LinkedIn Hook
Grader
Paste your first line and get an instant grade. See what's working, what's not, and get 3 improved alternatives — all in seconds.
Key Metrics
Better Alternatives
Analysis
LinkedIn shows ~210 characters before "see more"
0/210Pro tip
The best hooks create curiosity without revealing everything.
Did you know?
80% of people never click "see more" — your hook must stand alone.
How the Hook Grader Works
Get actionable feedback in 3 simple steps
Paste Your Hook
Enter the first line of your LinkedIn post — the part people see before 'see more'.
Get Your Grade
We analyze pattern interrupt, curiosity, emotion, and clarity to give you a letter grade and score.
Improve & Post
Use the feedback and 3 AI-rewritten alternatives to level up your hook before posting.
Your Hook Is 80% of the Battle
LinkedIn shows ~210 characters before "see more." If your hook fails, your post dies — no matter how good the rest is. Most people scroll past in under 2 seconds. Your hook is your only chance.
of people never click 'see more'
average time to decide: scroll or read
more engagement with strong hooks
characters to make your impression
The 4 Elements We Grade
Pattern Interrupt
Does it stop the scroll?
Curiosity
Does it create need to know more?
Emotional Pull
Does it trigger a feeling?
Clarity
Is it instantly understood?
6 Ways to Write Better Hooks
Master these strategies and watch your hook grades improve dramatically.
1. Break the Pattern
Your hook should interrupt normal scrolling behavior. Use unexpected openings, contrarian takes, or surprising statements that make people stop.
2. Create a Curiosity Gap
Tease information without revealing everything. Make readers feel they NEED to know what comes next. The gap between what they know and want to know is your power.
3. Stay Under 210 Characters
LinkedIn truncates posts at ~210 characters. Your hook must work within this limit and make people want to click 'see more' to continue reading.
4. Be Specific, Not Vague
'I learned a lot' is weak. 'I wasted $50K before learning this' is strong. Specific numbers, names, and details create credibility and intrigue.
5. Trigger Emotion
The best hooks hit fear, curiosity, surprise, or excitement. Neutral hooks get ignored. Make people feel something within the first 3 seconds.
6. Match Your Content
Your hook must align with your post's content. Clickbait that doesn't deliver destroys trust. Promise value, then deliver it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about grading and improving your hooks
What makes a hook get an A+ grade?
A+ hooks score 90+ on all four metrics: Pattern Interrupt (stops the scroll), Curiosity (creates need to know more), Emotional Pull (triggers a feeling), and Clarity (instantly understood). They typically use specific numbers, contrarian takes, or surprising statements that force people to stop scrolling.
How accurate is this grading system?
The grading system is based on analysis of thousands of high-performing LinkedIn posts. It evaluates your hook against proven engagement patterns. While no AI can perfectly predict virality (many factors affect post performance), hooks that score well here consistently outperform those that don't.
Why are the 'improved alternatives' sometimes very different from my original?
The AI doesn't just tweak your hook—it reimagines it using proven patterns. Sometimes the most effective version requires a different angle entirely. If your original approach has fundamental issues (too vague, no curiosity gap), a small edit won't fix it. That's why we provide 3 alternatives with different approaches.
Should I always use the highest-scored alternative?
Not necessarily. The alternatives are suggestions, not requirements. Consider: Does it match your voice? Does it accurately represent your content? Sometimes a B+ hook that fits your style will perform better than an A+ hook that feels inauthentic. Use the alternatives as inspiration, not gospel.
How do I improve my hook-writing skills?
Study hooks from top creators in your niche. Note the patterns: Do they use numbers? Questions? Stories? Contrarian takes? Use this grader to test multiple versions before posting. Over time, you'll internalize what works and write strong hooks naturally.
Can I grade hooks for carousel posts or articles?
Yes! The principles are the same. For carousels, grade your cover slide headline. For articles, grade your title. The hook grader evaluates the psychological impact of any opening line, regardless of format.
What if I disagree with the grade?
The grader provides objective analysis based on proven patterns, but you know your audience best. If your followers respond to a certain style that scores lower, trust your data. Use this tool as a starting point, not the final word.
Is this tool completely free?
Yes, 100% free with no signup required. Grade unlimited hooks, get detailed feedback, and see improved alternatives. If you want to turn great hooks into full posts, check out Postking's AI writing assistant.
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