Viral Video Hook Templates

CRITICAL GUIDELINES

Windows File Path Requirements

MANDATORY: Always Use Backslashes on Windows for File Paths

When using Edit or Write tools on Windows, you MUST use backslashes (\) in file paths, NOT forward slashes (/).

Documentation Guidelines

NEVER create new documentation files unless explicitly requested by the user.

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Viral Video Hook Templates (2025-2026)

The Science of Hooks

The Critical Window: You have 1.3-3 seconds to stop the scroll. Research shows:

• 65% of viewers decide to watch or skip within 3 seconds
• Videos with strong hooks have 2-3x higher completion rates
• The hook accounts for up to 80% of a video's viral potential

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Hook Timing Reference

Optimal Hook Durations by Type

FFmpeg Time Units Quick Reference

All FFmpeg filter expressions use SECONDS with decimals:

Recommended Hook Timing

# Hook window timing breakdown:
# 0.0-0.3s: Visual impact (flash, zoom, color)
# 0.3-1.5s: Primary hook text appears
# 1.0-2.5s: Secondary text/elaboration
# 2.5-3.0s: Transition to main content

# Example: Complete hook with timed elements
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    eq=brightness='0.2*between(t,0,0.2)',
    drawtext=text='STOP':fontsize=80:fontcolor=red:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0.2,1.5)',
    drawtext=text='This changes everything':fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.20:enable='between(t,1.0,2.8)'
  " \
  output_timed_hook.mp4

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The 10 Proven Hook Templates

A compact index of the ten canonical viral-video hooks. Each entry has its full FFmpeg filter graph and parameters in references/ten-hook-templates.md.

1. Pattern Interrupt — unexpected visual shift in the first 0.5 s. 2. Question Hook — provocative text overlay aligned with quick cut. 3. Bold Statement Hook — declarative on-screen text with emphasis. 4. Curiosity Gap — partial reveal that promises payoff later. 5. Negative Hook — counterintuitive opener. 6. Number Hook — "5 things..." text overlay. 7. Story Hook — open with a mid-action scene. 8. Visual Spectacle — striking transition or shot composition. 9. Direct Address — character looks into camera and speaks first frame. 10. Cliffhanger — hold a beat that resolves seconds later.

Load references/ten-hook-templates.md for the full filter graph of any template.

Visual Hook Effects Library

Shake/Tremor Effect

# Subtle shake for emphasis
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "crop=1060:1900:(10+10*sin(t*30)):(10+10*cos(t*25)):enable='lt(t,1)',scale=1080:1920" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_shake.mp4

Zoom Pulse

# Rhythmic zoom pulse - 8% amplitude at ~2Hz for 1.5s (60% more visible than 5%)
# sin(t*12) = 12 rad/s = 1.91 Hz oscillation. Completes before 1.3-second decision point
# Note: 60fps ensures smooth motion; d=1 for continuous per-frame processing
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "fps=60,zoompan=z='if(lt(t,1.5),1+0.08*sin(t*12),1)':d=1:x='iw/2-(iw/zoom/2)':y='ih/2-(ih/zoom/2)':s=1080x1920" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_zoom_pulse.mp4

Color Flash

# Red flash then normal
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "colorbalance=rs=0.5:gs=-0.2:bs=-0.2:enable='lt(t,0.3)',colorbalance=rs=0.3:enable='between(t,0.3,0.5)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_color_flash.mp4

Vignette Reveal

# Dark vignette that opens up
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "vignette=PI*min(t,2)/2" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_vignette_reveal.mp4

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A/B Testing Workflow

Generate Multiple Hook Variants

#!/bin/bash
# generate_hook_variants.sh - Create multiple hook versions for testing

INPUT="$1"
BASE=$(basename "$INPUT" .mp4)

# Variant A: Curiosity Gap
ffmpeg -i "$INPUT" \
  -vf "drawtext=text='Wait for it...':fontsize=64:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.15:enable='between(t,0,2)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 -c:a copy \
  "${BASE}_hook_A.mp4" &

# Variant B: Direct Challenge
ffmpeg -i "$INPUT" \
  -vf "drawtext=text='STOP SCROLLING':fontsize=72:fontcolor=red:borderw=5:bordercolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0,2)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 -c:a copy \
  "${BASE}_hook_B.mp4" &

# Variant C: Question Hook
ffmpeg -i "$INPUT" \
  -vf "drawtext=text='Did you know?':fontsize=56:fontcolor=white:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.15:enable='between(t,0,2)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 -c:a copy \
  "${BASE}_hook_C.mp4" &

wait
echo "Generated 3 hook variants for A/B testing"
ls -la "${BASE}_hook_*.mp4"

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Hook Performance Metrics

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Platform-Specific Hook Recommendations

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Animation, Color & Audio Parameters (2025-2026)

Concrete parameter values for animation timing, color grading LUTs, and audio hook design live in references/animation-color-audio-parameters.md. Highlights:

• Animation timing: kinetic-text holds at 0.4-0.6 s; pattern-interrupt cuts at 0.3 s.
• Color grading: boost saturation 1.15-1.3x for thumbnail pop; teal/orange split-tone for cinematic feel.
• Audio: trending sound layer at -8 dB under primary; voice-over at -3 dB.

