In today’s fast-paced digital world, grabbing attention is harder than ever. With millions of posts, ads, and articles published daily, standing out requires strong hooks. One of the simplest yet most powerful attention-grabbing phrases is: “check this out.”
Though short and casual, “check this out” remains one of the most effective call-to-action phrases used in marketing, blogging, social media, and video content. But why does it work so well? And how can you use it strategically for better engagement?
Let’s break it down.
What Does “Check This Out” Mean?
“Check this out” is an informal phrase used to encourage someone to look at, watch, or pay attention to something interesting. It signals excitement, curiosity, or importance.
For example:
Check this out — I found something amazing!
You need to check this out before it’s gone.
Check this out if you want to improve your results.
It’s conversational, friendly, and direct — which makes it highly effective in digital communication.
Why “Check This Out” Works So Well
1. It Sparks Curiosity
Curiosity is one of the strongest psychological triggers. When someone says “check this out,” your brain immediately wants to know what you’re supposed to see.
It creates:
Anticipation
Mild suspense
A sense of exclusivity
People don’t want to miss something potentially valuable.
2. It Feels Personal and Natural
Unlike formal phrases like “please review the following,” “check this out” feels human and authentic. It sounds like something a friend would say — not a corporation.
In marketing and content creation, authenticity builds trust. And trust builds engagement.
3. It’s Short and Direct
Attention spans online are limited. A short phrase works better than a long explanation. “Check this out” is:
Only three words
Easy to read
Easy to understand
Instantly actionable
That simplicity makes it powerful.
How to Use “Check This Out” in Content Marketing
If you’re writing blog posts, running social media pages, or creating videos, “check this out” can improve click-through rates and engagement when used correctly.
In Blog Titles
Examples:
Check This Out: 7 Hidden Features You Didn’t Know About
Check This Out Before Buying Your Next Gadget
Check This Out – The Secret to Faster Results
Using it in titles creates urgency and curiosity.
In Social Media Captions
On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X (Twitter), the phrase works as a hook:
Check this out ?
You have to check this out…
Check this out if you struggle with productivity
Pairing it with emojis or short teasers increases interaction.
In Video Content
YouTube creators and short-form video influencers often use “check this out” at the beginning of videos. It acts as a verbal hook to keep viewers watching.
For example:
“Before you scroll, check this out…”
That split second of curiosity can improve watch time.
SEO Strategy: Is “Check This Out” a Good Keyword?
From an SEO perspective, “check this out” is a broad and conversational keyword. It works best in:
Click-driven headlines
Call-to-action sections
Social media traffic funnels
Viral content marketing
However, because it’s generic, it performs better when combined with a specific topic.
For example:
Check this out fitness tips
Check this out travel deal
Check this out marketing strategy
Combining it with long-tail keywords improves ranking potential.
When NOT to Use “Check This Out”
Although powerful, the phrase should be used carefully. Avoid using it:
In formal corporate reports
In legal documents
In academic research
When the content doesn’t deliver value
If you say “check this out,” the content must actually be worth checking out. Overusing it without delivering value can damage credibility.
Psychological Power Behind the Phrase
The phrase works because it activates:
Curiosity gap – People want to close the information gap.
Social proof instinct – If someone recommends something, it must be interesting.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) – What if this is important?
These triggers increase clicks and engagement without sounding aggressive or salesy.
Better Alternatives to “Check This Out”
If you want variation while keeping impact, try:
Take a look at this
Don’t miss this
You’ll want to see this
This might surprise you
Here’s something interesting
Rotating phrases prevents repetition fatigue.
Final Thoughts
“Check this out” may seem simple, but it’s one of the most powerful engagement phrases in digital communication. It works because it’s:
Natural
Curious
Direct
Conversational
Whether you’re writing a blog post, crafting a social caption, or starting a video, this phrase can help pull people in — as long as the content delivers real value.
