Generate hed & dek combinations
AI creates 10 headline and subhead pairs (hed + dek) for your story.
Generate hed & dek combinations
River's Hed and Dek Generator creates 10 headline-and-subhead combinations for your story. You provide story details, and the AI writes 10 complete hed-dek pairs using different approaches (direct, clever, question-based, benefit-focused, curiosity-driven). Whether you're editing news, features, or digital stories, you get multiple strong options that accurately represent your story while attracting readers.
Unlike single headline generators, we create complete hed-dek systems where the headline hooks and the subhead delivers context. The AI understands headline conventions (hed captures attention in 5 to 10 words, dek provides essential context in 10 to 20 words), writes in active voice with strong verbs, and balances accuracy with appeal. You get options showing different editorial approaches to the same story.
This tool is perfect for editors writing headlines, reporters learning hed-dek craft, digital journalists optimizing for clicks and SEO, and publications testing different approaches. If you struggle writing headlines that both inform and attract, or if you want to test multiple options quickly, this tool helps. Use it when your story is finalized and needs the perfect headline to draw readers in.
What Makes Headlines Work
Headlines succeed when they balance two demands: accurately representing the story and enticing readers to engage. Effective headlines capture the most newsworthy element in few words, use active voice and strong verbs, create curiosity without misleading (no clickbait), and work with the subhead to give readers enough context to decide if they want to read. Weak headlines bury the news, use passive voice, or trick readers with misleading hooks. Strong headlines make readers think (I need to know more) while honestly representing story content.
Different platforms and story types need different headline approaches. Print headlines must work standalone with severe character limits. Digital headlines benefit from SEO keywords and can be slightly longer. News headlines prioritize who-what-when-where. Feature headlines can be more creative with puns or wordplay. The dek (subhead) fills in what the hed leaves out. Together they form a system: hed hooks attention, dek provides context needed to understand what story delivers. Neither should repeat the other. They should complement.
To improve headlines, write 10 to 15 options before choosing. Read them aloud (do they have rhythm?). Test on colleagues (what do they think the story is about?). Avoid cliches and overused phrases. Be specific (use numbers and proper nouns when possible). Front-load important words (readers scan left to right). For digital, include keywords naturally. Never write headlines before finishing the story (they must accurately reflect content). The headline is often the only thing readers see before deciding to engage or scroll past. Make it count.
What You Get
10 complete hed-dek pairs (headline + subhead for each)
Different approaches: direct, clever, question, benefit, curiosity
Varied angles on same story
SEO-friendly options with natural keywords
Professional journalism style throughout
How It Works
- 1Summarize your storyProvide key details about what the story covers
- 2AI generates 10 hed-dek pairsOur AI creates 10 different headline-subhead combinations in 1 to 2 minutes
- 3Review all optionsRead through all 10 approaches
- 4Choose and publishSelect your favorite or adapt elements from multiple versions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hed-dek pair should I use?
Test top options with colleagues or use analytics if possible. For news, choose most direct and informative. For features, more creative options work. For digital, consider SEO keywords. The best headline accurately represents your story while maximizing reader interest. When unsure, pick the clearest, most straightforward option. Clever headlines only work if they don't sacrifice clarity.
Can I use the hed from one option and dek from another?
Yes, absolutely. The AI pairs them logically, but you can mix and match. Sometimes the punchy hed from option 3 works best with the clear dek from option 7. You're the editor. Use the options as raw material to create your strongest possible headline-subhead system.
Are these suitable for print or just digital?
Both. Some options are optimized for print (shorter, punchier). Others work better for digital (include keywords, slightly longer). The AI provides variety. Adjust length for your platform. Print has strict character limits. Digital can be longer but still needs to be scannable. Choose based on where this will publish.
What if none of the 10 options work?
They show you what's not working, which helps. If all feel off, your story angle might need clarifying. Try running again with different emphasis in your input. Vary what you highlight as most newsworthy. Sometimes the wrong headlines help you realize what the right approach should be. Use them as starting points for your own brainstorming.
Should headlines include questions or avoid them?
Question headlines work when the question itself is compelling and the story answers it. Avoid questions readers might answer (no) before clicking. (Can this app save you money?) risks (no, next article). But (Why did the CEO suddenly resign?) works if story answers it. The AI provides question options. You decide if they serve your story.
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