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and write stronger titles with vidIQ.

Did you know that the right video introduction can 

? It’s true. We call these "hooks", and good hooks have the power to grab viewers' attention in the first three seconds. In this guide you’ll get hook ideas, examples, and a simple way to make a good hook fast.

It’s important to quickly grab someone's attention, especially with a Short, to stop them from swiping to the next video. 

Paddy Galloway discovered that the best-performing Shorts have between 70% and 90% of people viewing versus swiping away from them.

The Psychology Behind Effective YouTube Hooks for Shorts

The best hooks for YouTube Shorts work because they tap into how our brains naturally process information. Within the first 1-3 seconds, viewers make a split-second choice: keep watching or swipe away. A hook video for Shorts that triggers curiosity, creates urgency, or breaks expected patterns will capture attention and hold it. Creators who understand these psychological principles see noticeably higher retention rates.

The best hooks use simple triggers that connect with people:

 - We want to know the missing details when something is left unsaid

 - A feeling that you might miss out on something cool

 - When a video surprises you by breaking the usual flow

 - People tend to follow what others find interesting

Many top creators use strategies like these to set up their YouTube hooks. For instance, saying "Have you heard about..." makes viewers want to learn more. Similarly, phrases like "They don't want you to know this secret" mix curiosity and a sense of rarity, increasing viewer interest.

When you create your YouTube Shorts intro ideas, think about which trigger fits your content best. A step-by-step guide might use a clear, useful hook, while fun videos might lean on curiosity or surprise.

Before you post, run your hook through this checklist:

 If it needs a second sentence to make sense, it's too complex.

 The viewer should know who it's for right away.

Build your opening using three parts that work together: visual + text + verbal. When all three reinforce the same message, viewers "get it" instantly.

 A surprising frame, strong emotion, unusual object, clear result, or action in progress. Show the payoff, not the setup.

3-7 words that sharpen the promise—highlight a result, mistake, secret, or comparison.

5-10 words that deliver the promise clearly and directly.

This is the fastest way to create a hook that feels intentional, not random.

Now that you know how to make a good YouTube hook, here are 18 viral hook ideas to help you out!

As an opening line, “have you heard about” creates a healthy dose of FOMO on YouTube, which stands for "fear of missing out." No one likes to be excluded, so this hook summons a viewer’s natural curiosity.

 (see what we did there? 😉) In the Short below, he immediately asks, “Have you heard about the world’s loneliest toilet?” Most people would say no, and that alone propels them to watch the video. It has over 

2. “They Don’t Want You to Know This Secret…”

This hook has enticing qualities, all of which can make a Short go viral in no time. It's got conspiracy, intrigue, and an “us versus them” dynamic happening all at once. As long as you don't use bad clickbait, this hook should get you more YouTube views.

 after claiming that “Apple doesn’t want people to know” about this password hack for iPhones:

3. “You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This…”

This hook is a straight-up challenge for your audience. You’re asking them to prove whether they know a random fact or not, which sort of feels like a game! It's as if they've been called out, and now they have to answer the call by watching your video.

 with this hook. He claims that viewers have “never seen a pair of headphones like the HHOGene GPods,” and he may be right. Millions of people stuck around to see what all the hype was about.

4. “I Never Do THIS, and Here’s Why…”

When someone says they never do something, they’re about to share an unpopular opinion. This can be intriguing on YouTube, as many creators repeat the same ideas and beliefs they've heard elsewhere!

 has a popular Short using this magic phrase. In it, 

 says, “I never buy silk, and this is the strange reason why.” The intro must have worked because the video has over 

“Do’s and don’ts when it comes to [topic]..."

5. “This Is the Best Product I’ve Ever Used…”

In just a few words, this hook tells us a valuable recommendation is on the way — maybe even for a life-changing product. But viewers have to keep watching until the product is revealed, making this excellent hook for 

Here’s another example from Mrwhosetheboss. He opens the video by saying, “This is the most powerful charger I’ve ever laid hands on.” Instinctively, you want to keep watching to see which charger he’s talking about. The video has 

6. “I Was ‘Today Years Old’ When I Found This Out…”

"I was today years old" is a humorous way to reveal something you just learned. Maybe you didn’t know a drink tote from Chik-fil-a 

Starting a video with this phrase helps you establish common ground and shows that you’re learning alongside the viewer. It’s no wonder a creator like 

 explaining that “news” is an acronym (Notable Events, Weather and Sport).

Do viewers ask you the same questions repeatedly? The next time you make a Short, kick off the video by saying, “Questions I get asked a lot." This implies that you have something relevant to say, and viewers should stick around to hear it.

 answering questions about his experience as a male nurse.

