Arbitrage Hooks That Actually Grab Attention
Don't buy this product
Reverse psychology works like a charm. The viewer instantly tilts: Why not buy it? What’s wrong with it? — and boom, they’re watching. A classic trick using the psychology of scarcity and prohibition.
Unboxing
Emotional, engaging, product-focused. Add some intrigue — why, for whom, what’s the purpose — and you’ve got the viewer hooked till the end. You can frame it as A gift for myself or What I got for $1 on AliExpress.
Scroll fatigue
A real pain point. Everyone’s stuck in the scroll loop — so hit them with: Been searching for an hour? Stop scrolling. This is it. Then deliver the solution.
Show, don’t tell
Demonstration is king. Whether it’s software, a gadget, or cosmetics — show it in motion, or on a real person. Nobody cares what it does, they care how it works and who it helps.
Viral fun
Memes, fails, trashy humor — you’re instantly viral. Just make sure the product fits the narrative. Example: Girl dancing — slips — transitions to a product that saves the day.
Progress bar
Stupidly simple and genius. Viewers get subconsciously hooked — the progress bar promises the end is near, so they stay till the finish.
Text animation
Always a winner. Strengthens perception, structures the content, and directs the viewer’s focus. Even better with voiceover + captions + motion.
Extra Creative Hooks That Drive Profit
Comparison/Battle
iPhone vs Xiaomi, Budget mascara vs Luxury brand, Free VPN vs Paid. The viewer locks in — the brain is dying to figure out: Where’s the better deal?
Oh, what’s that you’ve got?
A casual, everyday provocation. Example: A girl in the elevator glances over — Hey, what’s that on your wrist? — BAM, it’s a smartwatch, gadget, or supplement. Perfect for Stories and Shorts.
Secret method / No one talks about this
The insider trigger. People love knowing something others don’t. Like: How I save $100 a month or The reason I stopped paying for Netflix. Just make sure the opening line hooks hard.
Weird at first, then makes sense
The first shot makes the viewer go WTF?! — then the explanation kicks in. It could be a weird visual, a sound, or something that breaks expectations. The goal: snap the viewer out of the scroll trance.
Not an ad (but it is)
Format: This isn’t an ad, just wanted to share…
Works especially well in vlog-style or UGC content. The viewer thinks: This is just a regular person talking, and they lean in. Inside, you can hide any promo you want.