10 Best Performing Ad Hooks: Examples That Actually Work

Audiences scroll faster than ever. So, the first five seconds of your video often determine if someone leaves or becomes a loyal customer. If your hook on Meta or TikTok misses the mark, you waste ad spend while competitors grow.

Algorithms now prioritize engagement: if people stop to watch, your reach expands and your CPM drops. Here are the psychological strategies that capture attention immediately.

Psychological ad hook strategies that stop the scroll

Algorithms prioritize engagement. If people stop to watch, your reach expands and your CPM drops. These five psychological strategies capture attention immediately

• Curiosity hooks interrupt scrolling by creating information gaps. Use phrases like "I cannot believe I didn't discover this earlier" or "Have you been doing this wrong your whole life?"

• Pain-point hooks filter for high-intent audiences. Try "Struggling with [problem]? Here's a solution", "Stop wasting money on [ineffective solution]! Try this instead", or "Tired of wasting time on [task]? This will save you hours."

• Storytelling hooks bypass resistance by sharing transformation. Try these. "Here's the story of how I went from [struggle] to [success]" "I was skeptical about [product], but then I tried it, here's what happened" "You won't believe what happened when I tried this…"

• Urgency hooks drive immediate action with commands. Use "Stop scrolling!", "Do this now if you want to [achieve result]", "Drop everything and try this!", or "Follow these 3 steps to [desired goal]."

• Social proof and FOMO hooks establish instant trust. Leverage phrases like "Over 10,000 people are already doing this, why not you?", "You'll regret missing this trend in 2026", "Don't get left behind, this is the future of [industry]", or "Everyone's raving about this product, here's why."

10 real-world examples of best performing ad hooks

Stop guessing what works. We analyzed millions of data points to bring you actual creatives generating serious revenue right now. These are not just "nice ideas". These are proven winners with massive spend and view counts.

These ads stop the scroll, drive clicks, and scale effectively. Adapt these angles to your brand and launch with confidence. Here is a breakdown of 10 top contenders dominating the feed in 2026.

1. Funko Europe

Personalization is a powerful hook. Funko Europe nails it with their "Pop Yourself!" campaign, inviting fans to customize a Funko Pop for friends and family. The ad taps into the customization experience hook. This turns passive viewers into active participants by offering a unique, personal product.

The results speak for themselves: 34.1 million views and 50 duplicates. The duplication count signals strong performance and scaling potential. This hook isn't about selling a collectible. It sells the joy of gifting something truly one-of-a-kind to the people you love.

2. Oral-B

Lead with the pain point. Oral-B opens with a relatable question: "Sensitive gums?" before offering the solution: "Switch to Oral-B-I-O. For healthier gums in one week." The specific timeframe lowers skepticism and sparks curiosity.

This ad earned 23.0 million views and spent $207.4K, reaching over 800 million people. The "one week" claim stands out as tangible and fast, beating vague promises from competitors. The "Switch to" command drives immediate action, making this a direct response masterclass in personal care.

3. Fiido

Authentic enthusiasm sells. Fiido partners with influencer Kerllenrego, who opens with genuine excitement. Guys I am very excited about my new electric bike. This "Influencer Testimonial" hook feels personal and relatable, not scripted.

With 2.1 million reach and only $18K spent, this ad proves influencer collaborations can deliver strong efficiency. The hook works because it feels like a friend sharing a discovery, not a brand pushing a product. That authenticity removes friction and builds instant trust.

4. Halara Spain

Tap into cultural shifts. Halara Spain opens with a bold statement: Good-bye skinny jeans, these are the new pants to wear. This trend disruption hook instantly grabs attention by declaring the end of an era. It positions their product as the must-have replacement.

With 658K views and only $5.9K spent, this ad delivers solid efficiency for a fashion brand. The hook works because it speaks to a real style shift happening in culture, making viewers feel they need to catch up. It creates urgency without discounts or limited-time offers.

5. Popilush

With 4.3 million views, this ad proves that leading with empathy works. The hook positions Popilush as the answer to a common pain point. This makes the product feel like a discovery rather than a sales pitch. It builds rapport before the sell even begins

6. Samsung

Timing is crucial. Samsung targets those who may have slipped on their New Year goals with a "Seasonal Imperative" hook. The ad opens with: "Time for a comeback? Reignite your resolution!"

With 5.9 million views and $52K in ad spend, this campaign delivers strong efficiency. Samsung transforms self-doubt into motivation with the Galaxy Watch8 and S25 Ultra. These tools help you get back on track. The hook acknowledges failure without judgment, then offers a path forward.

7. Shopify

Real journeys resonate. Shopify features a creator sharing their entrepreneurial challenge. We gave ourselves one year to get this dialed in from idea to finished product that we can actually start selling. This "Founder Journey" hook pulls viewers into an authentic story of hustle and ambition.

This ad proves storytelling sells. The hook makes viewers root for the outcome, positioning Shopify as the behind-the-scenes enabler of dreams. It shifts focus from software features to the human journey of building something real.

