How to crack the TikTok algorithm

TikTok is by far the best platform to increase brand awareness and connect with your target audience on a more personal level. TikTok serves content through a meticulously crafted algorithm – understanding it is the key to effective results. The TikTok algorithm plays a crucial role in the platform’s For You Page (FYP), which blends content from creators you already follow with content from influencers that aren’t yet on your radar to keep you engaged.

The For You feed is one of the defining features of TikTok, and the true magic of this social media platform is that there are no two identical feeds. While different users may come upon some of the same standout videos, each person’s feed is unique and tailored to one specific individual. Another thing that separates TikTok from other social media platforms is that the primary feed a user sees is the For You Page (known as #fyp), which includes videos from both creators you follow and those you don’t.

The posts shown in the FYP aren’t random – the platform relies on a feedback-driven algorithm that learns about users’ preferences to show them content they’ll most likely enjoy. More specifically, TikTok takes into account the content people previously interacted with, the location, language preferences, device settings, the accounts followed, and the type of content created before showing posts on the FYP.

TikTok won’t consider your follower count, account age, or posting frequency when analyzing your content. Its paid advertisement platform also works independently from the organic content platform – investing in ads won’t boost organic reach. The content that lands on the FYP also goes through a rigorous process. When creators roll out posts, they aren’t immediately shown to all of their followers. Instead, TikTok shows the posts to smaller audience segments where it measures initial engagement rates and user interactions.

If the content does well, the platform will then push it to the broader audience. TikTok will collect engagement data to accurately predict each user’s preferences and keep the FYP relevant. This means that the TikTok algorithm is a complex and refined recommendation system and that multiple factors influence what shows on your feed. Before publishing your videos and writing a TikTok marketing strategy, you must curate your own feed. Curating your For You Page has multiple benefits:

• Getting to know your target audience’s preferences.
• Learning more about what niche hashtags to use.
• Discovering content creators you can collaborate with.
• Figuring out what video content you should create.
• Taking notes on trends and how to adjust them to fit your brand.
• Understanding how the TikTok algorithm works.

Here are the tips to help you crack the algorithm and get the most out of your TikTok experience.

1. Switch to a professional account

The mighty professional TikTok account comes with multiple perks. Of course, you get a fancy title after all, but the benefit it offers are exceptional. You can get an overview of all your video analytics, providing valuable insights into your videos’ performance. When you access analytics, you can tailor your content strategy to suit your audience’s preferences better, and this leads to higher engagement rates. You can even get an idea of your top-performing videos to create videos that resonate with your audience. Moreover, with a Pro account, you can add links to your website and other social media profiles right in your bio.

That means more traffic to your other online hangouts and a killer marketing strategy. Also, some exclusive TikTok tools are attached to the Pro account that can make your videos stand out. For instance, if you are running a business, you can even sell stuff directly to your fans using TikTok’s e-commerce features. So, going Pro is definitely one of the best moves you can make on the platform. Whether you are just starting on TikTok or looking to take your account to the next level, switching to a Pro account is one of the best TikTok tips.

2. Prioritize shorter videos

The TikTok algorithm rewards videos that users watch from start to end. These videos are usually the short ones. If you want to capture the audience’s attention, then try to make shorter videos. Here are a few tips:

• Keep your videos under 60 seconds for maximum impact and engagement.
• Make sure your video is visually appealing and engaging, with creative content that will hold viewers’ attention.
• Use hashtags to get it in front of as many people as possible.

Moreover, you can use TikTok editing features to make your videos shorter. First, consider using the “trim” feature to cut down your videos to a shorter length. You can also use the “speed” feature to make your videos play faster, which can help you create shorter videos without sacrificing quality.

3. Use trending effects for TikTok videos

To add some extra flair to your TikTok videos, try out some of the trending effects. There’s a vast variety of effects to choose from, so choose something that suits your style. Also, using effects can help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed by more people. From fun filters to AR effects, you can find everything. And best of all, these effects are easy to use and can help you take your videos to the next level. Moreover, with the trending effects you can beat the TikTok algorithm easily.

