logo grow with Systeme.io

Reading time: min

Why Your Short Videos Fail (and how to fix it)

The secret to viral videos that no one ever told you

Why do some videos explode and others remain invisible?

It's frustrating, huh?


You spend hours perfecting your videos, choosing the right angle, finding the right music, taking care of your editing... and in the end?


327 views.


A few scattered likes.


No comments.


Meanwhile, a guy who films his cat with a flashy catchphrase gets 2 million views.


For what ?


No, the algorithm doesn't blame you. He's not trying to punish you. He doesn't even have a mood.


It runs like a well-oiled machine: it rewards what immediately captures attention.


This is where everything plays out. The first three seconds.


If your video doesn't instantly stop the viewer's thumb, it's dead. The algorithm throws her into the abyss, and no one will ever see her again.


The problem is not your content. This is not your edit. That’s not your message either.


The problem is your hook.


If your beginning is sluggish, if you start slowly, if it takes more than two seconds to get to the heart of the subject... it's over.


The creators who are exploding on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have understood one thing: attention is not required. It's stolen.


And for that, they use ultra-efficient hooks, hooks cut to prevent the viewer from scrolling.


If you don't have one, you will remain invisible.


If you master them, your videos will take off like never before.


Let's see together how to use them to explode your views and finally break through on social networks. 🚀


The truth about viral videos: it's not luck, it's science

We will be clear: viral videos are not a fluke.


There is a well-oiled mechanism behind each content that explodes. Precise gearing that maximizes impact at every moment. And it is not not a question of production quality or advertising budget.


It's a question of the first second.


If your spectator doesn't stop immediately, your video is dead. End of story.


The algorithm will not “test” your content. He's not going to "give" your video a chance. He just goes measure something : do people stop to look at it?


If so, he pushes her. If not, he buries it. No mercy.

The 3 criteria that make a video explode (or not)

If you want your videos to be successful, they must fulfill three specific criteria :

🔥 Retention

Spectators must stay until the end. The longer they watch, the happier the algorithm is.

💬 Engagement

Comments, likes, shares... If your video triggers a reaction, it will be promoted en masse.

📢 Sharing

The more your video is sent to DM or reposted to Story, the more likely it is to go viral.

And all that, it starts with one thing : the first seconds.

Why do 99% of creators sabotage themselves?

Look at these two intros:

Average creator

"Hey everyone! Today we're going to talk about how to improve your videos on TikTok. But before that, let me quickly introduce myself..."

Viral creator

"STOP! If your videos don't exceed 500 views, here's why (and how to fix it immediately)!"

Lambda creator result? SCROLL. The user has already left to look elsewhere.


Result of the viral creator? Attention is captured. The viewer wants the answer. He's staying.


The difference is enormous.


The first creator starts by talking about himself. He loses time.


The second attacks directly with a powerful hook. He gives a reason to stay.

Viral videos follow an ultra-precise formula (and you can copy it)

The biggest creators on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts don't let nothing to chance.


Their structure is mathematical :

1️⃣ VIRAL HOOK

A strong grip in less than 2 seconds

2️⃣ TENSION

An intriguing promise that forces you to stay

3️⃣ VALUE

The answer to the promise

4️⃣ CALL-TO-ACTION

An element that encourages you to comment or share without it seeming forced

Watch any video that's a hit. They follow this pattern.

viral hook video
viral hook video
viral hook video

The good news? You too can apply it.


Do you want your videos to explode?


Stop starting with lame intros.


Uses viral hooks, captures attention immediately, and applies the winning formula.


And in the rest of this article, we will see the hooks that work in 2025 (and how to copy them to finally break through). 🚀


Hooks: the secret weapon of creators exploding on TikTok, Instagram & Co.

How to capture attention in 0.5 seconds and explode your views

You want to know the biggest secret of viral videos ?


❌ This is not assembly.


❌ This is not music.


❌ This is not les hashtags.


✅ It’s without hook.


The very first sentence, the first visual element. The moment when the user decides unconsciously if he stops...or if he moves on to something else.


And 90% of creators fail on that.

What is a hook and why is it essential?

A hook is an irresistible catch. A phrase or visual designed to block scrolling in less than a second.


It's the difference between a video that explodes to 1 million views and one that ends up with 153 views and 2 likes (including your mother's).


The hook is 50% of a video's success.


Look at a viral video. Any viral video.


They all have one thing in common: a start that forces you to stay.


If you miss that first step, no matter how good your content, the algorithm won't even give it a chance.

