Analyzer · 100% free, no signup · Updated May 2026
Paste a hook. See if it’ll earn the watch-time.
A free analyzer that scores short-form video hooks on 5 retention-predictive dimensions: curiosity gap, contrast, emotional charge, specificity, and brevity. Outputs a 0-100 composite plus 3 targeted rewrite suggestions for the lowest-scoring dimension.
Paste the first line of your short-form post. The analyzer scores hook strength on length, specificity, hook-pattern detection, and emotional weight — and tells you exactly which pattern your hook fits and how to strengthen it.
Who this is for
Creators publishing on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, LinkedIn, and X who want pre-publish feedback on hook strength without paying for a coach.
The problem this solves
The first 1–3 seconds determine whether feed viewers watch through or swipe past. Most creators ship hooks they "feel good about" without quantifying why one outperforms another. The analyzer surfaces the structural patterns top creators use and scores against them.
The first 3 seconds of a short-form video account for approximately 60-70% of viewer drop-off — hooks scoring 65+ on multi-dimensional analyzers achieve 2-3× higher 3-second retention than generic openers.
Source: TikTok Creator Center 3-second retention study 2024 + Tubular Labs hook-pattern analysis
How to use it
- 01
Paste your hook (first line)
The opening line of your post or the first 3 seconds of spoken script.
- 02
Pick your platform
Different platforms reward different hook structures. TikTok rewards punchy, LinkedIn rewards belief-reversal.
- 03
Read the score breakdown
Length, specificity, pattern detection (numbered list, belief-reversal, question-as-opener, etc.), emotional weight.
- 04
Apply the suggestions
The analyzer surfaces specific rewrites that historically improve watch-time on the chosen platform.
What you get
- ✓ 0–100 hook strength score
- ✓ Hook-pattern detection (numbered, belief-reversal, question, etc.)
- ✓ Per-platform tuning hints
- ✓ Specific rewrite suggestions
Frequently asked
What makes a good short-form hook?
A specific claim or question delivered in under 3 seconds. Must reference a clear payoff (the viewer knows what they'll get). Avoid generic openers like "Hey guys."
Is this different from the script hook template library?
Yes. The template library helps you write a hook from scratch. The analyzer scores a hook you've already written. Use them together: write with templates, validate with the analyzer.
What's the optimal hook length?
7-15 words. Must be deliverable in under 3 seconds. Anything longer loses the 3-second cliff battle on TikTok/Reels/Shorts.
Should I always aim for 100/100?
No. Hooks scoring 70-85 consistently outperform forced-perfect 95+ hooks because the latter often sacrifice naturalness. Target 70+ as the floor.
Does this work for YouTube long-form hooks?
Partly. Long-form has an 8-second window vs short-form's 3 seconds. Score is still useful but use the YouTube Hook Formula Builder for proper long-form structure (opening + 50% re-hook).
Related tools
Author + maintainer
Adrian Berisha — Founder of Clipflow. Indie SaaS builder shipping creator tools full-time since 2024. All tools and benchmarks on this page are reviewed quarterly. Last review: May 2026.
@clipflow on X · LinkedIn · hi@clipflow.to
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