cutting out unhealthy habits."

Here's an example of a top-performing Reddit ad created for Crowdtap by inBeat's team. The ad showcases a user’s personal success story and a specific, desirable outcome that others can achieve as well. 

6. List Hooks

List hooks are incredibly popular because they offer quick, digestible information in a structured format which makes them ideal for audiences with short attention spans.

This type of hook works well as people are naturally drawn to numbered lists that promise a specific number of tips or solutions. 

Using list hooks helps you deliver simple steps or key takeaways that your target audience can easily apply.

Examples:

  • "5 ways to boost your website’s traffic today."
  • "3 simple steps to improve your conversion rate."
  • "7 common pitfalls to avoid when launching your next ad campaign."

Here’s a neat example that uses the bulleted list as a visual hook and the personal statement as a verbal hook

7. Facts, Numbers, and Stats Hooks

Using facts, numbers, and statistics in hooks is a powerful way to capture attention because it immediately conveys authority and credibility.

This type of hook works well for audiences looking for concrete evidence or insights to back up a claim. 

Numbers help make your content hooks more tangible and engaging by offering real-world context that appeals to decision-makers. 

Examples:

  • "Here’s why 60% of small businesses fail within the first five years."
  • "Did you know 65% of online shoppers abandon their cart before completing a purchase?"
  • "90% of students who follow these study techniques see a 20% improvement in their grades."

Below is an example of this type of ad created for our client Hurom.

The ad emphasizes Hurom’s long-standing expertise with the statement "We Invented Slow Juicers" and reinforces it with the fact that they've been using a revolutionary approach for 50 years, dating back to 1974. 

The use of specific numbers and historical data builds trust and credibility with the target audience and showcases Hurom's authority in the slow juicer market.

8. Alternative or Competition Hooks

Alternative or competition hooks work by comparing a common challenge or worse alternative with a better solution to draw the target audience in.

This type of hook is highly effective because it taps into the curiosity of viewers who are frustrated with the status quo and are seeking better options. 

Showcasing a superior product or solution can significantly boost engagement rates and conversion rates and create authentic connections with your audience, especially on social media platforms where people love comparisons.

Examples:

  • "Instead of wasting time on ineffective workout routines, try this proven method used by top personal trainers."
  • "Stop using outdated email marketing strategies—this new tool will boost your open rates by 50%."
  • "I tried every popular fitness app so you don’t have to—here’s the best one."

9. Surprising Hooks

Surprising hooks catch the target audience's attention by presenting unexpected information, statistics, or unpopular opinions.

These hooks work exceptionally well because they immediately disrupt the viewer’s expectations and compel them to engage further out of curiosity. A surprising fact or statement draws them in and makes them more likely to watch the entire video, read the piece of content, or take action.

Examples

  • "You won’t believe how many calories are in your favorite smoothie!"
  • "Did you know that checking emails could be cutting your productivity by 50%?"
  • "Most people are using sunscreen wrong—here’s why it’s not protecting you."

Below is an example of a TikTok ad created by inBeat for Unroll.me.

The ad uses a surprising hook: "Here’s an internet hack you didn’t know you needed, but you do," which immediately grabs the audience’s attention.

This hook taps into viewers' curiosity and encourages them to keep watching to discover the valuable skill they might be missing out on. 

Source

10. Suspense Hooks

Suspense hooks are designed to build tension and urgency, keeping the target audience on edge and compelling them to engage further.

Presenting a potential common challenge or problem creates a sense of anticipation as viewers seek to learn the solution to avoid disaster. 

These hooks can drive significant improvements in both engagement rates and retention rates, especially when paired with a solution that offers simple steps to fix the issue.

Examples:

  • "This mistake could destroy your marketing campaign in 5 seconds—here’s how to fix it."
  • "Ignoring this common pitfall is ruining your content hooks—learn the secret sauce."
  • "This small oversight could be tanking your email marketing efforts—fix it now."

Here’s an example of a suspense hook (the response bubble):

11. Hype Based Hooks

Hype-based hooks tap into trending topics, viral products, or widely discussed services to catch the target audience's attention.

These hooks leverage curiosity about whether a product or service lives up to its reputation and are highly effective for engaging viewers who are intrigued by popular trends.

This type of hook works particularly well on social media platforms, where people are always looking for the next big thing and want to stay informed about what's worth their time and money. 

Examples:

  • "I tested the viral face mask to see if it really works."
  • "This trending fitness gadget has over 10,000 reviews—let’s see if it’s worth the hype."
  • "Everyone’s talking about this skincare brand, but is it worth the price?"

12. Price Focused Hooks

Price-focused hooks appeal directly to the target audience by emphasizing affordability or value.

These hooks are particularly effective for capturing the attention of viewers looking for budget-friendly options or great deals. 

Highlighting low costs or surprising price points encourages engagement, especially for products or services that are perceived to offer more value than their price suggests.

This type of hook works well on social media platforms where cost-conscious consumers are always on the lookout for a bargain.

