Written by Charles McCollough

Jan 23, 2025
6 minutes
Creating Video Intros That Hook Viewers

Creating video intros is one of the most important parts of making videos that people want to watch. Your intro is the first thing viewers see, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. If you can grab their attention right away, they’re more likely to stay, watch, and even come back for more. 

We’ll show you how to make video intros that hook your viewers, keep them engaged, and make your content unforgettable.

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Identifying Your Target Viewer’s Interests

Before you create a video, you need to know who you’re making it for. People have short attention spans. They want to know right away if your video is worth their time. 

That’s why identifying your target viewer’s interests is so important.

Who is this video for? Research about their age, hobbies, problems, or goals. Are they teens looking for entertainment? Are they busy parents who need quick tips? Maybe they’re professionals looking for advice in their field. Knowing this helps you create content that feels personal to them.

What do they care about? Look at what they search for online or the types of videos they watch. If they love tutorials, make your video helpful and clear. If they enjoy stories, include a relatable or inspiring story. When you match your content to their interests, they’re more likely to watch and share.

You can also pay attention to feedback. Read comments, check messages, and look at analytics. These can show you what people liked or didn’t like about your previous videos. Use that information to improve.

The more you understand your audience, the easier it is to speak their language. Identifying their interests isn’t just a step—it’s the foundation of creating videos that connect.

Elements of a Hook-Worthy Video Intro

Below are common key elements that make an intro irresistible.

1. Incorporating Branding Into Your Intro

Your intro is a great place to show off your brand and make your video memorable. You can do this by adding your logo, slogan, or even your brand colors. These small touches help people recognize your style and know the video is yours.

For example, you could place your logo in the corner or include a short animation at the start. Your slogan, if you have one, can remind people of what you’re all about. Just make sure these elements are quick and don’t take up too much time. You want them to add value, not distract from your main message.

2. Starting with a Question or Intriguing Statement

Hook your viewers by starting your video with something that immediately grabs their attention. A great way to do this is by asking a question or saying something intriguing.

You could ask, “Do you want to know the secret to doubling your productivity?” Or you might say something like, “What if I told you that you’ve been doing this wrong all along?” These kinds of openers make people curious. They’ll want to keep watching to find out the answer or learn more.

The key is to make sure your question or statement connects to the rest of your video. It should feel like a natural setup for what’s coming next. Don’t just grab attention—use it to lead viewers into the value your video offers.

3. Teasing the Value of the Video Without Giving it All Away

When you tease the value, you’re giving viewers a reason to stick around. They’ll know they’re going to learn something helpful, solve a problem, or enjoy great content—but they’ll need to keep watching to get the full picture.

So, instead of saying, “In this video, I’ll show you how to bake a cake,” try teasing the outcome: “By the end of this video, you’ll know the easiest way to bake a cake that looks like it came from a bakery!” This way, you’re telling them what they’ll get, but you’re not spilling all the details upfront.

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4. Leveraging Humor, Emotion, or Curiosity

Humor can make people smile or laugh, which makes them want to keep watching. A funny one-liner, a surprising joke, or even a lighthearted tone can grab attention.

Emotion works too. If your video can make someone feel inspired, excited, or even touched, they’re more likely to stick around. For example, start with a heartfelt story or a powerful image that speaks to them.

Curiosity is another strong hook. Say something unexpected or tease a question they want answered. For example: “What’s the one thing everyone gets wrong about budgeting? Let me show you.” This makes viewers want to find out more.

5. Use Tools and Software to Create Professional Intros

You don’t need to be a tech expert to make great intros. There are tools and software that make it easy to create professional-looking intros, even if you’re just starting out.

Programs like Canva, Adobe Spark, or Biteable are beginner-friendly and let you add animations, text, and effects to your video. If you’re more advanced, tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro give you extra control.

Look for templates that suit your brand. Many tools offer pre-made designs where you can drop in your logo, slogan, and colors. This saves time and helps your videos look polished and consistent.

6. Keeping the Energy High After the Intro

A great intro sets the tone, but you need to keep that energy going so viewers don’t lose interest. After the intro, dive straight into your content—don’t drag things out or repeat yourself.

Use an upbeat tone, interesting visuals, or engaging music to maintain the excitement. Keep the pace steady so viewers feel like your video is moving forward.

7. Building on the Promise Made in the Hook

If your hook says, “I’ll show you how to save $100 a week,” don’t disappoint your viewers by going off-topic. Stay focused and give them exactly what they came for.

Break your content into clear, easy-to-follow steps. Show them that you’re delivering value, just like you promised. When viewers feel like they’re getting what they expected, they’ll trust you and watch more of your videos in the future.

Mistakes to Avoid in Video Intros

If you make your video intros confusing or too much to handle, viewers might leave before they even step in. Let’s look at two common mistakes to avoid when creating your intros.

1. Overloading the Viewer with Too Much Information

It’s tempting to try to cram everything into your intro, but this can overwhelm your audience. If you throw too many details, facts, or visuals at them, they won’t know what to focus on. 

Keep your intro simple. Focus on one main idea or message that sets up the rest of your video. Instead of saying, “We’ll cover ten different tips, explain all the tools, and dive into the history of this topic,” try something like, “Today, we’re going to focus on the top tip to save you time.” This gives viewers a clear idea of what’s coming without overloading them.

2. Making Intros Too Long or Overly Complex

If your intro drags on, viewers might lose interest before you even get to the main content. Remember, people clicked on your video for a reason—they want value fast.

Aim to keep your intro short and to the point. Around 5–10 seconds is usually enough to hook your audience and set the tone. Skip complicated animations or overly dramatic build-ups unless they truly add to your message.

Remember, keep it simple, engaging, and true to your message. By creating video intros that hook viewers and build trust, you’re setting the stage for the rest of your content.

Let’s work together and bring your video content to life—book your consultation now and get started!

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