Stuck for Ad Ideas? Steal these trending hook ideas

Author

Jessie Healy
July 09, 2024

Hey Friend,

Are you suffering from ‘blank page’ syndrome and wondering how the hell you are going to come up with another week of ad ideas?

I have got you covered!

Here are 9 creative hooks or ad formats that are killing it at the moment for brands I work with.

Get in quick though - like all social media trends - it’s better to jump on these before they get saturated! Let’s GO!

1. The Written Hook

Sometimes, the simplest hooks can be the most effective. One of my favourite hooks involves starting the ad by physically writing something on screen. This is one of the best ways to gain valuable insight into your target demographic.

This could be:

  • Writing on a phone screen using the paint feature.

  • Jotting down a message on a whiteboard.

  • Scribbling a note on a chalkboard.

  • Writing on a post-it note

For instance, you could start your ad by writing “Phone must-haves” on a phone screen before transitioning into your product showcase. It’s a great way to introduce your topic and grab attention simultaneously.

Why Writing Works as a Hook

The act of writing is inherently engaging. It creates a sense of anticipation – viewers want to see what’s being written and why. Plus, it’s a pattern interrupt in the endless scroll of social media feeds.

This technique is versatile too. You can adapt it to any product or service:

  • “Kitchen must-haves” for cookware

  • “Summer essentials” for beachwear

  • “Business game-changers” for productivity tools

2. The Fake FaceTime

Create a mock FaceTime call within your ad, adding a layer of relatability and intrigue.

Here’s how to execute this hook:

  1. Record your talent in two different outfits or have two people take part

  2. Superimpose the second footage onto the first.

  3. Add text overlays and FaceTime UI elements.

The result? An ad that looks like someone is FaceTiming themselves, their friend or their dog! It’s unexpected, engaging, and perfect for stopping the scroll.

Why Fake FaceTime Ads Work

These ads work because they’re:

  1. Unexpected - viewers pause to figure out what’s happening.

  2. Relatable - they mimic a familiar form of communication.

  3. Versatile - they can work for various products and messages.

Plus, this format is ideal for small teams or solo entrepreneurs. You can easily create this type of ad with just yourself, two outfits, and some basic editing skills.

3. The Podcast-Style Ad: Leveraging Audio Appeal

Podcasts have exploded in popularity, and savvy marketers are tapping into this trend with podcast-style ads. This approach is one of the top Meta ad creative hooks that can give your brand an air of authority and relatability.

Creating a podcast-style ad is simpler than you might think:

  1. Set up a basic “studio” with a microphone and laptop.

  2. Have your talent hold the mic and appear to be recording.

  3. Add an “On Air” graphic to enhance the effect.

You don’t need a professional studio – a living room setup can work just fine. The key is to make it look authentic and engaging.

Making Podcast-Style Ads Work for You

To maximise the impact of this format:

  1. Start with an attention-grabbing intro.

  2. Discuss your product or service as if you’re on a podcast.

  3. Transition smoothly into product demonstrations or testimonials.

This format works because it fits seamlessly into the content people already consume on social media. It doesn’t feel like an ad, making viewers more likely to engage with your message. This can improve Facebook ad performance by not giving off the vibe of an ad.

4. Two-Person Skits: Bringing Your Product to Life

These mini-scenes can showcase your product in action while entertaining your audience.

Here’s why skits work so well:

  1. They’re entertaining, making people want to watch.

  2. They can demonstrate your product in a relatable context.

  3. They don’t feel like traditional ads, reducing viewer resistance.

For example, a skit showing a couple playfully fighting over a chocolate bar can be more engaging than simply listing the bar’s nutritional benefits. It adds humour and relatability to your message.

Crafting Effective Two-Person Skits

To create a compelling skit ad:

  1. Keep it short and sweet - aim for 15-30 seconds.

  2. Focus on a relatable scenario involving your product.

  3. Use humour when appropriate, but ensure it aligns with your brand voice.

Remember, the goal is to showcase your product while keeping viewers entertained. A well-executed skit can make your ad memorable and shareable.

5. The TikTok Comment Question Overlay

Even if you’re not advertising on TikTok, you can leverage one of its popular features in your Meta ads.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Create an overlay that looks like a TikTok comment.

