Suspense Hook Examples: Tease the Payoff, Hold the Answer

A suspense hook promises something and holds back the answer. Use it for reveals, stories, results and lists where the payoff comes later in the video. Then pay it off: if the answer never comes, viewers feel tricked.

A suspense hook gives viewers a reason to keep watching. These are 122 real suspense hooks from TikTok, Instagram Reels and LinkedIn.

Formula: [tease the payoff] + [hold back the detail].

Suspense hook formulas

  • "This is either going to be [best case] or [worst case]". Example: "This is either going to be a beautiful collection or a total disaster"
  • "There's a reason why [common problem], and I'm here to tell you why". Example: "There's a reason why you're always tired, even after 8 hours of sleep, and I'm here to tell you why."
  • "If I [dramatic scenario], here's everything I'd want you to know as a [role]". Example: "If I died tomorrow, here's everything that I would want you to know as a health professional."
  • "[20] seconds of [someone] [doing something unexpected]". Example: "20 seconds of my husband thinking he found a glitch in the matrix"

Three suspense hooks to start with

HookPlatformDelivery
"This is either going to be a beautiful collection or a total disaster"Instagram Reelsspoken
"So here's a quote I'm gonna remember until the day I die"TikTokspoken
"I boarded a 14-hour flight to Asia, 100% convinced I was going to be fired when I landed."LinkedInpost opener (text)

Where these hooks come from

72 from TikTok, 30 from Instagram Reels and 20 from LinkedIn. By delivery: 65 spoken, 33 on-screen text, 20 LinkedIn post openers and 4 spoken and on-screen. Every one comes from a real post; the library has no view counts, so they are not ranked by results. To see one platform only, browse TikTok hooks or Instagram hooks.

All 122 suspense hooks

Every card shows the hook, where it was posted and how it was delivered, with a Copy button and a Remix in Hook Generator link.

Some of these also carry another style label, most often Expert (22), Hot Take (6) and Personal (4).

  • This is either going to be a beautiful collection or a total disaster

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • So here's a quote I'm gonna remember until the day I die

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I boarded a 14-hour flight to Asia, 100% convinced I was going to be fired when I landed.

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • The most successful people in the world keep this stuff a secret.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I'm gonna say something that's gonna fuck your mind up, and you're gonna listen to me.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I'm solo building a solo startup from scratch and letting the internet decide whether it lives or dies.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • 20 seconds of my husband thinking he found a glitch in the matrix

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • I wanna play for you one of the most chilling clips I've ever heard, and just hold on and trust me, it's not that chilling until you realize what it means

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • What about this one?

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Why does that guy look like that? Let's talk about inbreeding

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Things you didn't know you can do with AI (part 100)

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken + on-screen text

  • Are you nice to AI when you use it? The way you talk to AI actually changes the way it responds to you; researchers actually studied this, and the results are pretty shocking

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • If I weren't able to create content anymore, one of the messages I'd absolutely wanna leave all of you with, is that you will never ever be shit on by anyone who's doing better than you.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Did you know you could turn cauliflower into a delicious steak night dinner?

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Let's make this viral steak sandwich

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Things men don't want you to know (part 11)

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Every single beautiful person you have ever seen in your life has this one feature, this distinctive feature that makes them so attractive

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • 5 super random signs you're good looking

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • So we're not using ChatGPT anymore? Apparently masters and PhD students were gatekeeping from us? I don't gatekeep so Imma show you guys

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Today I interviewed a 10 out of 10 candidate that immediately made me want to hire her, and I'm gonna tell you what she did well so you can do it too

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • A terribly long video that might change everything for you

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • I just discovered one of the biggest secrets that the system doesn't want us to know about modern day psychology and therapy.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Don't ask me why I don't wanna have kids. Cause you're not gonna like the answer.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken + on-screen text

  • IF YOURE SEEING THIS, YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED BY TIKTOK. here's how to win the game

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Guys it breaks my heart to say this... but the time has finally come for our next chapter. So I'm selling my shit!

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I know our videos are flopping because TikTok wants me to pay for a promotion. I just can't prove it...

