Why the first 3 seconds decide if your reel works

On Reels and TikTok, people decide almost instantly whether to keep watching. If your video opens with a logo, a slow intro or "Hey guys," most of your audience is gone before you say anything useful.

Lead with the payoff. Show the result first, like the finished product, the transformation or the surprising number, then explain how you got there.

Use movement and text together. A quick zoom, a cut or an object entering the frame grabs the eye, and a bold on-screen line tells muted viewers why they should stay.

Make a promise. Lines like "3 mistakes killing your sales" or "Watch this before you run another ad" create a reason to keep watching.

Re-hook every few seconds. A strong opening only buys a little time. Add a new visual, caption or idea every 3 to 4 seconds to stop the drop-off.

We plan the hook before we make the first cut. It's the cheapest way to get more views from the footage you already have.