This phrase should catch anyone's attention because most people use Google in 2025. Plus, the phrase “I asked Google” brings so many questions to mind. What did the person search for? What did the results say? Did they learn something funny, shocking, or interesting?

 on a long-jumping video. He asked Google “what the longest jump in history is,” and then attempted to break the long-jump record.

Sometimes, you just can’t beat practicality. If you have a how-to channel, “three things I do before” is the hook you need to provide value and solve problems for your audience.

 “Quick Travel Tips.” She starts out by saying, “Here are three things I do before every flight, coming from a lawyer who travels six months out of the year.” She speaks directly to travelers and builds credibility by saying how often she travels.

10. “Try This to [Accomplish Goal]...”

“Try this” is a typical call to action on YouTube. It catches a viewer’s attention because the phrase empowers them to learn something new.

 by simply saying, “Try this to get more views on your next YouTube Short.” It’s quick, simple, and works wonders for grabbing attention.

This hook has an element of surprise, which works well for captivating viewers in the first three seconds. But more than that, it promises a rare piece of knowledge you can’t get if you swipe away!

This intro worked well for Nas Daily, who asked a simple question: “Did you know this book is poisonous?” The Short was so intriguing that it got over 

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about math here. “X versus Y” refers to a “this or that” scenario, where you compare two things to see which one is better. Viewers love this intro because it sparks competition.

Again, Mrwhosetheboss sets a great example here. He asks, “The thickest phone case or the thinnest phone case: Which is actually better?” 

 couldn’t resist this two-second experiment!

The value of this hook just can’t be overstated! With three little words, you convince viewers you’re about to solve a problem, teach a skill, and empower them to accomplish their goals.

If you think “how to” content is severely overdone on YouTube, think again. Creators like 

 with openers like “how to create festive outfits.” 

Another variation of this hook is “how to do [virtually anything]...”

14. “I’m Trying This So You Don’t Have To…”

Who doesn’t love a little risk and adventure on YouTube? When you try something bold (so others don't have to), that pretty much makes you a hero! It’s also entertaining to watch a creator set up a challenge, react to it, and share the results.

Once again, Sean Andrew got people’s attention with this creative hook. He tried to survive Chinese water torture and ended up getting 

“Today we’re gonna see if it’s possible to…”

You guessed it: This hook is a variation of the almighty listicle video. Use it to recommend the best vacation spot, indoor vacuum, dog breed, or whatever’s close to your heart! People love this hook because they know they’re about to get real value.

And here’s a vidIQ example for you: “top three YouTube mistakes.”

18 YouTube Shorts hooks that help creators get more views and engagement

YouTube mobile app menu showing Home, Explore, and Shorts tabs on a smartphone screen

Pick 1 hook trigger, show payoff in frame 1, say it in 5 to 10 words, test 3 hooks per week, and keep Viewed vs Swiped Away near 70%+.

YouTube Hooks: 18 Viral Hook Ideas for YouTube Shorts (2026 Guide)

See what’s trending in your niche to pick better topics.

If you’re doing well on TikTok, you’ve already proven you can stop the scroll.

Now it's time to turn that momentum into something more: YouTube subscribers who actually watch your content, come back regularly, and think of your channel as one of their go-tos.

This is your no-nonsense TikTok to YouTube playbook. No fluff, no side quests, just the system that works.

At its core, the TikTok to YouTube funnel looks like this:

TikTok (discovery) → YouTube Shorts (bridge + home base) → Subscribe (commitment)

Here's the thing: you don't need to convert everyone. You need to move the right people, and give them a clear reason to stay.


TikTok is incredible for reach. It can put you in front of thousands of new eyeballs fast.

YouTube is where creators often build a more durable audience because:

, so viewers can engage at whatever level they're ready for

 with series and playlists, which means more binge-watching and faster subscriber growth

YouTube Lets You Build a Searchable Library, Not Just a Feed

On TikTok, most views come from what’s happening right now in the feed. On YouTube, your videos can keep getting discovered through search and recommendations long after you publish. That means every upload can become part of a content library that drives views and subscribers for months, not minutes.


When Creators Feel Uncertainty, They Diversify

Following TikTok’s U.S. ownership change, there have been reports of technical issues, censorship claims, and a spike in uninstalls.

Even if your content is unaffected, this kind of uncertainty pushes creators to build a second home for their audience. YouTube is a natural choice because it supports Shorts and lets you build a searchable library of content that can keep getting discovered over time.

TikTok vs YouTube: the Differences That Matter

Here is a basic understanding of the differences between platforms:

TikTok is mostly “show me something interesting.” YouTube has that, but also a huge “help me solve this” layer through search and suggested videos.

 YouTube viewers are more likely to subscribe when your content delivers a repeatable promise around a topic.

Shorts match TikTok viewing behavior, which makes them the easiest bridge. And yes, you can build a real audience on Shorts alone.

