120 UGC Hooks for Your Next UGC Video: The only list you need in 2025

You've got just 3 seconds to make someone stop scrolling.

That's the one most simple important tip for any UGC video. And if your video doesn't hook your users' attention in those first few seconds, they scroll past faster than the blink of an eye.

That's why UGC (user-generated content) ads live or die by their opening. The right hook grabs attention instantly, builds curiosity, and keeps viewers locked in long enough to showcase your product or service and transform casual viewers into loyal customers.

In this guide, we'll break down what makes a strong UGC hook, share real-life examples of high-performing UGC hooks, and help you create scroll-stopping intros your audience can't ignore.

Key Takeaways:

• Hooks are the first 1-3 seconds of a video.
• Good hooks capture viewers' attention and encourage them to keep watching.
• The best hooks feel personal, bold, and speak to a specific audience.
• There are six hook types: visual, auditory, content, emotional, relatable, and curiosity.
• The best hooks combine multiple techniques, like a trending sound with a bold claim or a strong visual.
• Browse 120 UGC hook examples to inspire your next high-performing ad.

What is a UGC hook?

A UGC hook is the creative trigger that grabs your viewer's attention in the first three seconds of a video. It's what makes someone stop scrolling, lean in, and watch.

Because think about it, every meaningful interaction between a UGC creator and the viewer starts when the viewer chooses to pause their mindless scrolling. And once they're hooked (see what I did there?), your UGC ad has the chance to showcase the product, tell a story, and turn that casual scroller into someone who actually cares about what you're offering.

Six Types of UGC Hooks

Not all hooks are built the same. Here are the six main types of hooks used by UGC content creators:

• Visual Hook: Uses motion, expressions, or graphics to break the scroll. Quick cuts, facial reactions, text overlays, or props can all capture your audience's attention before a single word is spoken.

• Auditory Hook: Relies on sound to grab attention. Think trending audio, unexpected sound effects, or a snappy voiceover that stops users mid-scroll.

• Content Hook: Focused on what's being said. Bold statements, thought-provoking questions, "unpopular opinion" takes, or cliffhangers that build instant curiosity.

• Emotional Hook: Taps into feelings your target audience deeply relates to, such as stress, joy, relief, frustration, or nostalgia. These hooks work because they make your UGC ad feel more human and real. After all, humans make decisions in a split second when buying with emotions.

• Relatable Hook: Opens with a situation or thought that feels pulled straight from your viewer's own life. These work especially well when targeting specific habits or routines.

• Curiosity Hook: Leaves your viewers hanging on purpose. It hints at a solution or result without giving it all away, making them want to keep watching the entire video.

The best UGC creators often combine two or more of these hook types to capture viewers' attention.

Think a thought-provoking message delivered with a trending sound and a scroll-stopping visual. When you layer different techniques, your chances of engaging with your audience go way up.

Pro tip: Testing multiple hooks helps identify which ones resonate best with the target audience.

Nail the hook, and you've already won half the battle.

What is a good UGC hook?

A good hook doesn't just grab the attention of your viewers; it makes the right people care enough to keep watching.

It speaks to your target customers in a way that feels personal, timely, and real. Whether that's calling out a pain point, highlighting a unique benefit, promising a specific result, or saying what your target market is already thinking but hasn't heard out loud yet.

And most importantly, a compelling UGC hook doesn't waste time. Think about your own scrolling habit; how quickly do you decide whether to stick around or keep moving?

Successful UGC creators understand this reality and craft hooks that hit hard and fast, knowing they'll lose casual viewers who have to wait for the good stuff.

Here's a quick formula you can use to create effective hooks:

• Grab attention fast: Use a bold statement, question, or unexpected visual hook to stop the scroll.
• Call out your audience: Make it clear who you're talking to. This will build instant relevance.
• Tap into emotion or curiosity: A strong life hack, review, or tease of a transformation goes a long way.
• Hint at the payoff: Give viewers a reason to stick around for the rest of the video.

The secret behind every scroll-stopping video is a great hook that earns the first click and the full watch. If your hook checks these four boxes, you're not just creating content; you're building a high-performing UGC hook that converts.

120 Best UGC Hooks To Try Right Now

Need inspiration? Here are 120 creative UGC hook examples to help you get started with ideas that'll stop the scroll.

