How to Maximise the first 3 seconds of any video

As Black Friday approaches, promo content is in full swing, so it feels fitting to focus this blog on a crucial aspect of any successful reel or video: the first three seconds, also known as ‘the hook.’ Without a strong hook and the advice from Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram, you might be setting your content up for failure. Let’s break down these simple, actionable steps to ensure your videos capture attention from the start.

The Importance of a Hook 

A hook in a reel is crucial because it grabs the viewer's attention right from the start, encouraging them to keep watching. We all know how easy it is to quickly scroll through our feeds, so those first few seconds is a very small window to make a good first impression. Creating an engaging hook can maximise reach, drive interaction, and ensures your message resonates with your target audience.  

Adam Mosseri’s Tips to creating a Hook:  

• Use Text:  

• using text at the beginning of a video grasps attention straight away, especially for those who don’t have their sound on. 

• Set Expectations: 

Providing an idea of what the video will consist of, at the very beginning, will give people an indication on whether they should watch for longer if it is a subject that resonates with them.    

• Experiment with different kind of hooks: 

Mosseri recommends trying different kinds of hooks until you find the version that works best for your business or audience.  

Examples: 

• “Did you know you could do THIS with (product/service)?" 

• "Here’s why your (subject) isn’t working the way you want it to…" 

• "3 things you didn't know about (topic)!" 

To Wrap Up: 

If you only post videos with a clear hook, you’ll see a performance increase in both organic content and paid ads on social. Taking on this style of content will be a game changer! Especially with Black Friday around the corner, thousands of brands will be trying to promote their sales, make your promotion content stand out with these tips. And remember, if you ever want to hand over the reins of your social media to us, you know where to find us! Until next time...