  2. Use a question or statement relevant to your product.

  3. Have your talent respond to the “comment” in the ad.

This format works because it mimics the interactive nature of social media. It makes viewers feel like they’re part of a conversation rather than being marketed to.

Maximizing the Impact of Comment Overlays

To get the most out of this technique:

  1. Use relevant, engaging questions or comments.

  2. Keep your response natural and conversational.

  3. Use animated elements like flying emojis to enhance engagement.

Remember, the key is to make your ad feel like organic social media content. This increases the chances of viewers stopping to engage with your message. It's not merely about creating a good ad, you want it to feel native to the platform.

6. The Scroll-Stopping First Frame

Your ad’s first frame can make or break its success. Find something truly bizarre or crazy to get people to stop scrolling.

Here’s why it matters:

  1. Many users decide whether to watch an ad based solely on the first frame.

  2. A compelling first frame can earn you those crucial first few seconds of attention.

  3. It sets the tone for your entire ad.

For example, if you’re advertising a unique product like purple toothpaste, your first frame might show someone using it with a text overlay saying “I look insane.” This unexpected image is likely to make people pause their scrolling.

Crafting an Effective First Frame

To create a scroll-stopping first frame:

  1. Use vibrant colours or unexpected images. This will help you to attract attention right away.

  2. Include intriguing text that doesn’t give everything away. Don't be afraid to show the product front and centre.

  3. Showcase your product in an unusual or eye-catching way. Showing your ad audience what the product does is a good ad strategy.

Remember, the goal is to make people curious enough to keep watching. Don’t reveal everything in the first frame – leave them wanting more.

7. Custom Jingles in Meta Ads

One of the most innovative Meta ad creative hooks I’ve come across recently is the use of custom jingles. I recently discovered Suno.com, a website that allows you to create custom jingles for your ads. These catchy tunes can make your ad memorable and increase brand recall.

It’s not a sponsored recommendation – I just found it incredibly useful. With Suno, you can generate a unique song about your product or service in seconds. Here’s why custom jingles work so well:

  1. They’re unexpected, making viewers pause their scrolling.

  2. They create an emotional connection through music.

  3. They can convey your message in a fun, memorable way.

For example, if you’re advertising earplugs, you could create a jingle about having trouble sleeping and how earplugs help. It’s a creative way to present your product that stands out from typical ad formats.

8. Text Exchange Hook

This approach mimics a conversation between friends, making your ad feel more personal and relatable. You can use the SMS whatsapp or slack interface depending on what suits your brand.

To create this type of ad:

  1. Set up a mock text conversation with a friend or team member.

  2. Screen record the exchange.

  3. Use a zoom-in effect to focus on key parts of the conversation.

This format works particularly well during sale periods. Imagine an ad starting with a text: “Hey girl, guess what? This website’s having a 60% off sale today.” It immediately grabs attention and creates a sense of urgency.

Why Text Exchange Ads Work

Text exchange ads are effective because they mimic the way we naturally communicate. They don’t feel like ads, which makes viewers more likely to engage with them. Plus, they’re versatile – you can use this format for various products and services.

I’ve seen great success with this format, especially during Q4 of 2023. But don’t limit it to sale periods – it can be effective year-round for mom gifters.

9. The Photo Flip: A Visually Engaging Hook

This method involves starting your ad with a series of still images before transitioning into video content.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Start with 3-4 eye-catching still images.

  2. Use a slideshow effect to flip through them quickly.

  3. Transition into your main video content.

This mixed-format approach is particularly effective for short ads (10-15 seconds) on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. It captures attention quickly and keeps viewers engaged as they wait to see what comes next. This is a great way to improve Facebook ad performance and grab attention.

Maximizing the Impact of Photo Flips

To get the most out of this technique, consider these tips:

  1. Use high-quality, visually striking images.

  2. Keep the flip sequence short – about 2-3 seconds.

  3. Ensure a smooth transition from photos to video.

I’ve found that showing multiple faces in these initial images can boost engagement. It helps viewers find someone they can relate to, increasing the chances they’ll continue watching.

to see if we are a fit.

That’s a wrap for this week folks - I hope you found it useful.

Jessie Healy,

ps. If you want my personal help to come up with better ads for your account - we should chat. I help 25 brands inside my intimate and tight-knit coaching programme. Book a free 15 minute call here