Hook & Caption Engine
Generate high-converting hooks and optimized captions that improve retention and engagement. Built specifically for Shorts creators, not generic AI tools.
đź’° How This Helps You Profit:
Hooks that stop the scroll in the first 3 seconds can increase retention by 40-60%, directly boosting your video's performance in the algorithm. Better retention = more views, higher subscriber conversion, and increased ad revenue. Our hooks are tested for Shorts/Reels, not generic social media.
Input
Output
Enter your video topic and generate hooks and captions.
Best Practices for Hooks & Captions
Hook Selection Strategy
The first hook variation is typically the strongest for retention—it's designed to stop the scroll immediately. However, test different hooks to see what resonates with your audience. The question format works well for educational content, while transformation hooks work for before/after content.
- • Use question hooks for educational/explainer content
- • Use transformation hooks for before/after or results content
- • Use tutorial hooks for how-to or step-by-step content
- • Test different hooks and track which performs best
Emphasis Words Placement
Emphasis words should appear at the exact moment you're saying them in the video. These words carry the most meaning and should be visually highlighted. Use larger font, bold styling, or contrasting colors for emphasis words.
- • Sync emphasis words with spoken words in your video
- • Use 20-30% larger font size for emphasis words
- • Consider using contrasting colors (white text on colored background)
- • Don't overuse emphasis—highlight only the most important words
Caption Timing Precision
The timing suggestions are based on optimal retention patterns. Early captions (0-4s) are critical—viewers decide whether to continue watching in these first seconds. Late captions (12-20s) should reinforce key points and include CTAs.
- • Hook captions must appear within the first 2 seconds
- • Main value captions should appear during the value delivery (4-12s)
- • CTA captions work best in the final 20% of your video
- • Platform differences: Instagram Reels need faster captions than YouTube Shorts
CTA Selection
Choose a CTA that matches your video's primary goal. If you want saves, use "Save this." If you want follows, use "Follow for more." If you want engagement, use "Comment your experience." Don't use multiple CTAs—pick one clear action.
- • Use "Save this" for valuable, reference-worthy content
- • Use "Follow for more" when you have consistent content
- • Use "Comment" when you want to start a conversation
- • Keep CTAs simple and actionable—one clear action per video
Platform-Specific Tips
YouTube Shorts
- • Captions can be slightly longer and more detailed
- • Viewers expect educational value—use captions to reinforce learning
- • Hook timing: 0-2s is acceptable (slightly more forgiving than Reels)
- • Include hashtags in caption but keep them minimal
- • CTAs work well at 15-20s mark
Instagram Reels
- • Captions must appear faster—users scroll quickly
- • Hook timing: 0-1.5s is critical
- • Use emojis strategically but don't overdo it
- • Include relevant hashtags (3-5 is optimal)
- • CTAs work best at 12-15s mark
- • Visual appeal matters more—make captions aesthetically pleasing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hook Appears Too Late
If your hook caption appears after 3 seconds, you've lost most viewers. The hook must be visible in the first 1-2 seconds.
Overusing Emphasis Words
If every word is emphasized, nothing stands out. Use emphasis sparingly—only for the most important words (3-5 per video).
Caption Text Too Small
Captions should be readable on mobile screens. Use at least 48px font size for main text, 60px+ for emphasis words.
Multiple CTAs
Asking viewers to "save, follow, comment, and subscribe" is overwhelming. Pick one clear CTA per video.
Ignoring Platform Differences
YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels have different viewer behaviors. Don't use the same caption strategy for both platforms.