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
- I didn't realize how bad my problem was until I tried this.
- If you annoying habit every night, this is for you.
- POV: it's 3am and you're still problem.
- The reason you can't goal isn't common excuse.
- I used to spend time a day on task. Now it takes short time.
- Nobody told me problem could be fixed with an app.
- Stop bad habit. Do this instead.
Show the app doing it
- This app just surprising result in time.
- I typed input into this app and it result.
- Watch what happens when I action in app.
- The app I open every morning before I do anything else.
- Apps that feel illegal to know about, part n.
- Things I didn't know my phone could do: feature.
- This is the only category app I haven't deleted.
Put it next to the alternatives
- I tried n category apps so you don't have to.
- Popular app vs your app: which one actually result?
- Stop paying for expensive alternative. Use this.
- The free app that replaced my paid thing.
- Why I switched from old way to app after time.
- Old way took me time. App took time.
- Underrated apps that are better than the famous ones.
Make them curious
- My therapist / coach / doctor told me to download this.
- The app my friends keep asking me about.
- I found the app type of person use and nobody talks about.
- Day n of using app to goal. Here's what changed.
- I wish I found this app time ago.
- Delete app everyone has and get this instead.
- This is your sign to finally goal.
Speak to one person
- If you're a specific person who struggle, you need this.
- Apps every student / new mom / freelancer should have.
- For the people who relatable detail: I found your app.
- Tell me you trait without telling me. I'll start: app.
- If your thing looks like this, download app.
- The category app built for people who hate category apps.
- 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
All hook typesThe 9 kinds of hooks, with templatesUGC hooks for brands30 UGC hook templates for brands and creatorsTikTok slideshow hooks30 first-slide hooks for TikTok and Instagram carousel slideshowsStorytelling hooks25 storytelling hook templates for TikTok, Reels and ShortsEducational hooks25 educational and myth-busting hook templates for short-form video
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.