Related Skills

• viral-video-platform-specs - Platform requirements
• viral-video-animated-captions - Caption styling
• ffmpeg-viral-tiktok - TikTok optimization
• ffmpeg-viral-shorts - YouTube Shorts optimization

Animation, Color & Audio Parameter Reference (2025-2026)

Concrete parameter values for animation timing, color grading LUTs, and audio hook design — based on platform algorithm analysis and viewer-psychology research.

Optimal Animation Parameter Reference (2025-2026)

Based on viewer psychology research and platform algorithm analysis:

Zoom Parameters for Maximum Impact

Science: 50% initial zoom (1.5x) is minimum perceptible motion on mobile screens. Less than 40% zoom appears static in first 0.5s.

Pan & Tilt Parameters for Maximum Impact

Best practices:

• Pan/tilt speed: 25-50% of frame width per second for "fast" motion
• Slower than 10%/sec appears static on mobile
• Faster than 80%/sec causes motion blur/disorientation

Flash/Brightness Parameters

Warning: Avoid >10% brightness change for >0.5s (eye strain). Flashing >3Hz can trigger photosensitivity.

Shake/Tremor Parameters

Speed Ramping Parameters

Formula Reference

# 1.5x zoom over 0.5s at 60fps (optimal hook):
# Always use d=1 for continuous processing; time conditional limits effect duration
fps=60,zoompan=z='if(lt(t,0.5),1.5-t,1)':d=1:s=1080x1920

# 10% pan over 0.4s (attention-grabbing movement):
crop=ih*9/16:ih:'(iw-ih*9/16)/2 + (iw*0.1)*min(t/0.4,1)':0

# 30% brightness flash for 0.3s:
eq=brightness='0.3*between(t,0,0.3)'

# 8% zoom pulse at ~2Hz (sin(t*12) = 12 rad/s = 1.91 Hz):
fps=60,zoompan=z='if(lt(t,1.5),1+0.08*sin(t*12),1)':d=1:s=1080x1920

# 10px shake at 30Hz for 0.4s:
crop=1060:1900:(10+10*sin(t*30)):(10+10*cos(t*25)):enable='lt(t,0.4)',scale=1080:1920

# Slow-mo 1x to 0.3x over 0.8s:
setpts='if(lt(t,0.8),PTS/(1-0.875*t/0.8),PTS/0.3)'

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Color Grading for Viral Hooks (2025-2026)

Research-Backed Color Psychology

Hook-Specific Color Grading

Pattern Interrupt - Color Flash

# Red flash in first 0.3s (danger/urgency response)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "colorbalance=rs=0.5:gs=-0.3:bs=-0.3:enable='lt(t,0.3)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset medium -crf 22 \
  output_red_flash.mp4

# Saturation burst (grab attention)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "eq=saturation='if(lt(t,0.4),1+0.8*t/0.4,1.8)':enable='lt(t,2)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset medium -crf 22 \
  output_saturation_burst.mp4

Viral-Optimized Color Grade (Complete)

# Full viral color treatment - punchy, saturated, mobile-optimized
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "\
    eq=saturation=1.2:contrast=1.18:brightness=-0.01:gamma=1.05,\
    colorbalance=rs=0.08:bs=-0.06,\
    curves=all='0/0.01 0.25/0.28 0.5/0.52 0.75/0.76 1/0.99',\
    unsharp=5:5:0.7\
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset medium -crf 22 \
  output_viral_grade.mp4

Parameters explained:

• saturation=1.2: 20% boost for mobile screens
• contrast=1.18: Punchier blacks/whites
• brightness=-0.01: Slight crush (prevents washed-out look)
• gamma=1.05: Lift midtones slightly
• colorbalance: Warm shift (red/yellow more engaging than blue)
• curves: S-curve for film-like contrast
• unsharp: Sharpen for mobile clarity

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Audio Hook Parameters (2025-2026)

Audio Loudness Targets by Platform

Key insight: TikTok/Instagram favor louder audio (-10 to -12 LUFS) vs YouTube/Facebook (-13 to -14 LUFS).

Audio Hook Techniques

1. Volume Swell (Attention Grab)

# Fade in quickly from silence (0.3s hook)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -af "afade=t=in:st=0:d=0.3,loudnorm=I=-11:TP=-1.5" \
  -c:v copy \
  output_volume_swell.mp4

2. Bass Boost for Music Hooks

# Heavy bass for music content (TikTok dances, etc.)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -af "bass=g=8:f=110:w=0.5,loudnorm=I=-11:TP=-1.5:LRA=11" \
  -c:v copy \
  output_bass_hook.mp4

3. Voice Clarity for Talking Heads

# Compress and boost voice frequencies
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -af "highpass=f=100,lowpass=f=8000,compand=attacks=0:points=-80/-900|-45/-15|-27/-9|0/-7|20/-7:gain=5,loudnorm=I=-11:TP=-1.5" \
  -c:v copy \
  output_voice_hook.mp4

4. Sound Effect Layers

# Layer whoosh sound effect on video hook
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -i whoosh.mp3 \
  -filter_complex "\
    [1:a]afade=t=in:st=0:d=0.1,afade=t=out:st=0.4:d=0.1,volume=2[sfx];\
    [0:a][sfx]amix=inputs=2:duration=first:weights='1 0.7',loudnorm=I=-11:TP=-1.5[a]\
  " \
  -map 0:v -map "[a]" \
  -c:v copy -c:a aac -b:a 192k \
  output_with_sfx.mp4

Compression Settings for Mobile Clarity

# Dynamic range compression for mobile speakers (prevents quiet parts)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -af "acompressor=threshold=-18dB:ratio=4:attack=5:release=50,loudnorm=I=-11:TP=-1.5" \
  -c:v copy \
  output_compressed_audio.mp4

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The Ten Proven Hook Templates (Detailed Reference)

Full FFmpeg filter graphs and parameter values for each of the ten canonical viral-video hook templates. SKILL.md keeps the short index; this reference has each complete recipe.

The 10 Proven Hook Templates

1. The Pattern Interrupt

Psychology: Breaks viewer's passive scrolling state with unexpected visual/audio

Best For: All content types, especially saturated niches

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Flash/brightness pulse at start (0.5 seconds)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "eq=brightness='0.3*between(t,0,0.1)+0.2*between(t,0.1,0.2)+0.1*between(t,0.2,0.3)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_pattern_interrupt.mp4

# Zoom punch effect - 1.5x to 1.0x zoom over 0.5s at 60fps for maximum impact
# 50% initial zoom (1.5x) is highly visible on mobile, completes within 0.5s attention window
# Note: d=1 ensures continuous per-frame processing; the time conditional limits zoom to first 0.5s
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "fps=60,zoompan=z='if(lt(t,0.5),1.5-t,1)':d=1:x='iw/2-(iw/zoom/2)':y='ih/2-(ih/zoom/2)':s=1080x1920" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_zoom_punch.mp4

# Glitch effect burst (first 0.5s)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "rgbashift=rh=-5:rv=5:gh=3:gv=-3:bh=-2:bv=2:enable='lt(t,0.5)',chromashift=cbh=3:cbv=3:crh=-3:crv=-3:enable='lt(t,0.5)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_glitch_hook.mp4

Text Overlay Example:

# "STOP." appearing suddenly
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "drawtext=text='STOP.':fontsize=120:fontcolor=red:borderw=5:bordercolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:enable='between(t,0,1.5)'" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_stop_hook.mp4

---

2. The Curiosity Gap

Psychology: Creates information deficit that viewer must resolve by watching

Best For: Educational, storytelling, reveals

Templates:

• "You won't believe what happens at [X]..."
• "This is why you've been doing [X] wrong..."
• "Nobody talks about this, but..."
• "The secret [industry] doesn't want you to know..."

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Two-part curiosity hook
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='What happens next':fontsize=56:fontcolor=white:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.35:enable='between(t,0,1.5)',
    drawtext=text='will SHOCK you...':fontsize=64:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.45:enable='between(t,0.8,2.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_curiosity.mp4

# Animated reveal text
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='The truth about...':fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.15:alpha='if(lt(t,0.5),t*2,1)':enable='lt(t,3)',
    drawtext=text='[REVEALED]':fontsize=72:fontcolor=red:borderw=4:bordercolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.25:enable='between(t,1.5,3)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_reveal.mp4

---

3. The Direct Challenge

Psychology: Triggers ego/identity response, forces engagement

Best For: Hot takes, controversial opinions, niche content

Templates:

• "If you do [X], you're doing it wrong"
• "Stop scrolling if you're a [type of person]"
• "This is for the 1% who actually want to [achieve X]"
• "Most people will ignore this, but..."

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Direct address hook
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='STOP SCROLLING':fontsize=72:fontcolor=red:borderw=5:bordercolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0,2)',
    drawtext=text='if you want to':fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.20:enable='between(t,0.5,2)',
    drawtext=text='[YOUR BENEFIT]':fontsize=56:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.27:enable='between(t,1,2.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_challenge.mp4

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4. The Transformation Tease

Psychology: Shows result first, creates desire to learn how

Best For: Before/after, tutorials, product demos

Templates:

• "From [bad state] to [good state] in [time]"
• "This is the before... (pause) ...and this is after"
• "Watch this transformation"

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Split screen before/after teaser
ffmpeg -i before.mp4 -i after.mp4 \
  -filter_complex "
    [0:v]scale=540:1920,crop=540:960:0:480[left];
    [1:v]scale=540:1920,crop=540:960:0:480[right];
    [left][right]hstack=inputs=2[v];
    [0:a][1:a]amix=inputs=2[a]
  " \
  -map "[v]" -map "[a]" \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -t 3 \
  output_transform_tease.mp4

# Before label then after reveal
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='BEFORE':fontsize=72:fontcolor=red:borderw=4:bordercolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.10:enable='between(t,0,1.5)',
    drawtext=text='AFTER':fontsize=72:fontcolor=green:borderw=4:bordercolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.10:enable='between(t,2,3.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_before_after.mp4

---

5. The Bold Claim

Psychology: Triggers skepticism that must be resolved by watching

Best For: Tutorials, hacks, revelations

Templates:

• "This [thing] changed my life"
• "The [X] that makes everything else obsolete"
• "I discovered this and my [metric] went up [X]%"
• "This one trick [dramatic result]"

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Bold claim with emphasis
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='This ONE thing':fontsize=56:fontcolor=white:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0,1.5)',
    drawtext=text='changed EVERYTHING':fontsize=64:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.20:enable='between(t,0.8,2.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_bold_claim.mp4

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6. The Counter-Intuitive

Psychology: Challenges existing beliefs, triggers cognitive dissonance

Best For: Educational, myth-busting, industry secrets

Templates:

• "[Common belief]? That's actually wrong"
• "Everything you know about [X] is backwards"
• "The [X] industry doesn't want you to know this"
• "Why [opposite of expectation] is actually true"

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Myth vs Reality hook
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='MYTH':fontsize=64:fontcolor=red:borderw=4:bordercolor=white:x=w*0.25-(tw/2):y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0,1.5)',
    drawtext=text='vs':fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0.5,1.5)',
    drawtext=text='REALITY':fontsize=64:fontcolor=green:borderw=4:bordercolor=white:x=w*0.75-(tw/2):y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0,1.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_counter_intuitive.mp4

---

7. The Social Proof

Psychology: Leverages herd mentality and FOMO

Best For: Product reviews, recommendations, trending topics

Templates:

• "[X million] people use this and don't know about [Y]"
• "This is why [authority/celebrity] does [X]"
• "Everyone's talking about this..."
• "[X]% of people don't know this exists"

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Stats-based social proof
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='10 MILLION people':fontsize=56:fontcolor=white:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.10:enable='between(t,0,2)',
    drawtext=text='are using this wrong':fontsize=48:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.18:enable='between(t,0.8,2.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_social_proof.mp4

---

8. The Time-Sensitive Urgency

Psychology: Creates artificial scarcity, triggers fear of missing out

Best For: Trends, limited offers, news, seasonal content

Templates:

• "Before [date/event], you need to know this"
• "This won't work after [time]"
• "You have [X days] left to..."
• "Do this NOW before it's too late"

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Urgent countdown style
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='DO THIS NOW':fontsize=72:fontcolor=red:borderw=5:bordercolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.10:enable='between(t,0,2)',
    drawtext=text='before it\\'s too late':fontsize=48:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.18:enable='between(t,0.8,2.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_urgency.mp4

---

9. The Storytelling Hook

Psychology: Triggers narrative engagement, emotional investment

Best For: Personal stories, case studies, testimonials

Templates:

• "3 months ago, I [bad situation]..."
• "This is the story of how I [achievement]"
• "It started when..."
• "Nobody expected what happened next"

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Story opener with fade-in text
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='3 months ago...':fontsize=56:fontcolor=white:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.15:alpha='if(lt(t,1),t,1)':enable='lt(t,3)',
    drawtext=text='everything changed':fontsize=48:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.23:alpha='if(lt(t-1,1),max(0,t-1),1)':enable='between(t,1,3)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_story.mp4

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10. The Question Hook

Psychology: Activates problem-solving brain, demands mental engagement

Best For: Educational, listicles, Q&A content

Templates:

• "Have you ever wondered why [X]?"
• "What if I told you [X]?"
• "Can you guess [X]?"
• "Why does everyone get [X] wrong?"

FFmpeg Implementation:

# Question with reveal
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
  -vf "
    drawtext=text='Have you ever wondered':fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:borderw=3:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.12:enable='between(t,0,1.5)',
    drawtext=text='WHY this happens?':fontsize=56:fontcolor=yellow:borderw=4:bordercolor=black:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h*0.20:enable='between(t,0.8,2.5)'
  " \
  -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 \
  -c:a copy \
  output_question.mp4

---