For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt. This page is also available as Markdown.
viral-hooks
A library of 100 proven viral hook frameworks, curated from over 1,000 hooks across creators who have earned tens of millions of views. The skill forces Claude to open every post, thread, or video script with a tested hook pattern instead of a generic AI intro like "In today's fast-paced world."
Hooks are grouped into 13 categories. Tell Claude your topic and platform, and it picks the strongest pattern, fills it in, and stress-tests it with the first-3-words test before handing it back.
Install
Create a folder: ~/.claude/skills/viral-hooks/
Inside the folder, create a file: SKILL.md
Copy the entire block below into the file (include the frontmatter at the top)
Restart Claude Code, or fully quit and relaunch Claude Desktop
---
name: viral-hooks
description: A curated library of 100 proven viral hook frameworks across 13 categories (Receipts, Contrarian, Negative Frame, Stolen Lessons, Curiosity Gap, and more). Picks the strongest hook pattern for a given topic and platform, fills it in, generates 3 variations, and runs the first-3-words test. Triggers on "give me a hook for X," "write hook options," "my intro is boring," or any request for an opening line. Auto-invoked by post-writer and repurpose to open every draft with a tested hook instead of a generic AI intro.
argument-hint: "[topic] [platform]"
allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Glob, AskUserQuestion
---
# Viral Hooks
The hook is the first 5 seconds of any post or video. It decides whether the reader stops or scrolls. If you can hold 50% retention through the first 6 seconds of a short-form video, it has a real shot at going viral. The hook carries that weight, so it gets written first and rewritten until it earns the read.
You hold a library of 100 proven hook frameworks. When asked for a hook, or when another skill calls you, you pick the pattern that fits the topic, fill in the placeholders with specifics, generate 3 variations, and return the strongest one.
## When to Activate
- "Give me a hook for [topic]"
- "Write hook options for my [platform] post"
- "My opening line is weak — fix it"
- "What should the first line of this video be?"
- Any time [post-writer](post-writer.md) or [repurpose](repurpose.md) needs to open a post, thread, or video script.
## Workflow
### Step 1: Get the topic and the angle
You need two things before picking a hook:
1. **The topic** — what the post is about.
2. **The angle** — is there a strong opinion, a specific number, a customer story, a mistake people make, or a result the creator earned? This decides the category. If you have a `brand-brief.md` in the working folder, read the **Strong Opinion / Wedge** section — that fuels the highest-virality categories (Contrarian, Negative Frame).
If the topic is missing, ask. Do not invent a topic.
### Step 2: Pick a category
Match the angle to a category. When in doubt, prefer **The Receipt**, **Contrarian**, or **Stolen Lessons** — these have the highest virality ceiling.
| Angle | Best category |
|---|---|
| A result, number, or experiment you ran | The Receipt |
| A strong opinion or wedge | Contrarian / Myth-Buster |
| A mistake people make | Negative Frame |
| A tactic you copied from someone | Stolen Lessons |
| An unanswered question or open loop | Curiosity Gap |
| A how-to with multiple points | Listicle / Number |
| Insider knowledge | Secret / Insider |
| Speaking to one specific group | Audience Callout |
| A question that makes them stop | Question Hook |
| A change over time, a story | Transformation / Story |
| A fast, low-effort win | Speed / Effortless |
| A reason to act now | Urgency / Stop-Scroll |
| A raw, personal admission | Confession / Vulnerable |
### Step 3: Fill in 3 variations
Pick 3 templates (from one category or across two), and fill the placeholders with real specifics from the topic. Replace `[N]` with a real number, `[famous person]` with a real name, `[outcome]` with a concrete result. Generic fills kill the hook.
### Step 4: Run the first-3-words test
Read the first 3 words of each variation alone. Do they create curiosity, surprise, or emotional pull?
- "Here's what I" → fail (no pull)
- "I tested 47" → pass (number + open loop)
- "Most people think" → pass (sets up a fight)
- "98% of marketers" → pass (statistic + callout)
Cut filler from the front. The strongest word goes first.
### Step 5: Return the best one
Return the strongest variation, name the category, and offer the other 2 as alternates. If you were called by another skill, hand back all 3 so it can choose.
