Prompts
Talking head video hook prompts
These prompts set up the first 2 seconds of a talking head video (say your claim in the first 2 seconds) and the cut into what comes next.
By Sulan Zhang, co-founder of Vyra · Updated 2026-09-24
- Format
- Talking head video
- Step
- Hook
- Length
- 30-90s
- Aspect
- 9:16
- Platforms
- TikTok, Reels, Shorts, YouTube
Real examples from @sulansart
More on InstagramThe hook is the first beat on our talking head video page. Vyra has the transcript and a description of every scene, so you can point at the moment by what's in it.
At a glance
| Hook style | Say your claim in the first 2 seconds |
| First beat | 0-2s: the claim |
| Next beat | 2-8s: why it matters to them |
| Caption style | 3-5 word phrases under your mouth |
Prompt it in Vyra
Minimal:
Find the strongest opening moment in my footage and start my talking head video with it.
Standard:
Open my talking head video with this. Say your claim in the first 2 seconds. Keep the hook under 2 seconds, then go straight into why it matters to them. No intro, no logo, no "hey guys".
Full:
Open my talking head video with this. Say your claim in the first 2 seconds. Keep the hook under 2 seconds, then go straight into why it matters to them. No intro, no logo, no "hey guys". Put a bold caption on the hook line. Before you cut, list the 3 strongest opening moments in my footage with timestamps so I can pick one.
Why these settings
- People typically decide to stay or scroll in the first few seconds, so the hook gets its own instruction.
- Saying what comes next (why it matters to them) keeps the video moving after a strong open.
- Asking for options with timestamps lets you choose the opening yourself.
Fixes
- Hook starts late. "Cut the breath and the half second before I start talking."
- Wrong moment. "Use the clip at 2:14 as the hook instead."
- The video drags after the hook. "Cut straight from the hook into why it matters to them, no pause."
FAQ
How long should the hook be on a talking head video? About 2 seconds, from the structure we use for this format. By then the video should already be into why it matters to them.
Can Vyra pick the hook for me? Yes. Ask for the strongest opening line. Ask for three options with timestamps if you want to choose.