The Golden 3-Second Rule: Hitting the Perfect Timing for Short Video Hooks

Keywords: The Hook, Retention Rate, TikTok Growth, Script Optimization, TempoPrompter

On TikTok or Reels, you have 3 Seconds to stop the scroll. If you're still opening with a draggy "Hi everyone, I'm XXX, today we will talk about...", they're already gone.

What is a Hook?

A Hook must be punchy, urgent, and hit a pain point.

• ❌ "I have some thoughts on weight loss..." (Boring)
• ✅ "I lost 5 lbs in 7 days without dieting, here is how!" (Hook)

Why You Need a Timer

Many creators write Hooks that look short but read longer than 5 seconds. In short video, 5 seconds is an eternity. Using TempoPrompter's Segmented Script feature, you can isolate the Hook. The App tells you: This Hook takes 3.2 seconds to read. Perfect.

The Power of Pacing

Besides duration, the Hook's Speed should often be faster than the body to create urgency. TempoPrompter allows speed adjustments. Try rehearsing the Hook at 1.2x speed, and the Body at 1.0x. Through repetition and precise timing, your opener becomes a scalpel, instantly cutting through the noise.