Examples:

  • "Need affordable workout gear? Watch this!"
  • "I can’t believe this only costs $10—here’s why it’s worth every penny."
  • "This skincare product is under $20, and it works wonders!"

Here’s an example of a price-focused hook ad created for our client Hopper by inBeat's team.

The ad highlights the affordability of booking a rental car for just $22 a day, which immediately grabs attention and sparks curiosity. 

13. Curiosity Hooks

Curiosity hooks are designed to provoke interest and leave the target audience wanting more by teasing a solution or revealing a surprising insight.

These hooks work exceptionally well because they tap into the audience's natural desire to uncover hidden information or unexpected results. 

Curiosity hooks boost engagement rates by encouraging viewers to keep reading or watching to find out more.

Examples:

  • "What if I told you there’s a way to lose weight without exercising?"
  • "There’s a secret ingredient in your kitchen that can boost your productivity."
  • "What if I told you there’s a simple way to double your conversion rate?"

Below is an example of a curiosity hook Facebook ad created by our team for YourRoots.

The hook, "Find your DNA relatives across all DNA test kit services," sparks immediate curiosity by offering a compelling opportunity to discover hidden family connections. 

This ad leaves viewers curious to learn more about how they can explore their DNA relatives and creates a strong urge to click and engage.

14. Problem-Solution Hooks

Problem-solution hooks are especially effective because they focus on the specific issues the target audience is dealing with and offer immediate relief or solutions.

This approach resonates with viewers seeking actionable advice to solve their problems quickly.

These hooks create a sense of urgency and relevance, positioning the solution as the perfect answer to the audience's current challenges.

Examples:

  • "Struggling with slow Wi-Fi? We have the solution."
  • "Tired of wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work? Here’s how to fix it."
  • "Dealing with acne breakouts? This product clears your skin fast."

Here’s an example of a problem-solution hook used in an ad for our client Genomelink.

The hook, "Disappointed with your DNA results? Upload them to Genomelink!" addresses a common challenge faced by users who feel dissatisfied with their DNA test results.

It offers an immediate solution by encouraging them to upload their results for further analysis. 

15. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Hooks

FOMO hooks leverage scarcity and urgency to compel the target audience to act quickly, as they fear they might miss out on something valuable.

These hooks are particularly effective because they create a sense of pressure and make viewers feel that if they don’t act now, they could lose access to a special offer, product, or opportunity. 

This sense of urgency drives immediate action and boosts both engagement and conversion rates, particularly on platforms where impulsive decisions are common, like social media or e-commerce.

Examples:

  • "Only 5 left in stock! Order now before it's too late."
  • "Don’t miss out! This sale ends tonight."
  • "Last chance to get 50% off—only available for 2 more hours!"

Here’s an example of a FOMO hook used in an ad created for our client Hurom.

The hook, "Last Chance to Save $100! during the Anniversary Sale," creates a strong sense of urgency by encouraging the target audience to act quickly before missing out on the limited-time offer. 

16. Superlative Hooks

Superlative hooks emphasize extreme qualities, such as the "best," "fastest," or "most advanced," to capture the target audience's attention.

These hooks work effectively because they make bold claims that immediately stand out and spark curiosity and interest. 

Superlative hooks are often used to position a product or service as superior to competitors, driving engagement and creating a sense of desire for the "ultimate" experience or solution.

Examples:

  • "The world’s most advanced smartphone."
  • "The fastest way to lose weight in just 7 days."
  • "Our best-selling product of all time!"

17. Discomfort Hooks

Discomfort hooks aim to provoke a strong emotional reaction by presenting uncomfortable or unsettling truths.

These hooks work because they make the target audience feel uneasy, which compels them to pay attention and reflect on their actions or decisions.

Discomfort hooks are particularly effective in campaigns that address serious issues like health, safety, or societal problems, where the goal is to evoke a sense of urgency and responsibility.

Examples:

  • "This is what smoking does to your body." (paired with graphic images)
  • "Texting while driving kills—don’t be the next victim."
  • "Every year, millions of animals suffer due to plastic waste—here’s how you can help."

18. Handwriting Hooks

Handwriting hooks use handwritten messages or fonts to create a sense of personalization and authenticity, which grabs the target audience's attention.

This approach stands out in a sea of digital, polished ads by giving a more human, relatable feel to the content. 

Handwriting hooks are effective because they create an intimate and informal connection, making viewers feel as though they are receiving a personal note rather than just another advertisement.

Examples:

  • "Don't miss out! Only 3 left—grab yours now!" (handwritten on a sticky note)
  • "This is your reminder to drink more water today!" (written in a casual, handwritten style)
  • "Hey, you forgot something in your cart!" (handwritten on a digital note)

Here’s an example of a handwriting hook used in an ad for B-Tight.

The handwritten message, "TikTok says this booty mask makes your booty POP!", adds a personal and playful touch to the ad, which draws the audience in to learn more and increases the likelihood of engagement.

