LinkedIn hooks: 4 formats that fit above "see more" (with examples)
Use one of four formats: a one-line bomb, a claim followed by a twist, three or four stacked short lines, or one dense sentence packed with a specific detail. Keep it under about 140 characters so it shows above "see more" on mobile, and build it from the strongest line already in your draft.
Your best hook is usually already in your draft
Most drafts open with a warm-up ("I want to talk about something I've been thinking about") and bury the strongest line in the middle. Find the surprising number, the specific moment or the line you almost cut, and move it to the top.
The 4 formats
| Format | What it is | Example (from one real draft) |
|---|---|---|
| One-line bomb | One charged sentence, under 12 words | Our best clients did not have the best funds. |
| Claim + twist | A bold claim, a line break, a turn | I spent hours comparing fund returns for every client. Then I looked at 1,000+ portfolios. |
| Stacked | 3 or 4 short parallel lines that build | Fund selection matters. Savings rate matters more. Staying invested matters most. |
| Dense | One sentence packing the most specific detail | One client stopped his SIP in March 2020 and missed the entire recovery. |
Rules that keep hooks honest
- Fit above "see more": about 140 characters and two or three short lines on mobile.
- Never add a number, name or result that is not true.
- Skip clickbait ("you won't believe", "here's why", "let that sink in"). Readers have learned to scroll past it.
- No strawman openings like "It's not X. It's Y." State the real point.
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How long should a LinkedIn hook be?
Under about 140 characters, so it shows above "see more" on mobile. One line under 12 words is often strongest.
What is the best LinkedIn hook format?
There is no single best one. A one-line bomb, a claim with a twist, stacked lines and a dense specific sentence all work; pick the one that fits the strongest line in your draft.