Free Tools for Short-Form Creators

Free checks for when a video stalls, and free resources for writing your next one. The two checkers need no sign-up, never ask for your username and don't save your answers.

Free checkers

  • Video Flop Checker

    Video went nowhere? Find the likely reason a TikTok, Instagram Reel or YouTube Short flopped, the in-app screen that confirms it, and one thing to do next. About a minute, no sign-up.

  • Shadowban Checker

    An honest shadowban check for TikTok, Instagram and YouTube Shorts. It shows you where each platform displays restrictions (Account check, Account Status, the Restrictions column) and tells you what your answers point to.

  • Engagement rate calculator

    Get your rate by followers, views or reach, next to sourced averages that used the same formula.

Free resources

  • Hook examples

    Real hooks sorted by platform, hook type and niche, so you can start from an opening that fits your topic, then remix it in the Hook Generator.

  • Hook Library

    Transitional hook clips you stitch onto the front of your own video. Free download.

  • UGC scripts

    34 UGC script frameworks across 10 angles. 3 are open; the rest unlock with a free account.

  • Script templates

    14 short-form script templates, 3 of them open to everyone.

  • Content ideas

    75 content ideas across 5 niches, with 3 open in every niche.

Captain Hook's AI tools

  • Hook Generator: three opening angles for your topic, for TikTok, Instagram or LinkedIn.
  • Script Generator: a complete 30- or 60-second script for TikTok or Instagram Reels.
  • Video Analyzer: a plain-language diagnosis from up to 4 screenshots of one TikTok or Reel's analytics.
  • Content Calendar: plan your posts on a board, saved in this browser.

Start on the free plan, no card needed, and upgrade only if you want more.

Questions

Are these tools free?

Yes. The Video Flop Checker and the Shadowban Checker are free with no sign-up. The resources are free to browse, and the full UGC script set unlocks with a free account. Captain Hook's AI tools start on the free plan, no card needed.

What tools do I need as a short-form creator?

Something to plan posts, something to write the opening, and a way to read your results. Here that's the Content Calendar, the Hook Generator and Script Generator, and the Video Analyzer plus the two free checkers. They sit alongside the editing app you already use.

Which platforms do the free checkers cover?

TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. The Video Analyzer covers TikTok and Instagram Reels only.