LinkedIQ
Start free →
— HOOK BANK

160 hook formulas,
organized by why they work.

A LinkedIn hook is the first 1-3 lines of a post - the only part visible before the "see more" fold. This bank groups 160 reusable hook templates into 12 psychological categories (curiosity, authority, contrarian, and more), each with a worked example and a note on why it works. Browse 10 free below - sign in to unlock the rest.

10Free to browse
160Total in the bank
12Categories

Curiosity gap

Opens an information gap the reader feels compelled to close before they can scroll past.

Open loop tease
Template
I found something about {topic} that nobody is talking about.
Example
I found something about LinkedIn reach that nobody is talking about.
Why it works
Information-gap discomfort compels the reader to resolve it
Source: connectsafely.ai
Hidden cost reveal
Template
The real reason {outcome} isn't happening has nothing to do with {assumed_cause}.
Example
The real reason your posts get no comments has nothing to do with the algorithm.
Why it works
Challenges the reader's own diagnosis, forcing a re-read
Source: adligator.com
Nobody tells you
Template
Here's what nobody tells you about {topic}.
Example
Here's what nobody tells you about becoming a staff engineer.
Why it works
Implies insider knowledge withheld by others
Source: vidlo.video
Odd detail lead
Template
A {unexpected_thing} taught me more about {topic} than {expected_authority}.
Example
A failed side project taught me more about system design than 8 years at FAANG.
Why it works
Unexpected juxtaposition creates a gap the reader must close
Source: connectsafely.ai
Almost quit tease
Template
I almost {gave_up_action}. Then {turning_point}.
Example
I almost deleted my LinkedIn account. Then one post changed everything.
Why it works
Zeigarnik effect — unfinished stories demand completion
Source: billo.app
Forbidden knowledge
Template
{industry} doesn't want you to know this about {topic}.
Example
Resume writers don't want you to know this about LinkedIn profiles.
Why it works
Conspiracy framing plus information gap doubles the pull
Source: spiltmedia.com
Weird trick tease
Template
The 30-second {task} habit that {big_outcome}.
Example
The 30-second profile habit that tripled my inbound recruiter messages.
Why it works
Tiny effort vs big outcome asymmetry feels discoverable
Source: sendr.ai
Delayed reveal
Template
I did {action} every day for {timeframe}. The results surprised me.
Example
I posted on LinkedIn every day for 90 days. The results surprised me.
Why it works
Experiment format promises a payoff only the ending delivers
Source: hansencommerce.com
One thing different
Template
Everyone in {niche} does {common_practice}. One person I know doesn't — and {surprising_result}.
Example
Every senior dev I know optimizes their resume. One doesn't — and gets 3x the offers.
Why it works
Anomaly framing makes the reader hunt for the variable
Source: hawky.ai
Question I can't shake
Template
Someone asked me {question} and I haven't stopped thinking about it.
Example
A junior engineer asked me why I still write code. I haven't stopped thinking about it.
Why it works
Transfers the author's obsession to the reader
Source: connectsafely.ai
🔒 LOCKED

150 more hooks, free after sign-in.

You've seen 10 of 160. The rest - including every hook in story, contrarian, authority, urgency, and 7 other categories - unlocks the moment you create a free account. No credit card required.

Curiosity gap (9)Story open (20)Direct question (16)Specific data point (17)Contrarian take (15)Named pain point (13)Authority signal (12)Social proof (11)Loss aversion (10)Before/after transformation (10)Urgency / FOMO (8)Direct command (9)
Unlock all 160 hooks free

Already have an account? Sign in

Don't want to browse 160 formulas by hand?

Paste a hook you've already written and get it scored against this bank, or give us a topic and get hook options generated from it - free, no signup.

Score my hook Generate hooks for a topic
— Common questions
What is a LinkedIn hook?

A LinkedIn hook is the first 1-3 lines of a post - the only part visible before the "see more" fold. Its only job is to stop the scroll and earn the click to expand, before a single word of the actual argument has been read.

What is this hook bank?

A categorized library of 160 LinkedIn post hook formulas, grouped by the psychological pattern each one uses (curiosity, authority, contrarian, and 9 others). Each entry has a reusable template, a worked example, and a short note on why it works.

Can I use these hooks directly?

Yes - each template has placeholders you fill in with your own topic. They work best adapted to your voice rather than copied verbatim; a hook that sounds like everyone else's stops working the moment it's recognizable as a formula.

How is this different from the Hook Analyzer and Hook Creator tools?

This page is the reference library - browse and copy formulas yourself. The Hook Analyzer scores a hook you've already written against this bank and tells you what's working. The Hook Creator generates hook options for a topic you give it, grounded in these same formulas.

What makes a hook formula effective?

Effective hooks tap one clear psychological trigger - an information gap, a challenged assumption, a named frustration - and stay specific. Generic hooks ("I want to share something important") trigger nothing and get scrolled past.

Why can I only see 10 hooks?

10 hooks are open to browse with no account. The remaining 150 - across all 12 psychological categories - unlock free the moment you sign in.