For instance, you can use the split-screen effect to show two different scenes simultaneously. This can be a great way to tell a story or show various aspects of your life. You can also use the duet feature to create a video with someone else. This is a way to collaborate with other users and create something unique. There are endless possibilities for using effects in your videos, so get creative and have fun with your videos.

4. Use trending hashtags

With TikTok’s dynamic environment, staying up-to-date with trending hashtags is super important. Trends can literally change within the blink of an eye, so it’s essential to be updated with every new thing around. The same goes for hashtags. When it is the talk of the town, it means loads of users are using the hashtag. That’s usually because it’s tied to a catchy song, dance, or challenge. So, by jumping on those trending hashtags, you are basically giving your content a front-row seat in front of your target audience. Don’t use hashtags that don’t go with your content, try to use the generic ones that fit right for your video content.

5. Create videos for trending sound

TikTok was once all about lip-syncs, trending sounds, and music. So, why not make the most of the platform’s premium features? You can unleash your creativity by aligning your videos with the latest TikTok sounds. The video platform always appreciated the idea of creativity and self-expression, so what better way to showcase your talents than by creating videos that synchronize with the trendiest sounds?

6. Write captivating captions

In the competitive landscape of TikTok, having captivating captions is essential to stand out and engage your viewers effectively. To craft compelling captions on TikTok, you can consider using emojis and relevant hashtags to make your caption visually appealing and more likely to catch the eye of potential viewers. Inject humor into your captions, spice it up with puns, jokes, or playful language to engage your audience and keep them entertained.

Additionally, you can randomly share questions or thought-provoking statements in your captions to ignite discussions among your viewers, ultimately driving more interaction on your videos. Just make sure to keep your captions short and sweet, as Tik Tok is all about snappy content, so don’t overdo it.

7. Post at the right time

When it comes to TikTok or any other platform, timing is everything. The time of day that you post can significantly impact the number of people who see your content. You want to post during peak hours to get the most views on TikTok. Peak hours on TikTok vary depending on the day of the week. The best time to post on TikTok is as follows:

Day	Best times to post on TikTok
Monday	6 AM, 10 AM, 10 PM
Tuesday	2 AM, 4 AM, 9 AM
Wednesday	7 AM, 8 AM, 11 PM
Thursday	9 AM, 12 AM, 7 PM
Friday	5 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
Saturday	11 AM, 7 PM, 8 PM
Sunday	7 AM, 8 AM, 4 PM

These timings indicate high engagement. Posting during these hours will help you reach the largest audience possible. Moreover, if you want to know the best time to post, you can check your Business or Creator’s account analytics. This is how you can do so:

• Go to your “TikTok Business” account.
• From your profile, tap on the three dots icon at the top right.
• Tap on “Business suite”.
• Select “Analytics”.

8. First three seconds count

In a world where we are overwhelmed with endless content, it is more important than ever to hook your viewers within the initial three seconds. TikTok is a great platform for doing just that. You can quickly grab your audience’s attention and deliver your message with its short-form format and beat the TikTok algorithm. Users have a short attention span on TikTok, so it’s best to hook their attention in the first three seconds.

So how do you do it? First, you need to understand your audience. What are their interests? What kind of content do they usually consume? Once you know your target audience, you can start creating content that appeals to them. It’s also important to be creative and original. There’s no point in copying what everyone else is doing. Instead, try to come up with something unique and creative.

9. Engage with your community

People love it when they can interact directly with their favorite influencers/brands on social media – but you have to take the initiative. In other words, take the time to respond to your follower’s comments to foster a stronger, more personal connection with them. This also encourages your follower base to regularly interact with you and notify the algorithm your posts consistently experience high engagement levels.

While you’re at it, encourage users to post their own content showcasing your products (user-generated content). This opens up the perfect opportunity to set up branded hashtags, boost brand visibility, and reach a wider audience. Don’t forget about other creators within your niche either. Mentioning other creators in your posts works especially well if you run a small account – posts with mention generally experience higher engagement levels.

