On Reels, TikTok and Shorts, the first three seconds decide everything. If the opening doesn't give people a reason to stay, the rest of the video doesn't matter.
1. Start with the result, not the intro
Skip "Hi guys, today I'll talk about…". Open with the most surprising line of the video, then explain how you got there.
2. Put the hook on screen as text
Many people watch with the sound off. A bold caption in the first frame tells them what the video is about before they hear a word.
3. Move in the first second
A quick zoom, a cut or a sound effect tells the brain something is happening. A still first frame looks like a photo, and people scroll past photos.
4. Open a question you answer later
"Why do USB ports have different colors?" makes people wait for the answer. Save it for the middle or the end, not the first five seconds.
5. Cut every pause
Silence, breaths and "umm" kill retention. A tight edit feels faster and keeps the viewer moving forward.