Reel structure: hook, middle and ending

Short videos are won in the first seconds. A simple structure keeps you from rambling and helps viewers reach the end. It has three parts.

1. The hook (first seconds)

Start with the most interesting thing: a question, a promise, a picture of the finished result. Do not begin with "Hi, my name is" or a long logo. See our question hooks, promise hooks and story hooks.

2. The middle (one idea)

Give the answer in a few quick steps. One video, one idea. If you have three ideas, make three videos. Show, do not only tell: viewers like to see hands, tools and results.

3. The ending (one action)

Tell viewers what to do next in one short line: save it for later, send it to a friend who needs it, ask a question in the comments, or visit the shop. Choose one, not all.

A worked example

Subject: how to keep roti soft. Hook: "Why is your roti hard by lunchtime?" Middle: three steps, kneading time, rest time, wrapping in a cloth. Ending: "Save this and try it tomorrow." Total: under a minute, one idea, one action.

Write it down first

Write the three parts on a note before filming, one line each. It takes two minutes and saves ten retakes. Read about filming with a phone, and put the videos in a weekly plan.

Questions people ask

Keep going