50 Scroll-Stopping Hooks for Ads & Social Media

Nobody tells you this about [topic].

Example: Nobody tells you this about layering niacinamide with retinol.

Here's the part of [topic] people usually leave out.

Example: Here's the part of batch cooking people usually leave out.

Most people focus on [X]. I pay attention to [Y].

Example: Most people focus on cardio. I pay attention to recovery.

Before you [action], you need to know this.

Example: Before you book that 'cheap' flight, you need to know this.

This completely changed the way I think about [topic].

Example: This completely changed the way I think about emergency funds.

I didn't expect [X] to matter this much.

Example: I didn't expect the resting time between sets to matter this much.

There's one thing I wish more [audience] understood about [topic].

Example: There's one thing I wish more language learners understood about speaking practice.

Before you spend another €1 on [problem], read this.

Example: Before you spend another €1 on takeout coffee, read this.

This might be why your [result] isn't improving.

Example: This might be why your deadlift form isn't improving.

If you're struggling with [problem], this might be why.

Example: If you're struggling with inbox overload, this might be why.

Your [X] isn't the problem. This is.

Example: Your moisturiser isn't the problem. Over-exfoliation is.

You don't need more [X]. You need better [Y].

Example: You don't need more destinations. You need better planning.

If [undesirable result] keeps happening, check this first.

Example: If your savings rate keeps stalling after a month, check this first.

This is probably costing your [business] more than you realise.

Example: This one clause is probably costing your small business more than you realise.

POV: You finally found a way to [desired outcome].

Example: POV: You finally found a way to meal plan without spending your whole Sunday cooking.

POV: It's [moment] and you still haven't [task].

Example: POV: It's two days before the exam and you still haven't made a study plan.

Me explaining [topic] to [audience] for the hundredth time.

Example: Me explaining why doing only ab workouts won't give you a flat stomach to a gym beginner for the hundredth time.

That moment you realise [uncomfortable truth].

Example: That moment you realise your 'budget' trip costs more than a package holiday.

If you've ever [relatable behaviour], this one's for you.

Example: If you've ever stripped your skin with harsh cleansers, this one's for you.

Tell me why [common situation] happens to everyone except [group].

Example: Tell me why travel plans always fall through for everyone except your organised friend.

Unpopular opinion: [belief].

Example: Unpopular opinion: most meal kits don't save you time.

You don't actually need [commonly recommended thing] to [desired outcome].

Example: You don't actually need a gym membership to get strong.

Everyone tells you to [common advice]. I disagree.

Example: Everyone tells you to study every day. I disagree.

I'd stop doing [common tactic] if I wanted to [goal].

Example: I'd stop checking my investment account daily if I wanted to stay consistent.

I wouldn't start with [obvious tactic]. I'd start here instead.

Example: I wouldn't start with the expensive serum. I'd start with sunscreen instead.

The best [X] doesn't always look like [common assumption].

Example: The best holiday photos don't always look like the ones on Instagram.

How to [desired outcome] without [undesirable action].

Example: How to calm redness without stripping your skin.

A simple way to improve your [X] today.

Example: A simple way to improve your squat depth today.

Want better [result]? Start here.

Example: Want better returns from your savings? Start here.

[Number] ways to improve [result] without [undesirable action].

Example: 4 ways to cut your grocery bill without sacrificing quality.

Here's exactly how I'd [achieve outcome] if I were starting today.

Example: Here's exactly how I'd train for a 5K if I were starting today.

Do this before you [action] and [benefit].

Example: Do this before you list a property and you'll attract more serious buyers.

What if the problem isn't [X], but [Y]?

Example: What if the problem isn't your recipes, but your oven temperature?

How much is [X] actually costing you?

Example: How much is a disorganised inbox actually costing you?

When was the last time you looked at [X]?

Example: When was the last time you looked at your running form?

Are you measuring the thing that actually matters?

Example: Are you measuring the thing that actually moves your grade?

What would happen if you stopped [X]?

Example: What would happen if you stopped using six products every night?

Is [common tactic] actually helping your business?

Example: Is doing long cardio sessions actually helping your fitness?

I used to think [belief]. Then I realised [new insight].

Example: I used to think more workouts meant faster results. Then I realised recovery is the biggest lever.

A client came to me with [problem]. Here's what we found.

Example: A client came to me with redness and a bathroom shelf full of products. Here's what we found.

I learned this lesson the expensive way.

Example: I learned this investing lesson the expensive way.

We changed one thing and this happened.

Example: We changed one ingredient and this happened.

Before we changed [X], we were seeing [situation]. After, [result].

Example: Before we changed our route, we were seeing sights but no memories. After, the same trip felt completely different.

Here's something I wish I'd understood earlier about [topic].

Example: Here's something I wish I'd understood earlier about learning vocabulary.

If you're still doing [common behaviour], watch this.

Example: If you're still buying pre-chopped vegetables, watch this.

Stop scrolling if you [specific situation].

Example: Stop scrolling if you're in your 30s with no pension plan.

Wait — don't [action] yet.

Example: Wait — don't apply that retinol yet.

I'm going to save you [time/money] in [duration].

Example: I'm going to save you three wasted gym sessions in the next 60 seconds.

This is going to sound wrong, but [statement].

Example: This is going to sound wrong, but your best holiday might be the one you don't post about.

Delete this from your [thing] right now.

Example: Delete this app from your phone right now.