Ever wondered why some TikTok videos go viral while others, despite being equally good, barely get noticed? The answer- TikTok Algorithm! These sophisticated rules make decisions on what content to recommend.
If you are looking to grow your audience, you need to understand how this algorithm works. Let’s look at some of the secrets behind TikTok’s algorithm and how you can use them to your advantage.
How TikTok Algorithms Work
In reality, TikTok’s algorithm is not as mysterious as you may think!
The platform evaluates several signals to determine which videos appear on your FYP page. These signals include actions like comments, likes, and shares of the time spent on a video.
When you engage with content, TikTok collects data about your preferences and adjusts its recommendations accordingly. This enables users to discover relevant content that keeps them scrolling for hours.
Engagement Matters
TikTok does not rely solely on the number of followers you have. Instead, it focuses heavily on engagement. The more likes, comments, shares, and saves a video gets, the more likely it is to be recommended.
But perhaps the most important signal that TikTok considers is video watch time. If users watch a video to the end or rewatch it, that tells the algorithms that the video is worth showing to a larger audience.
As a content creator, it means that you should aim to create content that keeps viewers hooked and invites enhanced engagement.
Also, try incorporating calls to action, humor, or intriguing visuals. The longer someone stays on your video, the better your chances of reaching out to a wider audience.
Testing and Tiers- How a Video Goes Viral
Did you know TikTok tests your videos in different stages before it goes viral?
- When you first upload a video, it is shown to a small group of people. This is tier 1
- The video moves to tier 2 if this group engages well with the video.
- Once the video has passed through four tiers in this manner, it becomes likely to go viral.
The trick, then, is to continuously test your content!
Experiment with different formats, topics, and video lengths to see what works best for your audience. When you first upload a video and want more traction for it, you can even consider giving it a slight boost via growth services like TikTokstorm.com.
Metrics- What TikTok Really Cares About
To really get the most out of TikTok, you need to understand the metrics that the algorithm cares about. These include
- Watch time- A higher number increases the chances of greater reach
- Comments – indicates people want to engage with your content
- Shares- signifies that the content is worth spreading
- Likes
If you can get these metrics right, TikTok will reward you by recommending your videos to more users. You can also get TikTok followers from growth services if you are looking to get that initial boost, but do not lose focus on consistent engagement along the way.
Do not Forget the First Five Videos
Some experts believe that TikTok looks at your first five posts to categorize your channel and understand the type of content you will be creating. If your first five videos are about cooking, for instance, TikTok may label you as a cooking channel and recommend your content to those who enjoy food-related videos.
So, if you want to build a specific niche or audience, make sure your first five videos are carefully planned and in line with your brand theme.
TikTok Loves Old Content
Another cool feature of TikTok’s algorithm is the ability to resurrect old content!
If a video does not perform well at first, TikTok will sometimes send it through the testing process again. This implies that your older videos might still have a shot at going viral months after they were originally posted.
The key takeaway in this case is to never delete the old videos, no matter how poorly they perform at first.
You can also nudge the algorithm in your favor by boosting the engagement on those videos. Who knows, TikTok may consider giving them a second chance.
Looping Videos
If you want to get more watch time and replays, try creating videos that loop. You can use a sound or visual effect that naturally flows from the end back to the beginning.
This way, viewers are more likely to watch the video again. This increases your watch time and helps signal to TikTok that your video is worth recommending.
Consider experimenting with shorter videos, as they tend to have higher completion rates.
Final Thoughts
An understanding of TikTok’s algorithm enables you to take advantage of its data-driven recommendations and enhance your engagement.
Remember that TikTok rewards creators who keep viewers coming back for more. So, it is time to put these tips into action and boost your current reach.
