The TikTok algorithm is a complex system designed to serve users content on the app’s homepage – the For You page (FYP). The algorithm is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. It constantly analyzes user behavior, such as the videos they watch, like, share, and comment on, to create a personalized “For You” feed for each user. The system recommends content by ranking videos based on a combination of factors – starting from interests you express as a new user, and adjusting for things you indicate you’re not interested in.
The algorithm considers videos you’ve interacted with in the past, accounts and hashtags you follow, your location and language preferences, and even the type of content you create. When you open the TikTok app, the algorithm quickly evaluates your behavior, such as:
- The types of videos you interact with.
- How long you engage with them.
- The soundtracks you enjoy.
TikTok then uses this information to present you with a feed of videos that it believes you will find interesting and engaging. So instead of being populated entirely with videos from the people you follow, your FYP is filled with videos TikTok’s algorithm thinks you’ll enjoy – mostly from creators you don’t already know. No two FYPs are the same. In an effort to be more transparent about the complex algorithm, TikTok has a feature that lets you discover why the platform has recommended a specific video: tap on the share icon and then on “Why this video”.
Factors that influence the TikTok algorithm
The TikTok algorithm is continuously working behind the scenes to enhance your TikTok experience. There is not just a single factor running behind the algorithm, but multiple factors influence how TikTok will serve your content to your audience. Each of these factors is individually weighed by TikTok’s recommendation system (with some indicators being more important than others), which means each For You page is completely unique.
a. User activity
User activity plays a vital role in the TikTok algorithm. The more engagement your videos receive, the more likely they will rank higher and serve your target audience. Here are some positive indicators that influence the user activity:
- Likes
- Comments
- Shares
- Accounts followed
- Videos created
b. Subject matter (Video information)
When you upload a video on TikTok, you can provide additional information through captions, hashtags, and descriptions. These details play an important role in helping the algorithm understand the context and content of your video. By using relevant keywords and hashtags, you can increase the chances of your video being discovered by users interested in similar content. TikTok uses these metrics to determine the subject matter:
- Sound
- Hashtags
- Caption keywords
- Content (i.e. video transcripts)
- Effects
c. Video quality
High-quality videos with clear visuals and good production value have a higher chance of being recommended by the TikTok algorithm.
d. Video completes and re-watches
TikTok values videos watched in their entirety. Create content that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish and one that users would love to watch over and over again.
e. Audio
When a video includes a trending sound or song, the algorithm will use this to categorize your content and serve it to relevant audiences. Tapping into trending audio is great for landing on more FYPs – especially if you jump on the new trend early.
f. Interacting with TikTok trends and influencers
TikTok is a social platform, and engagement is key. By actively participating in the TikTok community, following relevant influencers, and interacting with their content, you increase your chances of appearing on the FYP of users who share similar interests. The algorithm takes into account your interactions with other users and uses that information to recommend videos that it believes you will find interesting and engaging.
g. App usage patterns
The TikTok algorithm takes into account the time of day you use the app and the frequency of your usage. By posting your videos during peak usage times, when more users are active on the platform, you increase the likelihood of your videos reaching a larger audience. Understanding your audience’s app usage patterns will help you strategically plan your content to be published at the best times so you can maximize your reach.
h. Trending content
TikTok loves fresh and trending content. Stay updated with the latest trends and incorporate them into your videos to increase your chances of being recommended to a wider audience.
i. User preferences
The TikTok algorithm learns from your personal preferences and tailors your “For You” feed accordingly. Consistently engage with the types of content you enjoy, as this will help the algorithm understand your preferences better.
j. Device and account settings
Settings such as your language preference, country setting, and device type are also factors in the Tiktok algorithm, however they receive lower weight in the recommendation system relative to other data points.
k. “Not Interested” feedback
TikTok’s algorithm is always trying to serve high-interest videos to every user, and it uses previous activity to determine this:
- Videos you’ve marked as “Not Interested”.
- Users you’ve hidden.
- Videos you skip through.
Factors that do not influence the TikTok algorithm
There are a few factors that do not influence how the TikTok algorithm ranks your content. These include:
- Follower count.
- Whether you’ve had previous high-performing videos.
This means that even if you only have a handful of followers, or have never posted to TikTok before, there’s still an opportunity for your video to go viral.
Types of content the algorithm won’t recommend
Much like in any game, there are a set of rules and regulations you must follow in order to play (and win big) with TikTok’s algorithm. To help foster the TikTok experience, the algorithm is designed to take user safety as a primary consideration. Provided that it does not violate local laws, the following types of content may be allowed on TikTok platform, searchable, and viewed in “Following” feeds but not eligible for recommendation. Such content includes:
- Minor safety.
- Dangerous sports and stunts.
- Overtly sexualized content.
- Tobacco and alcohol products.
- Violent and graphic content.
- Spam, inauthentic, or misleading content.
- Unoriginal, low-quality, and QR code content.
So, in order to avoid the algorithm flagging your content, it’s best practice to steer clear of all the above and follow the app’s community guidelines.
Conclusion
TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, transforming ordinary individuals into global sensations overnight. The platform offers users of all stripes everything from useful life hacks to the latest trending memes. Winning the TikTok algorithm’s favor is all about posting user-centric content and actively engaging with your community. Make sure you thoroughly research your target audience, learn what your follower base likes and attracts its attention, and use that information to create highly engaging videos. Remember, going viral on TikTok isn’t just about accumulating views and likes – it’s about forging genuine connections and leaving a lasting impact.