The hooks that hit the bull's-eye in 2025

Not all hooks are equal.


There is precise structures which trigger interest instantly.


Here are the 4 types de hooks that successful creators use in loop :

Shoking Hook

The goal of the shock hook is to cause an immediate reaction.


Examples:

  • «Here’s why 90% of creators fail… »
  • « NEVER do this in your videos! »
  • «Do you think it’s the algorithm that’s blocking you? Big mistake. »

Why does it work?

👉 Because that questions what the spectator thinks he knows. He has to stay to understand.


You can cause this same effect with a very short 2-second video that shocks, and introduces your own content.

🤯 Intriguing Hook

The purpose of the intriguing hook is to pique curiosity and create irresistible suspense.


Examples:

  • « You will never guess what happened after that…»
  • « This technique made x10 my views overnight. »
  • « No one talks about this tip, but it changes everything…»

Why does it work?

👉 Because the brain hates the unknown: it wants the answer. You can't scroll without knowing.


The short teaser videos you can use are the beginning of an action, cut off before the fall. For example, a person is about to fall, but before they actually do, you cut to your own video.

🔥 Authority Hook

The purpose of the authority hook is to show that you know what you're talking about and capture credibility instantly.


Examples:

  • « I analyzed 100 viral videos : here is the winning formula. »
  • « TikTok doesn’t want you to know this, but… »
  • « The algorithm favors exactly this type of content. »

Why does it work?

👉 Because we trust the experts. If someone has already done the analysis work, we want to get the answer directly.


An effective way to do this with a video hook is to use the image of a famous person.

⏳ FOMO Hook (fear of missing out)

The goal of the FOMO hook is to create a sense of urgency and push for immediate action.


Examples:

  • « Attention, this technique could disappear soon…»
  • « TikTok is change your algorithm, do this now. »
  • « These hooks are blowing up right now, take advantage of them before everyone else uses them. »

Why does it work?

👉 Because nobody wants to miss an opportunity. Humans hate missing out on something important.

Viral videos ALL start with a powerful hook

This is not an option.


It is a rule.


The creators who explode do not have no better camera.


They don't have no more budget.


They just understood this mechanics.


And if you want to explode, you have to integrate it too.

In the next section, we will see how to hack retention and keep the spectators hooked until the last second… 🚀

Grab Your Free Account

Systeme.io is the world's simplest and most powerful marketing platform.

🚀 Upgrade with a subscription


Algorithms want videos with high retention

The biggest virality factor that no one talks about

Now you know how to grab attention in a fraction of a second.


But if you know how to grab your visitors' attention, keeping them focused on your video is another story.


Because TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have only one obsession: to keep their users on the platform.


And the only condition for the algorithm to boost your video is that your viewers stay hooked right to the end.


If your video has a high retention rate, it will be shown to 10 times as many people.


If people drop out after 3 seconds, it's buried alive 🪦


So how do you keep your audience mesmerized until the last second?

The 3 elements of retention

All viral videos follow a very precise formula.


If you apply these three elements, your stats explode.

1️⃣ An impactful start (powerful hook)


We talked about it, but it’s so crucial that we repeat it:


No strong hook = dead video.


The opening of your video must be an electric shock.


If your viewer doesn't immediately feel like they're going to learn, be surprised or entertained, they'll scroll.


You can find free hook videos right here >>

2️⃣ Rhythmic editing (rapid cut, zooms, dynamic texts)


Watch the videos that explode.


They have no down time.


The rhythm is nervous.


Not a single empty second.

❌ What kills retention:

  • Long breaks
  • A monotonous tone
  • A fixed plane without movement

What maintains attention:

  • Fast cuts (every 1-2 seconds).
  • Light zooms to energize the image.
  • Animated subtitles that highlight key words.
  • Changes of plans to reignite the tension.

🔥 Tip: Use jump cuts to remove the blanks and keep a constant energy.


This is the kind of service that software like Veed.io : all you have to do is select “cut silence” and your video becomes ultra dynamic!

viral video veed.io
viral video veed.io

3️⃣ An ending that forces interaction (CTA* discreet to increase comments)


Videos that blow up never end with a simple “Thanks for watching.”


They trigger an action.


The algorithm loves to see that people interact in the comments after watching a video.


The goal is to force commitment in a natural way.


*CTA = call to action

✅ Examples of discrete CTAs:

  • « Do you prefer strategy A or B? Tell me in the comments. »
  • « If you agree, comment 🔥. »
  • « Do you want the rest? Like this video and I'll leave part 2.»