• The No.1 mistake new [X] make
• My new favourite thing to do is [X].
• Oh yeah, and there's one more thing before I forget to tell you.
• The biggest mistake I made when it comes to [X] is...
• If you're still dealing with [X], watch this.
• I ignored this advice for too long.
• Tired of wasting money on [X]? Same.
• Stop doing [X] if you want [Y].
• You're doing this wrong.
• No one wants to hear this, but…
• Don't buy [X]. Try this instead.
• TikTok made me buy it: Part [X]
• Trying the viral [product] so you don’t have to.
• An honest review of [product] after [time frame] of use.
• Here's why I'm never buying [product] from [company] again.
• [Product X] vs. [Product Y]: which one's better? Let's talk about it.
• Here's what I wish I knew before using [product].
• Is [product] really worth it? Let's find out.
• This one trick with [product] actually works.
• Calling all [niche], this one's for you.
• If you're struggling with [X], you need to see this.
• Every [niche] needs this [product].
• I wish someone had told me about [brand product] when I was [situation].
• If you're tired of [X], [product] is for you.
• Listen, if you're worried that X, just remember...
• I'm sure you've all had [X], but have you had [Y]?
• Why [brand product] is a must-have for every [niche].
• 3 reasons [Product X] is better than [Product Y].
• The difference between [Product X] and [Product Y] is wild!
• Still using [Product X]? Here’s why I switched to [Product Y].
• I compared [Product X] vs. [Product Y]. And the winner is...
• Stop scrolling if you’re tired of [X].
• If you've never heard of [product], you’re missing out.
• You'll wish you found [product] sooner.
• This is the only [product] I'd buy again.
• Warning: This [product] might replace everything you're using.
• You'll want to save this [product] for later.
• This is the ultimate guide for [X] on [Y].
• This is the best $30 I've ever spent.
• Everyone's talking about [product]. The reason might shock you.
• Tag someone who needs to see this.
• Tell me you're a [niche/target audience/product owner] without telling me you're a [niche/target audience/product owner].
• Watch this before you do [X] again.
• Send this to your future self.
• Stitch this if you've ever felt the same.
• I'm challenging you to try this for one week.
• The #1 mistake I made when starting out.
• Here's what no one tells you about [X].
• Why [thing] is actually a trap.
• This is why your (action) isn’t working.
• I tried everything for [problem] until I found this.
• This is your sign to [action].
• 3 things that helped me [pain point].
• 7 habits that changed everything for me.
• Here are the 6 things no one tells you about [X].
• How I [accomplishment] in just 4 steps.
• 3 things I wish I knew before starting [X].
• That awkward moment when…
• If you do [action], we need to talk.
• Day in the life of...
• I hate to admit it, but I’m obsessed with [X].
• Please don't judge me, but...
• I can't believe I’m saying this, but...
• You need to check this out.
• Oh my god, you need to see this!
• I have a confession to make...
• This is kind of embarrassing to say out loud, but I've been doing [action] wrong for years.
• One thing I wish I knew sooner is...
• I'm officially a [brand product] convert.
• I thought this was going to be a waste of money… but I was wrong.
• You won't believe what this [product] did to my [common problem].
• [Product] is the best thing I've bought this year.
• This product made my life 10x easier.
• You're going to want to see this.
• I found the perfect fix for [X].
• You guys! [X] is a game changer!
• I didn't expect to say this, but I'm in love.
• I've been meaning to talk about this for weeks.
• I'm not usually impressed. But wow.
• I bought it as a joke. And now I can't live without it.
• This is the one [product] that lives in my bag 24/7.
• If you're serious about [goal], you need this.
• If you're under 30, this video is for you.
• Here's something I wish someone had told me when I was in my 20s.
• My favorite Amazon find this month.
• Here's how I fixed [common issue] without spending a fortune.
• Products I wish I bought sooner: Part [number].
• One thing I've learned [experience/time frame] is that...
• If your [X] looks like [Y], you're a [Z].
• If you want to impress someone for [X], do [Y].
• This is why you need [X].
• I literally hope that everyone in the world does [X].
• This is what great [X] looks like.
• Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with [X]?
• What if I told you that you've been doing [X] wrong this whole time?
• What no one tell you about starting out in...
• 3 red flags when choosing [X].
• Stop doing this if you want [X].
• How I went from [before] to [after].
• I did [X] every day of the week and here's what happened.
• If you're in your [age].
• Watch until the end.
• Steal this strategy for...
• I don't know who needs to hear this, but...
• Is it just me or....
• Here's a quick tip for...
• Can we admit that [X] is the [adjective] of all time?
• This [X] might get me in trouble.
• What is one thing that every [X] has in common?
• POV: You're an [X] making [Y], with just [Z]
• This is a friendly reminder that...
• The feminine urge to...
• Can we normalize...
• This is the world's worst [X]
• This [X] is totally outdated.
• [Common belief] is a total lie! These are the only 3 things that will help you achieve [dream outcome].
• Is [X] a scam?
• This guy/girl is famous for...
• Is it possible to [X] and [Y] in [Z] days?
• Message for [X]
• What's the secret to making [X]?
• Learning this is [X] changed the way I [Y]
• I think I messed up...
• I'm sure you've heard the news...
• What I wish I knew at [X] instead of [Y].
• Why do X% of [Y] do [Z]?
• If you don't like [X], but still want [Y] then do [Z].

Now that you've nailed your video hook, it's time to ensure they keep watching. Check out these UGC script examples to help you naturally structure your video.

FAQ

What is a UGC content example?

A UGC video example could be a customer filming themselves using your product and sharing their honest thoughts on TikTok. It’s real content made by real users.

What does UGC stand for?

UGC stands for user-generated content. It refers to content created by customers or creators, not companies.