# Cold open

> A cold open is a scene at the start of a video that jumps directly into the story before the main title sequence.

Canonical: https://faceless.so/glossary/cold-open
Last updated: 2026-05-06

A cold open is a scene at the start of a video that jumps directly into the story before the main title sequence.

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Last updated May 6, 2026 by [the Faceless team](https://faceless.so/about)

TL;DR

A cold open is a scene at the start of a video that jumps directly into the story before the main title sequence.

## What is Cold open?

In video production, a cold open is a technique where the viewer is immediately immersed into a scene or story without any introductory titles or credits. This approach aims to grab attention quickly, often by presenting a compelling or dramatic moment that hooks the audience. Cold opens are commonly used in television shows, films, and online videos to create intrigue and encourage viewers to continue watching. For instance, a YouTube video might start with a surprising fact or a dramatic event to captivate the audience before transitioning to the main content or channel introduction. This technique is particularly effective in retaining viewers who might otherwise skip over lengthy intros.

## Examples

-   01
    
    ### Example 1
    
    A YouTube video on 'The History of AI' begins with a dramatic reenactment of a pivotal moment in AI development.
    
-   02
    
    ### Example 2
    
    A TikTok video starts with a jaw-dropping magic trick before explaining how it's done.
    
-   03
    
    ### Example 3
    
    A Reddit-to-video adaptation opens with a gripping story from r/AskReddit before showing the thread.
    
-   04
    
    ### Example 4
    
    A news segment begins with breaking footage of an event before the anchor introduces the topic.
    
-   05
    
    ### Example 5
    
    A documentary starts with a powerful quote from an interview subject before the title screen.
    

## Common use cases

-   01
    
    ### Use case 1
    
    Engaging viewers quickly in social media videos.
    
-   02
    
    ### Use case 2
    
    Setting the tone for a video essay on YouTube.
    
-   03
    
    ### Use case 3
    
    Creating suspense in a Reddit-to-video narrative.
    
-   04
    
    ### Use case 4
    
    Highlighting key moments in a documentary-style video.
    

## Related terms

[

Hook (video)

](https://faceless.so/glossary/hook-video)[

Watch time

](https://faceless.so/glossary/watch-time)

FAQ

## Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our platform

### How do I create a cold open?

Start with a compelling scene or fact that grabs attention, then transition into your main content.

### Is a cold open better than a traditional intro?

It depends on your content; cold opens work well for grabbing attention quickly, while traditional intros can provide context.

### What's the difference between a cold open and a teaser?

A cold open jumps directly into the story, while a teaser hints at content to come without revealing much.

### Can cold opens be used in educational videos?

Yes, they can introduce a surprising fact or question to spark curiosity before diving into the lesson.

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