8. FTMO

Keep it simple and direct. FTMO uses a no-nonsense hook: "Master your trading strategy. Start free trial. A direct CTA cuts through noise by addressing the trader's goal and removing friction with free entry.

The hook works because it promises skill improvement, not just profits, which feels more achievable and builds trust. The free trial offer lowers the barrier to entry, turning curiosity into action.

9. Notion

Authority drives credibility. Notion features Cursor's CEO stating: using the best AI-native tools is an important competitive advantage. This hook leverages a respected tech leader to validate Notion as essential for forward-thinking professionals.

With 33 days running, this ad shows sustained performance and scaling potential. The hook works because it taps into the fear of falling behind in the AI race. When a fellow tech CEO vouches for a tool, it carries weight that traditional advertising cannot match.

10. Mystery Shirt in a Box

Curiosity and social proof combined. Mystery Shirt in a Box opens with an unboxing reaction: I can't believe that this is the shirt I got. I've heard so many good things about this company. This unboxing reveal hook builds anticipation while validating the brand through word-of-mouth reputation.

With 2 million views and only $18K ad spend, this ad delivers strong efficiency. The hook works because it combines the dopamine hit of an unboxing with genuine surprise and social validation. Viewers want to experience that same excitement, driving clicks and conversions.

Tailor your video hooks for ads across different platforms

You can’t just reuse the same video from Meta on TikTok and expect success. Each platform has different scrolling speeds and audience expectations. To stay ahead, adapt your hook style for each platform.

Adjust pacing for the rapid scroll speed of TikTok and Reels users

On TikTok and Reels, you must grab attention within 3 seconds.

• The 3-Second Rule: Audiences scroll quickly. Start with a powerful visual or a "pattern interrupt" in the first frame to stop the thumb.

• Curiosity gaps: Use hooks that provoke immediate questions, like “I cannot believe I didn’t discover this earlier…” or “What happens next will shock you…” These increase retention significantly.

• Algorithm advantage: Platforms reward immediate watch time. Fast-paced hooks boost your delivery, lowering CPMs and increasing reach.

Optimize visual hooks for sound-off viewing using dynamic text overlays

Many viewers watch with the sound off. If your hook depends on audio, you lose them immediately.

• Dynamic typography: Use large, animated text in the center, not just subtitles at the bottom.

• Problem/solution visuals: Show the "Before" state right away. It delivers the message instantly.

• The "secret" angle: Display bold phrases like “The one secret experts won’t tell you” to tempt viewers to turn sound on.

Format UGC specifically for authenticity on Meta platforms

User-Generated Content works best if it looks native. Polished videos reduce trust.

• Trust and FOMO: Use hooks signaling social proof. Phrases like “Over 10,000 people are already doing this, why not you?” sound credible when spoken by relatable creators.

• Storytelling framework: Hook with transformation stories like “I was skeptical about it, but then I tried” to create emotional connection and keep viewers engaged.

• Test and learn: Film multiple creator hooks for the same script. A/B test "Problem-Agitation" versus "Direct Benefit" hooks, then invest in the winner.

Test different aspect ratios to maximize screen space

Screen space affects how much attention your ad grabs.

• Vertical (9:16): Essential for Reels, TikTok, and Stories. Vertical video (like FTMO’s) fully immerses users and blocks distractions.

• Square (1:1): Works well on Facebook and Instagram feeds. Square videos occupy more vertical space on mobile and look native on desktop.

• Match format to intent: Top advertisers run multiple formats at once. Vertical for discovery, square/carousel for retargeting where more information or a call-to-action is needed.

Match your creative format to how users consume content. Stop wasting money on “one-size-fits-all” ads and focus on platform-specific strategies for better ROI.

Avoid common mistakes that kill hook performance

Having the best product and a large budget won’t help if your hook creates friction. In that case, you end up wasting your ad spend without returns. Many growth managers fail at execution. It’s not enough to just have a video; you must avoid traps that cause users to swipe past your content.

Audit your current creatives against these four critical errors to get ahead of competitors with less effort.

Stop trying to be too clever instead of being clear and direct

Many think "viral" means "artistic" or "complex." It doesn’t. Simplicity wins every time. Using clever metaphors or abstract openings forces users to think. In fast-scrolling feeds, thinking means scrolling past your content. Your audience must understand exactly what’s happening immediately.

Use language that is relatable and direct. For example: instead of a poetic opening about time passing, say "Tired of wasting time on [task]? This will save you hours." The goal is not to impress but to solve a problem or spark curiosity instantly. Confusing your audience loses them.

Eliminate slow intros that fail to grab attention in the first 3 seconds

Content consumption moves faster than ever. You have roughly 3 seconds to capture attention or lose viewers. Avoid slow fades, logos, or creator intros like "Hi, my name is..." These cost you views before the video even starts.

Your hook must be the first thing viewers see, a striking visual or a burning question that makes them stop scrolling. Platforms like Meta and TikTok reward engagement.

