YouTube video hook (opening) writing skill. Provides 15 hook patterns, viewer retention psychology, and click-to-watch conversion formulas. Referenced by the scriptwriter agent when designing video openings to minimize viewer drop-off. Also used standalone for requests like 'show me hook patterns' or 'how to write great openings.' Full script writing and SEO optimization fall under the youtube-production skill.
A methodology for designing hooks that capture the viewer within the first 5–10 seconds. Extends the scriptwriter agent's hook-crafting capabilities.
Viewers decide whether to keep watching within an average of 3 seconds. When the first-30-second retention rate exceeds 70%, the probability of algorithmic recommendation increases dramatically.
Core Principle: A hook must create a Curiosity Gap — the tension between what the viewer "wants to know" and what they "don't yet know."
"87% of people don't know about this"
"Exercising too much actually makes you gain weight"
"This method tripled my monthly revenue. Let me show you how"
"Do NOT do this before watching this video"
"Three years ago, I lost everything"
"Why do rich people never buy this?"
"[Before shot] → [After shot] This transformation took just 30 days"
"If you watch this video to the end, your coding skills will level up"
"3 secrets the industry will never tell you"
"Have you ever experienced this? [Specific situation description]"
"I'll share 5 things, but #3 is the most important"
"Harvard researchers tracked this for 20 years..."
"Is this a genius invention or a scam?"
"In 5 minutes, you'll be able to do this perfectly"
"If you're making this mistake, stop right now"
The best hooks combine 2 patterns:
[Shocking Stat] + [Secret Reveal]
→ "A fact that 92% of people don't know: 3 secrets to making money"
[Result First] + [Time Pressure]
→ "This method grew my business 3x. Watch before this information goes away"
[Empathy Hook] + [Challenge]
→ "Can't sleep because of anxiety every night? This one video will fix it"
A hook's effectiveness is maximized within a triangular structure, not in isolation:
| Element | Role | Alignment Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Thumbnail | Visual curiosity trigger | Must match the hook's emotional tone |
| Title | Click driver | A keyword-optimized version of the hook's value promise |
| Hook (first 5 sec) | Watch-or-leave decision | Must immediately deliver/expand on the thumbnail + title promise |
Prohibited: If the hook ignores the thumbnail/title promise, viewers perceive "clickbait" and retention plummets.
| Segment | Target Retention | Drop-off Cause |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 sec | 90%+ | No hook or excessive channel intro |
| 5–30 sec | 75%+ | Hook's value promise not delivered |
| 30 sec–2 min | 65%+ | Insufficient density in the first segment |
| 2 min+ | 50%+ | No pattern interrupts |