You usually have about 3 seconds to make an impression and have someone stop scrolling past your ad. Those 3 seconds? Thats your hook.

But how does a hook actually work and how do you get the buyers attention?

Let’s break it down and give it down and give you 7 examples you can try today.

What is an ad hook?

Its the opening message or idea that gets the buyers attention. It can be the headline on your image or the first line of your caption. A good hook speaks directly to the buyer’s desires, concerns, and fears, it makes them want to stop or react or read more.

What makes a hook work?

Relevance: should feel personal

Clarity: easy to understand

Emotion: making them feel something (relief, FOMO)

Contrast: breaking the pattern, surprising them

Specificity: makes it more believable and compelling

Here are some of the most common winning ad hook examples that you can copy and make your own:

1. “Still using [outdated solution]? Here’s what you’re missing.”

2. “We turned [problem] into a 2-minute fix — here’s how.”

3. “What nobody tells you about [insert problem your customer has].”

4. “Real talk: [frustrating truth your audience relates to]”

5. “I tried [product] so you don’t have to — here’s what happened.”

6. “5 reasons your [routine/strategy] isn’t working.”

7. “Only 4 left. Shipping today, delivery tomorrow”

Final thoughts: the hook is only the beginning

Its what earns the customer clicks or scrolls but what comes next is just as importantly. Always make sure to pair the hook with a clear benefit, a relevant offer and a seamless user experience. make sure to always test 3 to 5 hooks per campaign. don’t just go for clicks, make sure the rest of the ad delivers the hooks promise