If viewers don't watch past three seconds, the algorithm reduces your ad's reach drastically. Use TikTok adspy tools to research what hooks are working on the platform right now.

Avoid clickbait that leads to high bounce rates and poor ROAS

High click rates don’t matter if they don’t convert. Bait-and-switch tactics trick viewers but hurt your Return on Ad Spend.

A strong hook keeps viewers interested, not just clicking. Better results come from an audience truly interested in what you offer.

If your hook promises a result like "Say goodbye to [pain point] once and for all," deliver it right away in the video. Empty engagement won’t scale. Validate ideas with data and capture attention that drives real conversions.

Ensure your hook aligns perfectly with the landing page offer

A great hook only works if it matches the ad and funnel that follow. One common cause of funnel leaks is a mismatch between the hook’s promise and the landing page. If your hook says "Free Guide" but the landing page demands a $50 purchase, you lose trust immediately.

Spy on competitors ads. Check labels or URL parameters to see if campaigns target awareness or direct conversion. Make sure your creative matches the goal. When clicking your ads, compare the message with the landing page. Mismatched messaging or aggressive upsells cause major drop-offs.

Launch confidently by making sure your visual hook sets clear expectations that the landing page fulfills.

Use Trendtrack to identify the best performing ad hooks with real data

You need firm data to back your creative choices. Trendtrack shifts you from I think this looks good to I know this makes money. It combines store traffic insights with detailed ad performance metrics. Use Trendtrack systematically to spy on competitor ads.

Leverage the ad library to track competitors’ active campaigns

With the Brandtracker feature, you see a competitor’s strategy in real-time, not just a static gallery. The Timeline tab reveals when an ad launched, paused, or scaled. That shows their "testing cadence." For example:

• Did they launch 15 variations on Tuesday? They’re aggressive.

• Paused everything but one video on Friday? That’s their winner.

Don’t just watch videos. Analyze the scripts. Advanced insights give you access to Transcripts and a Headlines table. This filters out visual noise and reveals which text triggers the algorithm.

You can spot headlines with the longest running status, allowing you to copy the structure of a winning hook without plagiarizing.

Filter by high ad spend and duration to confirm winning strategies

Confidently launch campaigns by cutting through the noise. Anyone can start an ad; only profitable brands keep them running.

Apply the "Safety First" Strategy. Filter ads to "Status: Active" and "Days Running: Min 30 days." Ads running a month show proven success.

For more aggressive filtering, use these:

• High Page Spend in the last 24h

• Over €1,000 spent in the last 7 days

If competitors spend that much, they’re not guessing. Track the Duplicates count too. High duplicates signal scaling campaigns.

Cross-reference ad performance with traffic data to verify profitability

High views don’t equal profit. Trendtrack stands out by overlaying shop performance on ad creatives. Check the Shops tab:

• Review stores’ Monthly Visits and Traffic Growth

• Ensure their Ads Growth exceeds 20% over 30 days

Compare these with revenue estimates and traffic trends. This ensures you model hooks from businesses growing sustainably, not just burning cash on empty impressions. Study the top DTC brands to execute winning strategies backed by real data.

Analyze High-Performing Ads

Study what makes ads successful. Filter by spend, format, and even pixel setups to find winning ad creative that you can adapt for your business.

Start to track now

Analyze landing page alignment to grasp the full customer journey

The hook earns clicks, but the landing page closes sales. You cannot judge a hook alone. Use the Landing Pages section in Brandtracker to see where ads send traffic.

Look for:

• Specific Ecommerce Technology and Shopify Apps on the page

• Whether top shops use apps like Kaching for bundles or Loox for reviews, reinforcing trust immediately after the hook

If the hook promises, the landing page should confirm that with trust badges or review apps. This alignment often drives a high return on ad spend. You can to spot these viral trends instantly. Install the free Trendtrack Chrome extension to analyze quickly.

Use the Shops feature to spot viral product trends early

Catch new trends before they saturate the market. The "Signal Sniper" technique filters Trending Shops for:

• Pages created less than 6 months ago

• Shops with High 24h Spend

This isolates new, aggressive entrants exploiting market "glitches" and scaling fast.

Alternatively, track "Aggressive Scalers" by filtering shops with Ads Growth > 20% over 30 days. These competitors may have discovered fresh angles, like Samsung’s seasonal campaign, and are doubling down.

Monitoring these metrics daily feeds your media testing with data-backed angles working now, not outdated ideas.

Organize Your Research

Save searches, create folders for ads, and follow specific stores. Keep all your competitive intelligence organized and accessible.

Start to track now

Final thoughts

The best performing ad hooks share one trait. They stop the scroll in under 3 seconds by tapping into curiosity, pain points, or social proof. Use the examples and psychological strategies from this guide as your creative foundation.

Tailor hooks for each platform, avoid common pitfalls like slow intros and clickbait. Validate your ideas with real spend data using tools like Trendtrack. Start testing today, and let the data guide your next winning creative.