TikTok Hooks for UX Designers (+ Free Generator)

If you're a UX designer posting on TikTok, your hook is what stops someone mid-scroll. Most design videos get skipped because the hook is generic ("New project!") or doesn't speak to what other designers or potential clients actually care about.

Below are TikTok-specific hooks, formulas, and examples that grab attention without overhyping.

5 TikTok Hook Examples for UX Designers

These hooks work because they inspire, share hard-earned wisdom, or address real anxieties.

1. "Portfolios that have me obsessed"
2. "Here are my three go-to inspiration sites every designer should know about"
3. "If you're a designer anxious about AI, welcome to Design for Beginners"
4. "If I had to start learning UX/UI design from scratch, here's exactly what I'd do"
5. "What I wish I knew about UX/UI design before getting started"

These hooks work because they tap into shared frustrations (AI anxiety, not knowing where to start), promise curated resources, or offer the shortcut of learning from someone else's experience.

3 Hook Formulas You Can Reuse Forever

1. Start From Scratch / Roadmap

Template: "If I had to start learning [skill] from scratch, here's exactly what I'd do" or "How I'd become a [role] in [timeframe] if I had to start over"

Examples:

• "If I had to start learning UX/UI design from scratch, here's exactly what I'd do"
• "How I'd land my first UX job in 6 months if I had to start over today"

Why it works: Everyone wants the optimal path. This format promises a clear roadmap based on real experience, and it appeals to beginners, career changers, and even experienced designers curious about your take.

2. Wish I Knew / Hard-Earned Wisdom

Template: "What I wish I knew about [topic] before getting started" or "Things nobody tells you about [career/skill]"

Examples:

• "What I wish I knew about UX/UI design before getting started"
• "Things nobody tells you about your first year as a UX designer"

Why it works: TikTok audiences want to skip the painful lessons. Sharing what you learned the hard way positions you as generous and experienced.

3. Resource or Inspiration Drop

Template: "Here are [number] [resources/sites/tools] every designer should know about" or "[Thing] that has me obsessed"

Examples:

• "Here are my three go-to inspiration sites every designer should know about"
• "Portfolios that have me obsessed"

Why it works: Designers are always hunting for inspiration and tools. Curated resources position you as a generous expert and these videos get saved constantly.

Need hooks tailored to your design niche and audience? Captain Hook AI generates custom TikTok hooks for UX designers in seconds.

What Makes TikTok UX Designer Hooks Different

TikTok design content performs best when it's generous with knowledge, addresses real anxieties, or provides clear roadmaps. The platform rewards creators who share what they've learned without gatekeeping.

A strong TikTok UX designer hook has:

• Clear value (roadmaps, resources, lessons learned)
• Relatability (shared struggles like imposter syndrome, AI fears, career uncertainty)
• Generosity (sharing shortcuts so others don't struggle the way you did)

If your hook sounds like a corporate case study intro, it won't land on TikTok.

How to Use Hooks in TikTok UX Designer Videos (Mini Strategy)

Most designers make one mistake on TikTok: they show the final design before explaining the problem it solved or why anyone should care.

Your viewer needs context in the first 0.5 seconds — what's the payoff for watching? What will they learn or avoid?

Use text on screen

TikTok users scroll fast. Put your hook as on-screen text in the first frame so it hits immediately.

Keep your hook focused on one thing

Don't try to cover research + wireframes + UI + handoff in one video. Pick one angle and go deep.

Focus on these high-performing topics:

These consistently get traction for UX designers on TikTok:

• "If I had to start over" roadmaps and learning paths
• "What I wish I knew" wisdom and mistakes to avoid
• Portfolio tips and what makes portfolios stand out
• Figma tutorials and shortcuts
• Design resources and inspiration sites
• AI and the future of design work
• Career advice (breaking in, freelancing, salary negotiation)
• Day-in-the-life and behind-the-scenes content

If your hook promises to save someone time, mistakes, or confusion, it'll perform.

For more TikTok hook patterns and templates, check out our TikTok Hooks: The Ultimate Guide.

Related Articles

Looking for more hook ideas? Check out:

• TikTok Hooks for Photographers - TikTok hooks for photographers
• Instagram Hooks for UX Designers - Instagram-specific hooks for UX designers

FAQ: TikTok Hooks for UX Designers

Q: Do UX designer hooks need to show flashy UI?

No. Career advice, learning roadmaps, and "what I wish I knew" content often outperform polished visuals on TikTok.

Q: How long should my hook be?

Short and clear usually wins, but TikTok allows for slightly longer conversational hooks. The "if I had to start from scratch" format can be a full sentence and still work.

Q: Should I use text, voiceover, or both?

Both. Text catches scrollers, voiceover builds connection. Talking-to-camera with genuine energy performs especially well for career and wisdom content.

Q: My videos get views but no followers or clients. Why?

Your hook might be interesting but not clearly tied to your expertise or services. Make sure viewers know what you do and how to work with you.

Q: What's the biggest mistake UX designers make on TikTok?

Being too polished or jargon-heavy. TikTok rewards authentic, direct communication. Talk like you're giving advice to a friend, not presenting to stakeholders.

Q: Can I reuse the same hook formula?

Yes. If "What I wish I knew about [topic]" works, run it for different aspects: portfolios, interviews, first jobs, freelancing, tools.