Why your Reels aren’t hooking anyone (yet)
Hey you, if you’ve been pouring your heart into Instagram or YouTube Shorts and still watching your Reels fizzle out at 132 views... this one’s for you.
Today’s issue is all about the first 3 seconds and why most creators are losing their audience right there.
Let’s dive in.
🎬 Hook of the Week
Just because it’s a mess, doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.
Why it works:
Because it feels true. It acknowledges the chaos, the self-doubt, the messy backend of being a creator.
Perfect for building relatability, especially in a story-based Reel or carousel.
How to use it:
Camera on you, laptop open, messy desk in frame
Talk to camera, no edits for first 3 seconds
B-roll: typing, notebook scribbles, coffee half-drunk
End with: Here’s what that ‘mess’ taught me this week.
Where it fits: Reflection-style posts, week-in-my-life reels, creator behind-the-scenes.
🛠️ Framework Breakdown: The Hero’s Journey (Mini Version)
Most people overcomplicate storytelling. But the Hero’s Journey can be simplified to:
1. The Call – “I was stuck / burnt out / lost.”
2. The Journey – “I tried X, failed at Y, almost gave up.”
3. The Return – “Now here’s what I know for sure.”
Use this in a Reel:
Last year, I posted 78 Reels. Got 400 views, max. I almost quit.
But then I studied why my hooks were weak, and I fixed just one thing.
Now? 200K views in 3 weeks. Here’s what changed!
Want a plug-and-play storytelling template like this?
Let me know, and I’ll include a downloadable version in the next issue.
📸 Scene Setup of the Week
Setup: Reading a book in a café window seat.
Why: This gives you motion, depth, and a peaceful, creator vibe.
Shoot this way:
1st shot: Wide angle of the cafe, showing you entering or walking in
2nd: Side profile of you flipping pages with a pen in hand
3rd: Over-the-shoulder slow zoom into the quote you’re highlighting
End: You smile, close the book, and sip your coffee (cut to black)
Use with voiceover:
Most creators obsess over doing more. But this one line from [book name] reminded me that clarity trumps chaos.
✂️ Editing Trick to Try: The L-Cut
What it is: Let the audio from the next scene start early, before your visual cuts.
Use it when:
You’re transitioning from an intro hook to the body of your content
You want to build curiosity or anticipation
Example:
Clip 1: You won’t believe how I script Reels in 15 minutes flat.
Audio continues: Step 1 is actually not writing at all.
Clip 2: Shows you setting up a whiteboard or mindmap
Tools: CapCut, VN, Premiere Pro – all support this!
📚 Inspiration Corner
“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” – Picasso
🔥 Creative prompt:
What are you unlearning this week?
Write about it, speak about it, or shoot it. Your audience wants to grow with you, not just learn from you.
💌 Before You Go…
Each week, I’ll be breaking down:
1 high-converting hook
1 storytelling technique
1 shooting setup
1 editing trick
1 piece of creative soul food
If you liked this, forward it to a creator friend.
Got questions, feedback, or want me to feature your reel/story in a future issue? Just hit reply. I read every message. :)
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Thanks,
Aditi