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Something really strange is happening on social media right now, and I haven't seen any videos talking about it. If you've been feeling generally repulsed by social media, whether it is consuming it or creating content, you're not alone.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • This is day 6 of turning 'nice songs' into 'evil songs'

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken + on-screen text

  • If you can stick with me and hold your attention span long enough to watch this video, I promise you the concept of finding your purpose is going to seem a whole lot more achievable and attainable

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • If you've ever tried to learn a language that genders its words, then I'm about to blow your mind. Like since discovering this, my entire understanding of how language works has changed.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Athletes will go crazy for this shit

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • 2 sneak attack ways to build connection with anyone

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • watch my nose swell on a 7 hour flight (I'm 1 month post OP)

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • When a coworker does not have a life outside of work, there will always be signs

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Here's the secret that rich people understand that if you ever wanna get out of the struggle, you need to understand as well

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • WHY INCREASING MY PRICES MADE SALES EASIER

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • I feel like there's no way I'm the only person who does this, because if you think of something, somebody else has probably done it, but this is what I do every single night when I go to sleep.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Here's the highest paying remote job you can do from anywhere. No degree, no experience, and no social media following required (and you can do it in 1-3 hours/day).

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • If there is only one piece of resume advice you ever take from me, please, let it be this. This is the absolute best resume hack that I can give to anyone, and I've said it a million times, but I had a hiring manager this morning tell me how much they love that we've been adding this to resumes, so reminded me I need to say it again.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Things on a resume that typically won't pass an ATS

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Tap water is clean?! hmm... let's test this.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Whoever invented this technology is absolutely a genius.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Fun games to play on your school computer 🤫🤫 Pt. 2

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • If you're trying to lose weight, avoid or limit intake of this food (and I hate to say this, cause I enjoy this food a lot)

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Never eat these foods for breakfast if you want to lose weight fast. Here are the top 3 worst breakfasts that can destroy all your progress (the last one is something most people eat every day, so stay till the end)

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • 8 things I wish I knew as a beginner in the gym

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • If you hit legs more than 2 times a week, I have a theory - one of two scenarios are happening:

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I've been depressed my entire life, and I think we have finally figured out why

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I've been debating whether or not I should share this, but you know what, let's just do it. So here's the deal: I've got 5 ChatGPT prompts that feel so powerful it's almost like having insider knowledge.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • 5 ChatGPT Prompts That Feel Like Cheat Codes For Life 🤯

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Depending on who you are you're either gonna think that what I'm about to show you is super cool and useful, or that it's terrifying and awful and that it just shouldn't be a thing. I think it's a little bit of both

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I literally hate myself for what I'm about to say, but this site actually feels illegal to know.. I hate that hook, but it does, and I've been gatekeeping it for so long

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • If you wanna lose belly fat, just do this, and in three months you are going to see a huge difference

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • I don't usually come across a story that genuinely scares me, but, this one does, because it involves a woman who disappears in the remote wilderness and she is presumed dead, but over the next year, multiple people have claimed to see her.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Lash techs, have you ever wanted to get your classic sets looking super full, but you just can't for some reason? Well then I got you because this video is all about how you're gonna get your classic sets looking super full

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • "Can you make it look like I'm NOT wearing lash extensions?"

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • How they came vs how they left

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • My client's nails vs. their jobs/careers (with prices)

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Soft Foxy Eyes hack you'll wish you knew earlier

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • If I died tomorrow, here's everything that I would want you to know as a health professional.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • If you're the friend that eats super healthy but you don't FEEL super healthy, this is for you

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Let me show you before and afters of all of my services and these transformations

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Here's something I would tell you as a hair stylist if I knew you wouldn't get offended (I might ruffle some feathers with this one)

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • 3 common ways you're damaging your hair without knowing it

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Fall asleep in 1 min 😴

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Psychological ASMR Trick for sleep (updated version)

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Cozy games that ruined every other game for me

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • If you want to be a successful content creator, let me give you this one piece of advice that allowed me to be a content creator full time

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Imagine hearing this in the club

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • If you have a bunch of built up stress, it's all gonna be gone by the end of this video. If you don't believe me just watch - you'll be completely relaxed by the end

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • There's a reason why you're always tired, even after 8 hours of sleep, and I'm here to tell you why.

