On Facebook, two things decide whether a post is read: the first ~90 characters shown before "See more", and — for Reels — the first second, usually with sound off. The Facebook Hook Generator writes ten opening lines for one topic, across five patterns, each short enough to show in full and each with an on-screen text version for Reels.
This guide covers the five patterns, why the on-screen version is included, and how to pick which two to test.
Five patterns
Story open drops the reader into a moment ("The vet took one look at him and sighed."). Bold claim states something the reader wants to agree or argue with. Direct question names the reader's situation. Specific number promises a story behind the figure. Relatable moment describes an experience the reader recognises instantly. The report writes two of each and names who each one lands hardest with.
Facebook's audience is broad and older than TikTok's; the report keeps lines plain and unambiguous. Clever hooks that need a second read lose on Facebook.
The Reel version
Every hook gets an on-screen text version under six words. Facebook Reels are watched muted more often than not, so the hook has to work as text on the first frame. "Three sourdough mistakes, week one" does the same job as the spoken line without sound.
Line two and the test
A hook that earns the tap must be followed by a second line that starts paying it off. The report gives that line for each hook, recommends the pattern that fits the topic, and picks two to A/B test — post them a day apart to a similar audience and keep the pattern that wins.
Tips
- Paste the post or Reel body first, then generate hooks — the report knows the payoff.
- Keep a note of which pattern wins over twenty posts; for most Pages it is consistent.
- Use the runner-up hook as the pinned first comment to re-hook people who scrolled back.
Common mistakes
- Hooks that need context — If the line only makes sense after reading the post, it is a caption, not a hook.
- Emojis instead of words — A row of emojis before the fold is wasted characters on Facebook.
- Reusing one pattern — Regular followers stop noticing. Rotate.
Worked example
Input: Reel about how to stop a puppy biting, for a dog-training Page.
What the report returned: Strongest (relatable moment): "Your puppy bites hardest right when you're being gentle." On-screen: "Why gentle makes biting worse". Line two names the reason — over-excitement, not aggression. Test against the specific-number hook: "3 things that stop puppy biting in a week."
Frequently asked questions
Do these work for ads?
The patterns transfer, but ad copy has different rules. Use the hooks as primary-text openers and test.
Should I use the same hook for the post and the Reel?
Use the spoken line in the post and the on-screen version on the Reel. They are written to match.
Can it write for a Group post?
Yes. Say "Group post" and the patterns lean toward questions and relatable moments, which drive Group conversation.