Hooks for app videos

Apps have one job in the first second: make someone feel the problem the app solves. These hooks do that, then earn the right to show the screen.

Updated September 29, 2026

Start with the problem

  1. I didn't realize how bad my problem was until I tried this.
  2. If you annoying habit every night, this is for you.
  3. POV: it's 3am and you're still problem.
  4. The reason you can't goal isn't common excuse.
  5. I used to spend time a day on task. Now it takes short time.
  6. Nobody told me problem could be fixed with an app.
  7. Stop bad habit. Do this instead.

Show the app doing it

  1. This app just surprising result in time.
  2. I typed input into this app and it result.
  3. Watch what happens when I action in app.
  4. The app I open every morning before I do anything else.
  5. Apps that feel illegal to know about, part n.
  6. Things I didn't know my phone could do: feature.
  7. This is the only category app I haven't deleted.

Put it next to the alternatives

  1. I tried n category apps so you don't have to.
  2. Popular app vs your app: which one actually result?
  3. Stop paying for expensive alternative. Use this.
  4. The free app that replaced my paid thing.
  5. Why I switched from old way to app after time.
  6. Old way took me time. App took time.
  7. Underrated apps that are better than the famous ones.

Make them curious

  1. My therapist / coach / doctor told me to download this.
  2. The app my friends keep asking me about.
  3. I found the app type of person use and nobody talks about.
  4. Day n of using app to goal. Here's what changed.
  5. I wish I found this app time ago.
  6. Delete app everyone has and get this instead.
  7. This is your sign to finally goal.

Speak to one person

  1. If you're a specific person who struggle, you need this.
  2. Apps every student / new mom / freelancer should have.
  3. For the people who relatable detail: I found your app.
  4. Tell me you trait without telling me. I'll start: app.
  5. If your thing looks like this, download app.
  6. The category app built for people who hate category apps.
  7. Save this if you goal but always obstacle.

How to use these hooks

  • Say the problem out loud and show it on screen in the same second: most people watch with the sound off.
  • Show the app by second 3. The longer the phone stays off screen, the more it feels like a bait and switch.
  • One hook per video. Test 3 to 5 hooks on the same body before changing anything else.

More hooks

Questions

What's a good hook for an app ad?

Lead with the problem the app solves, in the viewer's words, then show the app fixing it within 3 seconds. “I used to spend an hour a day on [task]. Now it takes 5 minutes” works because it promises a before and after the viewer can picture.

Should app videos show the app in the first frame?

Usually not the very first frame. Open on the problem or a face, then show the screen by second 2 or 3. Opening on a UI screenshot reads as an ad and gets skipped.

How many hooks should I test per app video?

3 to 5 hooks on the same body video. Keep everything after the hook identical so you know the hook is what changed the result.