Myth: every Short needs a big text hook in the first second

Myth: every Short needs a big text hook in the first second
Repeated as gospel. Tested clips with and without an opening text hook. A strong VISUAL or spoken hook held retention equally; the text overlay helped weak openers but did nothing for already-strong visual hooks — and sometimes covered the interesting part.

Tools to add hooks IF needed
— CapCut: text presets, free
— Canva: cleaner type, free
— Captions app: $10/mo, auto-hook suggestions

Pros: text hooks rescue slow openers.
Cons: slapped on a strong visual, they clutter the frame.

Price: free options cover it.
Best for: talking-head openers that start slow.
Verdict: hooks matter, text-hooks don't always. Add one only if your first frame is weak. Skip on strong visual openers.