Long-form videos are not required, but they are a powerful way to:

convert casual viewers into loyal subscribers

TikTok is almost entirely feed-based, and interest generally dies off in 48 hours. 

: search, suggested videos, browse features, and playlists.

 On YouTube, packaging and sequencing matter more. Titles, thumbnails, playlists, and "what to watch next" all directly influence whether someone subscribes.

woman watching a TikTok video and seeing the description

How to Migrate Your TikTok Audience to YouTube

Before you ask anyone to follow you off TikTok, remove every ounce of friction between curiosity and clicking.

Link your YouTube channel clearly in your TikTok profile.

Match handle, display name, and profile photo across platforms.

Friction kills conversion. Make it obvious.

Learn More: How to grow your YouTube channel

Step 2: Set Up Your YouTube Channel for TikTok Visitors

When someone lands on your channel, they should instantly know:

About section: specific niche, simple language

Featured sections: "Start Here" and "Most Popular"

A "Start Here" playlist built specifically for TikTok visitors

Even as a Shorts-first creator, playlists still matter. You’re building a binge path.

Learn More: How to customize your YouTube channel here

Step 3: Use YouTube Shorts as Your TikTok to YouTube Bridge

Shorts convert best because they match TikTok consumption habits. But here's the rule:

even if that destination is just another Short or a playlist.

Destinations that work for Shorts-first creators:

A Shorts playlist ("Start Here: Best Shorts")

A themed playlist (tips, reactions, breakdowns, challenges)

Make Shorts designed to route viewers deeper into your channel:

Short-form series are conversion gold, even without long-form content.

Series creates a reason to subscribe even without long-form.

Step 4: Give Viewers a Reason to Switch Platforms

People don't move platforms for no reason. They move for value.

The series (organized on YouTube, not scattered across TikTok)

The archive (all your best videos in one place)

You're not asking for a favor. You're offering a better way to keep up with your content.

woman recording a video on phone in landscape mode

If you want a stronger conversion lever, add in long-form videos.

You can stay Shorts-first and still drop one deeper video a month. That alone can boost trust and subscriber conversion without overhauling your entire workflow.

ear buds next to mobile phone showing the TikTok app

Link your YouTube on TikTok, set up a “Start Here” Shorts playlist, post Shorts as a series (not random clips), route every Short to the next video/playlist, and track which Shorts drive subs.

How to Turn TikTok Followers Into YouTube Subscribers in 2026

vidIQ helps you publish smarter and grow faster.

Learning how to upload Shorts on YouTube is one of the fastest ways to reach new viewers. Shorts performance has nothing to do with your subscriber count, which means if your content is captivating enough, your chances of going viral are exponentially higher. This makes Shorts an ideal way for new creators to get discovered, but many stumble on the basics before they even hit publish.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to create YouTube Shorts, including format requirements, upload workflows, and optimization strategies.

Check out this video for a 3 minute overview on how to make YouTube Shorts.

Before you learn how to upload Shorts on YouTube, you need to understand what makes a video qualify as a Short.

A YouTube Short is a vertical video designed for the Shorts feed. These videos also appear on your channel page, in search results, and in suggested videos across YouTube.

The advantage: Shorts let you test ideas faster. You get more attempts to find what resonates with your audience than you would with long-form content alone.

 Up to 3 minutes (videos uploaded after October 15, 2024)

 Square (1:1) or vertical (9:16 is ideal)

If your video is horizontal (16:9), YouTube will categorize it as a regular video regardless of length.

How to Upload Shorts on YouTube from Desktop

Desktop upload works best when you've already edited your Short in another application like CapCut, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.

Select your file (verify it's square or vertical, 3 minutes or less)

Add your title, description, and audience settings

Choose visibility (Public, Unlisted, or Private)

Publish immediately or schedule for later

YouTube Studio handles Shorts uploads the same way as regular videos. The platform automatically detects that your video is a Short based on format and length.

How to Upload Shorts on YouTube from Mobile

The YouTube mobile app offers two paths: uploading pre-edited videos or creating Shorts directly in the app.

Add text, music, or captions using YouTube's editing tools

, enter your title and settings, then upload

If you want to create YouTube Shorts directly in the app:

Make sure the app is installed on your mobile device.

Use the red button at the bottom of the screen to start recording.

A red meter at the top shows how much recording time you have left.

You can toggle between 15-second and 3-minute recording durations using the button in the upper-right corner.

Option 1: Tap the red button to start and stop recording.

Option 2: Press and hold the record button, releasing it to finish.

Red record button on YouTube Shorts player

You can record multiple scenes as long as their combined length is under 3 minutes. Scenes are marked by white bars on the video timeline. If you make a mistake, use the backward arrow in the bottom-left corner to delete a scene or the forward arrow in the bottom-right corner to re-add it.