🔥 Tips: Never say “like and comment” in a flat, monotonous way. Phrase it as if you are challenging your audience to do it.

The fatal mistake to avoid: false suspense that scares you away

Many creators think that by delaying the reveal, they will force people to stay.


🚫 ERROR!


False suspense is the sworn enemy of retention.

❌ What DOES NOT work:

  • « Stay until the end to discover the secret!” »
  • « I’ll tell you in a moment…»
  • « Before that, a little reminder…»

Why does it kill your views?

👉 Because viewers know they can scroll and find the answer elsewhere.

✅ What works:

  • Directly provide impactful information from the start.
  • Arouse curiosity without frustration.
  • Keeps the viewer engaged with a constant flow.

Don't hide the information.


Give it quickly, and follow it up with a twist that pushes you to watch the rest.

The snowball effect: more views = more engagement = more virality

TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts reward attention-grabbing videos.


When many viewers watch to the end, the algorithm understands that your video is addictive.


The result?


👉 It shows it to even more people


👉 Shares increase


👉 Likes and comments explode


It's a virtuous circle.


If you have a good hook, dynamic editing and an engaging ending, your video becomes unstoppable.

Follow these 3 rules and watch your views soar

Want to hack into retention and explode on the social medias?

✔️ A hook that clicks from the very first second.

✔️ Rhythmic editing that leaves no slack moment.

✔️ A subtle CTA that boosts interaction.


Creators who explode apply this to every video.


Those who stagnate?


They continue to make bland videos, with limp intros and impactless endings.


Which of these two categories do you want to join?


Now let's see how to apply this PRO and systematically, without wasting hours optimizing everything yourself... 🚀


The turnkey way to explode your views on TikTok and Instagram

Do you want to break through? Do what already works

Let's be clear: exploding creators don't reinvent the wheel 🛞


They don't wake up one morning and say, “Here, I'll try out a new format, and we'll see if it works!”


No.


They model it.


They identify what works, they analyze the winning structures, and they apply the same mechanics... adding their own twist.


That's the real secret of viral videos.

Why you can't afford to create blindly

If you're one of those people who publish “by feel”, without any real strategy... you're wasting time.


❌ You publish a video

👉 It has 300 views


❌ You publish another one

👉 150 views this time


❌ You persist, testing a different format

👉 600 views, better... but still far from the explosion


And on the side, you see creators hitting it big with videos that nevertheless seem ultra-simple.


You ask yourself, “Why does it work for them and not for me?


The answer is simple: they don't create blindly.


They copy patterns that already work.


They follow a precise structure and know exactly what will capture attention and maintain retention.


You, on the other hand, are still trying to guess what works.


They apply a tried and tested method.


And that's why they explode.

The solution: a ready-to-use video pack with viral hooks

Imagine being able to bypass the whole testing and error phase.


That you had optimized videos at your fingertips, already cut out for virality.


📌 attention-grabbing teasers


📌 formats that respect the algorithm 100%.


📌 invisible CTAs that boost engagement


No need to waste hours figuring out what to say, how to say it and in what form.


It's all ready to go.


You take.


You post.


Watch your views climb.


That's exactly what we offer with Videoshort™.


And a ready-to-use hooks video package, designed along the lines of viral videos that have already generated millions of views for other content creators.


Want to stop fighting the algorithm and finally get ahead of the game?


We talk about it in the next section 🚀


[Solution] Save time and explode your views with Videoshort™

Stop videos that don’t work – Get a head start!

You can keep looking for what works, testing dozens of formats, spending hours finding the perfect hook...


Or you can go straight to what's already working.


Creators who explode have one thing in common:


👉 Their video grabs attention from the very first second.


Not after 5 seconds.


Not after a long intro.


The moment it starts.


And the secret? A powerful hook.


A visual element that forces the user to stop.


A visual shock, an instant intrigue, a hypnotic effect.


That's exactly what we offer with Videoshort™.

videoshort : a viral hooks videos pack

Videoshort™: A pack of optimized videos with viral hooks.

We've done all the hard work for you.


📌 Over 2,000 ultra-impactful videos: visual and audio hooks designed to grab attention immediately.


📌 A variety of styles: funny, scary, hypnotic, intriguing... Whatever your content, there's a hook that fits perfectly.


📌 Ready to use: No editing required. You take the video, place it at the beginning of your content, and your audience is hooked from the first second.


📌 Works on all platforms: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, but also Facebook and LinkedIn (which increasingly likes short-form vertical videos).