10. Go live

Speaking of fostering a personal connection with your followers, consider going live from time to time. In contrast to other social media platforms, TikTok users are 50% more interested in live content, while half of TikTok’s user base bought something after watching a livestream. To put it differently, live viewership is a gold mine in terms of establishing a loyal and engaged TikTok follower base. But what type of live content should you host?

Luckily, users aren’t that picky – they’re most interested in content ranging from tutorials and Q&As to product reviews and releases. Make sure to host content that aligns with your brand as well as your audience. Also, be consistent so followers learn to expect when you’re about to go live. Respond to your audience’s questions or comments during the live sessions and always be active or have something going on in the background to maintain the viewers’ attention.

11. Don’t remove old content

If you are a content creator on TikTok, you might be wondering what to do with your old videos. After all, you don’t want your profile to be cluttered with outdated content. If you are no longer uploading the content on the platform, why keep the old content around? However, there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t delete old content from TikTok.

• It can help you see how far you have come. It’s always satisfying to look back at old videos and see how much you have improved.
• Other users may enjoy seeing your old content. If you have a large following, then your old videos may be one of the reasons why people follow you.
• Deleting videos could cause you to lose followers.

So if you see an old video of yours that isn’t getting much attention, don’t delete it. Who knows, it could be your next big hit.

12. Play with new TikTok features

Want to add some new excitement to your TikTok experience? Why not experiment with some of the platform’s latest features? TikTok is constantly rolling out new updates and features, so there’s always something new to explore. The platform continuously releases new features for users, and there’s always something to experiment with. Whether it’s a new filter or AR effect, there’s always something to try out. Keep up with the latest trends, experiment with new features and beat the TikTok algorithm.

13. Create a TikTok challenge

Every day, millions of people worldwide open up the TikTok app and scroll through an endless feed of creative content. From hilarious comedy sketches to jaw-dropping dance routines, there’s something for everyone on TikTok. But what really keeps people coming back to the app are the challenges. TikTok challenges are fun to get creative and show off your talent. They also give you the chance to be featured on the platform, which can lead to some serious social media stardom.

14. Create relatable content

TikTok always prioritizes content where keywords are actually spoken. After all, the platform’s major focus is connecting with your audience personally. Just to get noticed by the algorithm, create content that resonates with the everyday experiences, emotions, and challenges of your target audience. People who relate to your content are more likely to engage, share, and follow you.

15. Diverse Content Mix

Variety is the spice of TikTok. The algorithm rewards creators who offer a diverse range of content. Don’t limit yourself to a single niche; explore different video formats, challenges, and trends. This keeps your audience engaged and attracts viewers with varying interests.

16. Create high-quality videos

While TikTok is known for its casual vibe, investing in good video and audio quality can make a significant difference. Clear visuals, crisp audio, and well-lit scenes not only make your content more enjoyable but also signal to the algorithm that you are a serious creator.

17. Partner with fellow creators

TikTok thrives on collaboration and creativity. Partnering with other TikTokers can amplify your reach and following significantly. For a successful collaboration, you need to follow the pointers below.

• Okay, firstly, seek out TikTokers with a similar follower count and target audience. This aligns that your collaboration is mutually beneficial, as you’ll be tapping into a shared fanbase.
• Next, initiate contact with potential collaborators. Express your interest and brainstorm content ideas together.
• Make sure to build a strong and creative synergy, as it is crucial for a successful collaboration.

The real magic happens in collaborating with fellow creators. You get to feature on each other’s accounts and introduce yourself to a fresh audience that might be totally into your content.

Conclusion

Whether you are into dancing, DIY, or storytelling, these hacks can help you get noticed. But most importantly, be yourself and enjoy what you do. There’s no doubt that the TikTok algorithm is a power that can help you get your content seen by more people. However, it’s also important to remember that there’s no magic bullet to getting views and likes on your videos. Ultimately, the best way to increase your chances of success on TikTok is to produce quality content that people will want to watch and share.