## The 100 Hook Library
Templates use `[brackets]` for the parts you fill in. The categories are ordered by virality ceiling, highest first.
### 1. The Receipt (proof, numbers, results) — highest ceiling
Earned credibility plus a specific number plus an open loop. The reader wants to know what happened.
1. I tested [N] [things]. Only [smaller N] worked.
2. I [did specific thing] for [time period]. Here's what happened.
3. [Big accomplishment] — here are [N] lessons.
4. I audited [N] [things]. Here are [N] tips to [outcome].
5. I asked [N] experts about [topic]. Here's what they said.
6. How I went from [past situation] to [result] in [time].
7. Here's how I [achieved result] in [time frame].
8. Here's proof that [claim everyone doubts].
9. I built [result] in [time]. Here's how I reach the next goal.
> Example: "I tested 47 candle scents. Only 3 sold."
### 2. Contrarian / Myth-Buster — highest ceiling, polarizing
Forces the reader to pick a side. Polarity drives comments, and comments drive reach. Pull the wedge from `brand-brief.md`.
10. Most people think [common belief]. Here's why they're wrong.
11. [Common practice] is dead. Stop doing it for [outcome].
12. Everything you know about [subject] is wrong.
13. Here's why [common advice] doesn't work.
14. [Topic] is overrated.
15. Unpopular opinion: [contrarian take].
16. Here's why I disagree with [common belief].
17. Forget everything you've heard about [topic].
18. Here's why [popular product] isn't worth the hype.
> Example: "Most candle makers think scent is the product. The product is calm."
### 3. Negative Frame / Mistake Callout
Loss aversion. People click faster to avoid a mistake than to gain a win.
19. [N] mistakes you're making with [task].
20. Stop doing [common action] right now.
21. Do not [common action] unless you know these [N] secrets.
22. Here's why you're failing at [task].
23. Avoid these common errors when [task].
24. Don't buy [product] before watching this.
25. As a [niche], please stop making this mistake.
26. Here's why you've been doing [task] wrong all along.
27. Don't make the same mistake I did with [thing].
> Example: "Stop putting candles in the bedroom. Here's where they actually work."
### 4. Stolen Lessons / Steal This
Borrowed credibility plus a tactic the reader can copy. Tested-by-someone proof.
28. [Famous person] makes [money] a month. We're about to steal it.
29. I copied [specific thing]. Here's what happened.
30. [Famous brand] does [specific thing]. I tried it. Result: [outcome].
31. Here's a [industry] hack [experts] don't want you to know.
32. [Famous person] shut down their [business] to go all in on [venture].
33. Here's what [celebrity/influencer] doesn't tell you about [topic].
> Example: "I copied Apple's product page format. Sales went up 23%."
### 5. Curiosity Gap / Open Loop
Open a question in the first line and withhold the answer. The reader stays to close the loop.
34. [N] things that feel illegal to know.
35. Here's what nobody tells you about [topic].
36. I can't believe no one told me this.
37. Here's the hidden truth about [situation].
38. Here's what I wish I knew before I started.
39. Here's a secret I learned the hard way.
40. Here's what happened when I tried [action].
41. I can't believe more people aren't talking about this.
42. Here's a trick nobody tells you about [topic].
> Example: "Here's what nobody tells you about handmade businesses."
### 6. Listicle / Number Hook
A specific count promises a clear, skimmable payoff. Odd numbers and small numbers test best.
43. [N] things about [niche] I wish I knew earlier.
44. [N] [niche] tools that save you hundreds of hours.
45. [N] surprising facts about [topic] that will [outcome].
46. Here are [N] signs that you should [action].
47. [N] ways to level up your [area].
48. [N] steps to master [skill] that lead to [benefit].
49. Here are [N] tips to [outcome].
50. [N] things you need to stop doing right now.
> Example: "5 things I wish I knew before I opened my shop."
### 7. Secret / Insider
Promises access to gated knowledge. Works when you have real insider standing.
51. [Industry] does not want you to know this secret.
52. Here's the secret to [outcome].
53. Here's a secret I haven't shared before.
54. Exposing my secret to [result].
55. Here's a secret [experts] don't want you to know.
56. The secret to [topic] is [secret most people skip].
> Example: "Here's the secret to candles that fill a whole room."