What you get with Videoshort™

🔥 More views in less time

Stop fighting the algorithm.

If your audience stays from the first second, your video is propelled forward.


🎯 Videos that capture immediately

No more intros that kill your reach.

You insert a powerful visual hook and force the viewer to stay.


🚀 A ready-made, hassle-free strategy

We save you hours of testing and failure.

We've already prepared for you what works.


All you have to do is use the videos, and watch your stats explode.


Now the real question: do you want to keep struggling, or start seeing your videos really break through? 🚀


Conclusion: Stop wasting your time – Take action

You know it now: viral videos are not a fluke.


It's neither the algorithm, nor the quality of your editing, nor the fact that you are "too small" on the platform.


It's a mechanism.


And this mechanism is based on some simple principles :

  • If your video doesn't immediately attract attention, it's dead
  • If it maintains attention, it explodes
  • If it triggers engagement, it becomes unstoppable

It's always the same logic.


Successful content creators don't test randomly, they model what already works.


And today, you can do the same 🫵🏼


With Videoshort™, you don't have to spend hours figuring out how to grab attention.


You take a powerful video, place it before your content, and force the user to stop on your video.


No more bland intros.


No more videos that get 237 views before fading into oblivion.


You now have a turnkey solution.


The only question left is: Do you take action, or do you continue to post videos that don't work?

videoshort™ : viral hooks pack

FAQ: Everything you need to know about viral videos and hooks

Why don't my videos explode when I'm doing everything right?

If your videos stagnate despite your best efforts, it's because the algorithm isn't putting them forward. And there's a simple reason for this: your viewers drop out too quickly.


The first second is crucial. If the audience doesn't stop immediately, the video is buried. It's not a question of content quality, but of attention capture.


Solution: add a powerful hook right from the start.

That's what all creators who explode do.

What exactly is a hook?

A hook is a visual or auditory hook that stops the viewer dead in his or her tracks.


Examples:

- An intriguing or shocking visual (e.g. an ultra-fast zoom on a mysterious element).

- An immediately appealing phrase (“Don't make that mistake if you want to explode on TikTok!”).

- An attention-grabbing sound.


The aim is to force the user to stay, even before they realize what they're doing.

Why does a good hook change everything?

A good hook compels you to watch the rest. And if you watch the rest, you stay longer.


The longer you stay, the more the algorithm pushes the video.


Example:

A video that retains 60% of viewers for 10 seconds will be much more promoted than a video where 80% of people leave after 3 seconds.


The hook increases viewing time and boosts interaction. And that's exactly what the algorithm seeks to maximize.

I've tried creating hooks, but they don't work. Why doesn't it work?

There are several possible reasons:


- Your hook isn't strong enough.

The first image and the first words must be ultra striking.


- It's not visually striking.

Simple text or static images aren't enough. Add zooms, quick cuts, movement.


-You're building false suspense.

Saying “Wait until the end for the revelation! You need to give hard-hitting information right from the start to hook people.

Why should I use Videoshort™ instead of creating my own hooks?

First of all you “shouldn't” use Videoshort™. You can do without it.


But creating an effective hook is a business.


Exploding content creators spend months analyzing what works and test dozens of versions before finding the right formula.


With Videoshort™, you no longer have to go through this testing phase.


You already have access to powerful hooks.

They're classified by style and emotion (intriguing, shocking, funny, hypnotic...).

They're ready for immediate insertion into your videos.


You save an incredible amount of time, and can use what works straight away.

Is Videoshort™ right for my business?

Whatever your field, there's bound to be a hook to suit your audience.


Here are a few examples:


- Coaching / Business:

Use a shock hook or an authority hook to impose your credibility from the very first seconds.


- Humor / Entertainment:

An absurd or unexpected hook to surprise and make people laugh.


- Education / Information:

An intriguing hook to titillate curiosity and push you to watch to the end.


- Fitness / Lifestyle :

A FOMO hook to create a craving and make people want to get involved.


Whatever your sector, Videoshort™ lets you grab attention immediately.

Does it really work?

Videoshort™ is based on the strategies used by designers who are already exploding. It's not a theory, it's a tested and validated method.


The hooks are optimized for platforms that prioritize retention and engagement (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts).


If you apply what's already working, your views are bound to increase.

How do I use Videoshort™ in practice?

It's very simple.


All videos are hosted in a Systeme.io member space.


It's much more convenient from a Google Drive because it lets you preview them without even having to click, before choosing which ones you want to download.


- You choose a hook from the Videoshort™ library.


- You insert it at the opening of your video, before your main content.


- You post your video and watch the difference in your views and engagement.


No complications. Just an ultra-powerful hook that grabs attention immediately.

Can I use it on all platforms?

Yes.


Videoshort™ works on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook and LinkedIn.


Videos are designed to grab attention, no matter what platform you post on.

Where can I access Videoshort™?

It's simple:


👉 Discover Videoshort™ here >>


Get a head start, and finally watch your videos explode.

Is everything okay with you?


Are you ready to explode your social network views with viral hooks?


If you still have questions, don't hesitate to write to me >>

Systeme io funnel building certification

You'll learn even more from the training videos, and show the world that you're a proven expert.

Don't forget to share this post !

Read more posts :

Grab Your Free Account

Trusted By Over 350,000 Entrepreneurs Across The World

sales funnels systeme io

Sales Funnels


Transform visitors into paying customers with effective sales funnels.

A B testing systeme io

A/B Testing


Optimize your content by running A/B tests on pages and emails.

countdowns funnels systeme io

Countdowns


Encourage urgency with countdown timers for offers.

upsell downsell order bump OTO

Add-On Sales


Add upsells, downsells and order bumps to sell more products.

website builder systeme io
Website Builder

Design a stunning website exactly how you envision it.

A/B testing systeme io

Drag&Drop Editor


Optimize your content by running A/B tests on pages and emails.

workflow systeme io
Workflows

Automate your marketing efforts with powerful workflows.

CRM systeme io
CRM

Organize contacts, manage deals, and more with an intuitive CRM.

email marketing systeme io
Email Marketing

Connect with your audience through targeted email campaigns.

Analytics systeme io
Analytics

Utilize detailed analytics to grow your business effectively.


store funnels systeme io
Store Funnels

Simplify selling physical products with store funnels.

Online courses creation systeme io
Course Creation

Monetize your expertise by creating and selling online courses.

membership systeme io

Membership


Generate recurring income by setting up membership sites.

Landing pages systeme io
Landing Pages

Build high-converting landing pages for your site or funnels.

blog builder systeme io
Blog Creation

Establish your authority with a professional blog from templates.

Integrations systeme io

Integrations


Connect a variety of popular tools to enhance functionality.

API systeme io
API

Integrate your tech stack seamlessly with API & webhooks.

Global products systeme io
Global Products

Create a product once and sell it across multiple funnels.

support center systeme io

Support


Always find some help when you need with support & community

Trusted By Over 350,000 Entrepreneurs Across The World

sales funnels systeme io

Sales Funnels


Transform visitors into paying customers with effective sales funnels.

A B testing systeme io

A/B Testing


Optimize your content by running A/B tests on pages and emails.

countdowns funnels systeme io

Countdowns


Encourage urgency with countdown timers for offers.


upsell downsell order bump OTO

Add-On Sales


Add upsells, downsells and order bumps to sell more products.

website builder systeme io

Website Builder


Design a stunning website exactly how you envision it.


A/B testing systeme io

Drag&Drop Editor


Optimize your content by running A/B tests on pages and emails.

Community systeme io

Community


Build and manage a thriving community effortlessly.


workflow systeme io

Workflows


Automate your marketing efforts with powerful workflows.

CRM systeme io

CRM


Organize contacts, manage deals, and more with an intuitive CRM.

email marketing systeme io

Email Marketing


Connect with your audience through targeted email campaigns.

Analytics systeme io

Analytics


Utilize detailed analytics to grow your business effectively.


store funnels systeme io

Store Funnels


Simplify selling physical products with store funnels.


Online courses creation systeme io

Course Creation


Monetize your expertise by creating and selling online courses.

membership systeme io

Membership


Generate recurring income by setting up membership sites.


Landing pages systeme io

Landing Pages


Build high-converting landing pages for your site or funnels.


blog builder systeme io

Blog Creation


Establish your authority with a professional blog from templates.

Integrations systeme io

Integrations


Connect a variety of popular tools to enhance functionality.


API systeme io

API


Integrate your tech stack seamlessly with API & webhooks.

Global products systeme io

Global Product


Create a product once and sell it across multiple funnels.


support center systeme io

Support


Always find some help when you need with support & community

Grow With Systeme IO

grow with systeme.io

This blog promotes the use of Systeme.io through affiliate links. This is not the official website of Systeme.io. You can find it by clicking here.

Important Links

Solutions

The World’s Easiest

All-In-One Marketing Platform it there !