Why Your Reels Aren’t Getting Views – And How to Fix It

If your short-form videos or Instagram reels aren’t performing, the issue probably isn’t the algorithm — it’s your hook.

What Is a Hook and Why Does It Matter?

Your hook is the first 1–3 seconds of your video. It’s the critical moment where viewers decide whether to keep watching or scroll away. With people swiping rapidly through content, you need to stop the scroll with something immediately compelling. Many creators overlook this, but it’s the number one reason reels fail to gain views or engagement.

Common Hook Mistakes That Hurt Performance

Here are the most frequent hook mistakes:

• No context – Viewers don’t understand why they should care.

• Visually cluttered frames – Poor lighting, messy composition, or unclear focus.

• Lack of curiosity or emotion – If you don’t create a reason to stay, viewers won’t.

• Hard-to-read text – Overlapping UI elements, tiny fonts, or poor contrast.

How to Create a SCROll STOPping Hook...

To fix your reels and boost your views, focus on building a strong, clear hook. Here’s how:

1. Open a Curiosity Gap

Tease something unexpected or raise a question you’ll answer later. For example:

❌ “Blueberry Latte Recipe” VS. ✅ “This Coffee Shouldn’t Taste Good…”

2. Add Immediate Context

Tell viewers what the video is about within the first second — visually or through text.

3. Keep It Visually Clean

Use good lighting, avoid clutter, and place your text where it won’t be blocked by the app interface.

4. Challenge Assumptions

Hooks that break common beliefs (e.g. “I’m lean at 45 and eat carbs every day”) often go viral because they create tension and curiosity.

A powerful hook can make or break your content. If you want more views, don’t just focus on the video — focus on the first few seconds. That’s where attention is won or lost. Optimise your first frame, spark curiosity, and make viewers want to watch. That’s the real secret to viral reels.