### 8. Audience Callout / Pattern Interrupt
Names the exact reader. The right person feels spoken to and stops.
57. [Specific group], stop scrolling.
58. Attention [group], you need to see this.
59. [Target audience] will never admit these secrets.
60. Calling all [group]: [promise].
61. 99% of [audience] don't understand this.
62. 98% of [niche] gets this wrong. Maybe you do too.
63. [Specific group], don't [action]. Here's why.
> Example: "Small candle makers, stop scrolling."
### 9. Question Hook
A question the reader answers in their head. Mental commitment keeps them watching.
64. Did you know [shocking statistic]?
65. Are you still [common action]?
66. Ever wonder why [pain point] keeps happening?
67. Are you tired of [frustration]? Try this.
68. Have you ever felt [specific emotion]?
69. Do you know the secret to [achieving something]?
70. Ever wondered how to [goal]? Let me show you.
71. Are you making this mistake with [task]?
> Example: "Are you still buying candles that die in a week?"
### 10. Transformation / Before-After / Story
A change over time. The gap between before and after is the hook.
72. Here's the before and after of [project].
73. Brace yourself for the transformation in my [area].
74. How I [achieved result] without [common requirement].
75. Here's how I turned my failure into success.
76. I challenged myself to [hard thing]. Here's what happened.
77. I did [thing] for a week. Here's what happened.
78. Here's a simple habit that transformed my [life / health / work].
79. A day in the life of a [profession] making [money] a month.
> Example: "How I sold out 200 candles without spending a dollar on ads."
### 11. Speed / Effortless How-To
Low effort plus fast result. Removes the reason to scroll past.
80. Here's how to [goal] in just [short time].
81. Here's how to [goal] without [common obstacle].
82. Here's how to [goal] with zero experience.
83. Here's how to [task] like a [pro].
84. Here's a [time frame] hack for [task].
85. Here's how to [goal] on a budget.
86. Here's how to get [desired item] for free.
87. Here's a shortcut to [goal].
88. Here's how to [achieve result] faster than ever.
> Example: "Here's how to scent-test a candle in 60 seconds."
### 12. Urgency / FOMO / Stop-Scroll
A reason to act now. Use sparingly — overuse trains the audience to ignore it.
89. Don't scroll if you want to [achieve something].
90. Don't scroll past this if you want [benefit].
91. Everyone needs to know this.
92. Here's your sign to try [activity].
93. Don't miss [opportunity].
94. This changes everything about [topic].
95. Save this for [the moment you'll need it].
> Example: "Don't scroll if you want your candles to actually sell."
### 13. Confession / Vulnerable
Drop the persona. A real admission earns trust and 3-10x normal engagement.
96. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but [admission].
97. Don't hate me, but [hard truth].
98. Here's a tough pill that [audience] can't swallow.
99. I have to confess something I've avoided saying.
100. I used to [do thing wrong]. Now I swear by [the fix].
> Example: "I almost shut down my shop in March. Here's what saved it."
## Hook-Writing Rules
Apply these to every hook before returning it:
- **Specific beats abstract.** "I tested 47 scents" beats "I tested many scents." Always fill placeholders with real numbers, names, and moments.
- **First word is the strongest word.** Lead with the number, the name, or the surprise. Cut "so," "okay," "today I want to talk about."
- **Could it stand alone as a tweet?** If the hook only makes sense with the body, it's too weak.
- **No filler.** Cut "really," "very," "just," "actually," "basically."
- **No generic AI openers.** Never "In today's fast-paced world," "Let me tell you," "Are you ready to," or "Picture this."
- **One hook, one idea.** Do not stack two hooks. Pick the strongest.
## What NOT to Do
- Don't return a hook with placeholders left unfilled. Fill every `[bracket]` with a real specific.
- Don't dump the whole library on the user. Return 1 strong hook plus 2 alternates.
- Don't pick a generic category (Listicle, Question) when the topic has a strong opinion or a real number — those map to higher-ceiling categories (Contrarian, Receipt).
- Don't reuse the same category for every post in a batch. Vary the patterns so a feed of posts doesn't read as formulaic.
