How I Create Visual Hooks (97.8k Likes, 16 Minutes)

Summary

Alex explains how to design carousel covers that stop people from scrolling. Unlike Reels, a carousel cover is a silent, static image that doesn’t play automatically, so it must earn attention at a glance. Even valuable content can go unseen if people don’t stop and click.

His method is to build the image first and add typography last, using five visual elements.

The Five-Step Visual-Hook Formula

1. Choose the world

Decide on the setting or background before adding a subject or text. Aim for a scene that creates curiosity rather than literally illustrating the topic. If viewers can immediately guess the post’s subject from the image alone, it may be too illustrative.

Choose a scene with open space for the text. For inspiration, search for a scenario or atmosphere rather than just the post’s topic. Save several references and note what works in each, such as lighting, texture, composition, or empty space. Then build an image from those observations instead of asking AI to copy one reference directly.

2. Add one object

Use one recognizable focal object or character rather than a crowded collection of elements. Choose something that conveys the idea quickly, before viewers have time to read. It doesn’t have to be a person: an animal, object, or location-related feature can work.

Keep the composition simple so the subject and setting support one another.

3. Create contrast and depth

Plan the text placement early and make sure the background behind it has enough contrast. Check the design at the small size it will appear in people’s feeds. If the text or subject disappears at thumbnail scale, adjust the colors and composition.

Use contrasting colors where helpful, and keep the brightest or busiest areas clear if that’s where the text will go. Add depth with foreground elements, such as something blurred or cropped along the bottom edge. Alex’s shorthand: two layers look graphic; three layers can feel more photographic and immersive.

4. Include evidence from the scene

Add something that demonstrates or represents what you do, such as examples of your work or a product you create or sell. Make it feel like it belongs in the setting rather than appearing as a floating mockup.

Aim for a clean result, especially with natural-looking shadows and minimal distortion. Size and positioning can be refined later.

5. Add typography

Add text after constructing the scene, while designing the image with its future placement in mind. Typically, use two fonts: one for the headline and another for the subtitle.

Prioritize readability and visibility. If AI-generated lettering is imperfect, Alex recommends adjusting the design rather than repeatedly regenerating the entire image. This video focuses on visual design, not on writing the hook’s actual words.

Practical Workflow and Final Checks

• Generate a clean background first, then use it as the basis for adding the subject and other elements. This helps preserve the scene’s lighting, colors, and composition across stages.
• Build prompts from specific visual details, such as horizon placement, color relationships, shadows, and texture. Alex suggests starting with moderate image resolution and scaling up later if needed.
• When possible, use layer-based editing to resize or reposition elements independently instead of regenerating the whole image for every change.
• Ask: Could this image fit a different topic without losing its meaning? If so, it may feel like a stock image with a caption rather than a distinctive hook. The cover should feel specifically suited to its subject.
• Look beyond other social-media accounts for inspiration. Alex suggests drawing separate details from album covers, movie posters, and magazines. Take one feature from each reference, such as a shadow, crop, or font scale, rather than copying a complete design.
• Expect the process to take practice, and adapt the system to your own content.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Alex — Presenter and creator of the visual-hook method.
• Higgsfield — Video sponsor and the AI image-generation and editing platform demonstrated.
• Other tools and inspiration sources mentioned: Cosmos, Pinterest, Claude, ChatGPT Image 2, Google color-contrast resources, album covers, movie posters, and magazines.