Source

19. TikTok Response Bubble 

The TikTok response bubble is a popular hook that mimics the comment or response bubbles seen in TikTok videos.

This hook engages the audience by creating a familiar, interactive experience and making viewers feel as though they're part of a real conversation.

The use of the TikTok-style bubble adds a sense of relevance and trendiness to the ad, especially appealing to younger audiences who are active on social media platforms.

Examples:

  • "Is this product really worth the hype?" (TikTok-style bubble with a response from the brand)
  • "Where did you get that outfit?" (TikTok response bubble for a clothing brand ad)
  • "Does this workout actually work?" (TikTok-style question for a fitness product)

20. Bright Colors 

Bright color hooks use bold, vibrant visuals to immediately catch the eye of the target audience.

These hooks are especially effective on social media platforms, where users are scrolling quickly and can be drawn in by the contrast and energy of bright colors. 

Using a color palette that stands out from typically muted tones helps create a strong hook.

It makes the content more memorable and encourages viewers to stop and engage with the piece of content.

Examples:

  • Bright neon background with a bold message like "Unlock the Secret to Glowing Skin!"
  • A vibrant yellow ad for a summer sale, using text like "Don't Miss Out on the Hottest Deals!"
  • Bold red and orange hues for a limited-time offer on fashion, reading "Shop Now Before It's Gone!"

Here’s an example of a Reddit ad for Crowdtap. The bold red background immediately catches the eye of the target audience and makes the ad stand out in the feed.

Paired with the enticing message, "Make Money in Your Downtime—Get Paid to Watch Netflix!", the bright color draws attention, while the content encourages engagement. 

21. Oddly Satisfying Hooks

Oddly satisfying hooks tap into the viewer’s fascination with smooth, repetitive actions or visually pleasing textures.

These hooks work because they trigger a sense of calm and gratification, which makes the audience more likely to stay engaged and watch the content on repeat. 

This type of hook is especially popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where short, looping videos can go viral quickly.

The hypnotic effect of reverse loops or texture play creates an enjoyable experience that the audience finds hard to turn away from.

Examples:

  • "This texture play will calm your mind—check out the satisfying smoothness of this clay!"
  • "The most oddly satisfying paint pour you've ever seen."
  • "This reverse loop of sand pouring in slow motion is mesmerizing!"

7 Crucial Tips for Crafting Effective Ads Hooks

When crafting ad hooks, it’s essential to focus on strategies that capture attention as well as engage viewers on a deeper level.

These tips will help you create compelling ad hooks that resonate with your audience and drive action.

  1. Keep it simple and clear: Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information. A clear, concise message is more likely to grab attention in a crowded feed. Stick to one key idea that’s easy to grasp in just a few seconds.
  2. Use emotion to your advantage: Emotions are powerful drivers of engagement. Whether it's excitement, joy, curiosity, or fear, tapping into emotions can make your message more impactful and memorable, and it encourages viewers to take action.
  3. Create urgency: Time-sensitive language, such as "limited time offer" or "only available today," creates a sense of urgency that pushes people to act immediately rather than procrastinating or scrolling past your ad.
  4. Focus on benefits, not features: Instead of listing product features, emphasize the benefits and solutions your audience will gain. Show them how your product or service can improve their lives, save them time, or solve a problem they face.
  5. Leverage social proof: People trust the experiences of others. Including reviews, testimonials, or influencer endorsements builds credibility and reassures potential customers that others have benefited from your product or service.
  6. Always use "You" or "I": Make your message personal by using direct language. "You" speaks to the viewer and makes the ad feel like a personal conversation, while "I" creates relatability by sharing personal experiences or opinions.
  7. Use subtitles on videos: Many viewers watch videos without sound, especially on social media. Adding subtitles ensures that your message is understood, even without audio, and can increase engagement with a broader audience.

Supercharge Your Ads and See Real Results with inBeat Agency’s Expertise

Crafting a compelling ad hook is more than just a creative task; it's a strategic move that can make or break the success of your marketing campaign.

Whether you're aiming to create curiosity, establish emotional connections, or build trust, the above-mentioned proven strategies will elevate your campaigns and help you stand out in the crowded digital industry.

Key takeaways:

  • A clear, straightforward hook captures attention quickly.
  • Emotion-driven hooks resonate deeply with your audience.
  • Time-sensitive hooks push immediate action.
  • Question hooks invite engagement and interaction.
  • Focus on the value, not just features.
  • Using direct language like "you" fosters connection.
  • Eye-catching visuals increase engagement.
  • Constantly refine hooks to maximize impact.

If you’re ready to take your ads to the next level, inBeat Agency is here to help. With our data-backed strategies and expert knowledge of ad hooks, we create campaigns that not only capture attention but also drive real, measurable results. 

Let our team craft a custom solution for your brand and help you stand out in the competitive digital landscape. 

Book a FREE Strategy Call with inBeat today!

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