You can easily add popular music to your Shorts without worrying about copyright claims.

Use the search bar to find and browse music tracks. When you find the right track, tap it once to hear a preview.

Then tap the blue button with a black arrow to add the music to your Short. YouTube will take you back to the record screen.

Add sound feature on YouTube Shorts recorder

Press the red button to start recording; the music will play as you film.

You can also add music after you record and adjust the music track to start at any point in the song you’d like.

How to Use the Advanced Creative Features

On the right side of the screen, you’ll find a bunch of helpful tools.

creative features on YouTube shorts recorder

Easily switch between your phone’s front-facing and back cameras with a single tap. This is perfect for capturing different perspectives while filming.

Adjust the recording speed to create dynamic effects:

Slow things down to 0.3x for dramatic, slow-motion clips.

Speed up to 3x for fast-paced, energetic shots.

While the 0.3x setting adds drama, it may appear slightly choppy, so experiment to achieve the desired effect.

Use the timer feature to start recording hands-free. Set a countdown of 3, 10, or 20 seconds, giving you ample time to position yourself or your subject before filming begins.

This will bring up a ton of options to add alterations to your face, background, and recording style.

Replace your background seamlessly with any image or video.

Enhance your video with Instagram-style filters to match the mood or theme of your content.

Automatically adjust brightness levels to optimize your video when recording in low-light settings.

Illuminate your subject using your phone’s back camera light for better visibility in dark environments.

After recording your first clip, you’ll gain access to two powerful editing tools: Trim and Align.

trim and align options on YouTube Shorts player

The Trim option allows you to precisely trim the beginning and end of your clips. By adjusting the white bars on the clip’s timeline, you can remove any unwanted portions, ensuring your video flows seamlessly.

The Align feature helps you maintain consistency between clips. It displays a faint overlay, or "ghost image," of the last frame from your previous clip. This is especially useful for matching positions, aligning objects, or creating smooth transitions between shots.

Oftentimes, the difference between a Short that gets 500 views and one that gets 50,000 isn't fancy effects. It's strategic editing:

 Remove the first 1-2 seconds if your video starts slow. No intros, no "hey guys," no "so today we're going to talk about..." Start with the hook.

 Put your hook and key points directly on screen. Many viewers watch with sound off, and on-screen text helps retention even when audio is on.

 If you're speaking, add subtitles. YouTube's auto-captions work, but editing them for accuracy improves watch time.

 Cut pauses between sentences and moments where nothing is happening. Pace matters more than production value.

 If your topic is simple, add cuts or visual changes every few seconds to maintain momentum.

If you're working in the YouTube Shorts editor (the built-in mobile editing tool), keep edits simple and focus on pace over complexity. The Shorts editor is designed for quick adjustments like trimming clips, adding text overlays, and incorporating music, perfect for creators who need speed.

Too many creators upload Shorts the moment they finish editing. That's a mistake. The details you add before publishing like title, thumbnail, and description, determine whether your Short gets discovered outside the Shorts feed. Spend a few minutes on these elements before you hit publish.

The title is one of the most critical factors for grabbing attention and optimizing your Short for SEO.

Keep it intriguing and relevant to your content.

Aim for fewer than 40 characters to prevent it from being cut off in search results or on mobile devices.
For example, “Mastering YouTube Shorts: Quick Tips” is both catchy and searchable.

How to Change Thumbnails on YouTube Shorts

 don't appear in the Shorts feed, but they do show up on your channel page, in search results, and in suggested videos.

Select a thumbnail frame in the YouTube mobile app while uploading or editing your Short. You can change the thumbnail after upload, but only through the mobile app, not from desktop.

 Plan a "thumbnail moment" when filming. Create one clean frame with your subject clearly visible and space for readable text. This makes your thumbnail look intentional instead of random.

Before publishing, consider setting your video to Unlisted or Private to preview it and ensure everything looks good. Once you’re satisfied, you can switch it to Public for everyone to view.

privacy settings on YouTube Shorts uploader

Create a vertical or square video up to 3 minutes, upload through YouTube Studio or the mobile app, add your title and details, select a thumbnail frame (from the mobile app), then publish.

YouTube Shorts: Tips and Strategies

YouTube Hooks: 18 Viral Hook Ideas for YouTube Shorts (2026 Guide)

How to Turn TikTok Followers Into YouTube Subscribers in 2026

How to Make a YouTube Short In 2026: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2026?

How to Promote Your Podcast Using YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts Size & Dimensions: The Complete 2026 Guide

YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements (Updated for 2026)

How Does Clip Farming Work?

Clip YouTube Videos: From Long Video to Short Video

YouTube Shorts Thumbnails: How to Customize Them for More Views

How to Optimize YouTube Shorts

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts