Visual Storytelling 101

I’ve been heavy on text, LinkedIn, Threads, email.

Author

Stephen Stanberry
October 3rd, 2025

Hey friend!

Last week someone replied to my email and asked me,
“Does this apply to TikTok too, or just Threads?”

Fair question.
I’ve been heavy on text, LinkedIn, Threads, email.
But story is bigger than text.

It’s the engine behind short-form video too.
And the same simple structure works across TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.

Hook. Plot. Conclusion.

Hook (0–3 sec):
This is where you stop the scroll.
Not with “Hey guys.”
Not with long intros.
With tension, curiosity, or a bold statement.
Example: “This workout mistake keeps most people stuck. And no one talks about it.”

Plot (3–15 sec):
Deliver the story in beats. One idea every 4–5 seconds.
Problem → Shift → Solution.
Example: “I used to post 60-second demos of perfect form. Nobody cared. Then I opened with the struggle like not fitting into your old jeans. Views doubled overnight.”

Conclusion (15–30 sec):
Land the idea. Echo the hook. Leave a takeaway or a soft CTA.
Example: “If you want attention, stop showing the perfect rep. Start with the pain point. End with the fix.”

Add-ons that keep people watching:

  • Change something every 5 seconds (angle, tone, text).

  • Open loops (start a story, resolve later).

  • Re-hooks mid-video (“But here’s the real reason people fail…”).

Here’s a quick plug-and-play script you can swipe:

Hook: “Most diets fail before week two.”
Backstory: “I wasted years pushing quick fixes nobody stuck with.”
Turning Point: “Then I framed my content around real client struggles first.”
Close: “That shift pulled thousands of saves. Try it on your next video.”

So yes this applies to TikTok too.
Different medium. Same skill.

Talk soon,
Stephen

PS. If you want to stop guessing with your videos and start structuring stories that hold attention, grab my Writing Scripts for Short Videos Made Easy It’s the same system I use to turn 30-second clips into content people remember.

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