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Have you ever wondered how to get extensions that feel weightless, look completely natural, and don't damage your hair? Let me show you the secret

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • Most people don't believe I use CapCut to edit my videos because they look so professional. Give me 45 seconds, I'll show you why expensive software doesn't always guarantee better results

    Suspense · TikTok · spoken

  • let's talk about why there's really a decline in birth rates

    Suspense · TikTok · on-screen text

  • Did you know that if you have 18*50, you can just halve the 18 and double the 50?

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • This and no time limit

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · on-screen text

  • She doesn't know it yet, but here she is filming the one reel that's going to change everything for her

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · on-screen text

  • I've been spending endless hours looking at north korea from the sky, and i wanna show you something

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • I can tell you the meaning of life right now - but you won't like it.

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • If you're in that really interesting period between the age of 27 and 44, I need you to listen up

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • I've watched over 500 Youtube videos in the last year, and this is still, to this day, the most impactful Youtube video I have ever seen

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Is it possible to script a viral video in under 30 minutes while racing with 2 other content creators?

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Elegant poses ✨for the girls✨

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · on-screen text

  • What is the greatest gaslight of all time?

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Why do people have a harder time losing weight after what seems like their 20s?

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • "How do I convince people to buy when I haven't even made my first sale yet?"

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · on-screen text

  • What would happen if you dropped 400 pounds on your neck?

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • You might not believe me, but Italy is a day trip from New York, and you're coming with me

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • How to lose a guy in 10 days

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken + on-screen text

  • Here's a list of things that are scientifically possible but will probably never happen in your lifetime

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • If you add cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to your garbage can, then you can repel mice and flies

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Did you know that if you cut up some jalapeños, mix it with monk fruit sweetener and boiling water, then strain and cool it, you will have just created the perfect zero sugar sweetener

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Most people don't know this, but if you put banana slices in ice cube tray, peanut butter, top it with chocolate, you'll have just made the most amazing 'snickers' ice cream

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • This is the only video you need to grow on Instagram

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Lemon teriyaki chicken is so good, you're going to have to try this one

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • If you love easy meals that taste incredible, you've gotta try this high protein roll

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • These are the 10 most viral products I bought this year

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • I wish I knew this sooner...

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · on-screen text

  • 5 powerful websites that feel illegal

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · on-screen text

  • Unethical ways to make money (pt. 40)

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Things I wish I knew as a first time mom

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · on-screen text

  • What if you could skip the boring parts of web design? No more wasting hours on sitemaps and wireframes

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • Nobody knows this about google

    Suspense · Instagram Reels · spoken

  • I almost quit my job because of a toxic manager who micromanaged everything, but then

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • This one experience taught me more than any book or course

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • Using AI, a YC startup intern just built in 2 days what financial data companies charge $30,000+/year 😳

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • This Nobel prize winner predicted something strange about AI 😳

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • This is going to hurt. But the most valuable feedback often does.

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • Terrified? Absolutely. Ready? Not really. Worth it? 100%.

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • I reviewed 4,862 viral LinkedIn posts, here is what I found

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • 4 years ago I took a bet.

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • The 9 to 5 is getting pummeled. The great resignation is growing faster than ever. And I love it. Why?

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • Why I changed my profile pic

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • What I'm about to teach you is for those who are SERIOUS about selling on LinkedIn.

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • On Monday, we upgraded one of our client's IaC codebases from Terraform 1.5.7 to #OpenTofu v1.6.1!!! 🎉 🥳 💥 🍜 Here are some interesting stats about this client's infrastructure + IaC Codebase:

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • ChatGPT's Dirty Little Secret? 😱

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • 90% of my post ideas come from comments. It's how I've written 6,000+ LinkedIn posts. If you apply this one thing "daily", you'll never-ever have to worry about what your next post will be

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • I'm doing things on LinkedIn nobody wants to do. (Here are 5 that build 7-figure businesses)

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • Yes, you can fix your low reach on LinkedIn! (But you may not want to hear 2, 3 and 5)

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • We accidentally unlocked a new growth channel. And it’s one of our fastest yet.

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • A lot of personal brand advice will set you up for failure. Here are 5 things you should ignore if you're thinking of getting started.

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

  • I spent $97,000 offer for a website copy a few months ago. What happened next surprised me a lot. Story time

    Suspense · LinkedIn · post opener (text)

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