It’s no secret that TikTok knows precisely what you’re looking for—even before you realize it yourself. One moment, you’re craving potato salad, and later that day, a recipe appears on your For You page as if by magic. Or maybe you searched online for tips on installing a sink faucet. Suddenly, TikTok shows you the perfect video. This uncanny timing isn’t a coincidence. It is due to a sophisticated algorithm. It is fine-tuned to understand your interests and online behavior.
While it might seem like magic, TikTok’s algorithm is far from a mystery. The algorithm builds a profile of your content preferences. It analyzes signals like how long you watch a video, the posts you like, and the comments you leave. This process uses data to tailor your feed. It feels as unique as a fingerprint. You get a personal experience with every scroll.
For brands, understanding TikTok’s algorithm offers a pathway to reaching potential customers. Content can land in front of the right audience with some strategic effort. Learn how the algorithm works. You can then show your products to the users who are most likely to use them. They are either industrial materials or trendy hats.
What is the TikTok algorithm?
The TikTok algorithm uses complex rules. It prioritizes videos based on user preferences. Unlike many social media platforms, TikTok introduces new creators’ videos. This enhances content discovery, as those platforms limit content to followed accounts. TikTok analyzes data like user interactions and account settings. It delivers highly tailored content. It often finds videos users might not have searched for but will likely enjoy.
Unlike many social media platforms, TikTok favors niche content. It matches it with specific audiences, not with a mainstream audience. This approach has attracted brands with niche products. So, TikTok is now a valuable platform for reaching targeted customers.
How does the TikTok algorithm work?
TikTok’s algorithm uses ranking factors. It matches users with content that matches their interests. Examining specific elements effectively curates videos that users are likely to enjoy.
- User interactions: This category includes your likes, shares, comments, and saved videos. It tracks the time spent on certain videos, and the accounts and hashtags you follow or search.
- Video information: This category covers content details. These include captions, sounds, filters, and hashtags. They help the algorithm identify each video, image, or slideshow.
- Device and account settings: The algorithm uses your chosen language, country, and device from setup to decide what to show you. But it is less important than other factors.
What the TikTok algorithm doesn’t show.
To boost your content’s chances on TikTok, avoid posting:
- Hate speech. This includes stereotypes that belittle people based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, family background, or medical conditions.
- Content that promotes unhealthy eating is banned. It advises on restrictive diets, unsafe supplements, and quick weight-loss exercises. It also covers ideal body types.
- TikTok advises against promoting challenges or activities that might lead to physical harm.
- Nudity. This includes semi-nudity, significant cleavage, and infants and toddlers in partial nudity.
- Sexually suggestive content is not allowed. This includes intimate kissing, sexualized actions, and references to sex products.
- Don’t post graphic material. This includes blood, fights, explicit bodily functions, and other disturbing visuals.
- Steer clear of sharing misinformation, including conspiracy theories, distorted events, or unverified treatments.
- Don’t share unverified election claims. This includes false info on ballot counts, laws, and civic details.
- Fake engagement tactics, like misleading incentives or spammy methods to boost likes, can flag your content.
- TikTok won’t show unoriginal content. This includes videos with visible watermarks, very short clips, or those made only from GIFs.
- Content that promotes or glamorizes gambling is not allowed.
- Content promoting or depicting regulated substances, like alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis, is restricted. This includes other controlled drugs.
- You must disclose any paid promotions. Or show when a company has paid you to feature specific content.
TikTok’s guidelines state that minor violations receive a warning, while serious infractions may lead to an immediate account ban.
Tips for working with the TikTok algorithm.
Use the following tips to help shape your TikTok content strategy effectively.
Lead with your interests.
Create content around topics that genuinely interest you. Pursuing your passions can prevent burnout. It will also make you more authentic. Your audience will resonate with that.
This approach worked for Mimi Ikonn, co-founder of Luxy Hair and Intelligent Change. Luxy Hair sells hair extensions. Intelligent Change sells journals and productivity tools. Mimi started making videos about her love for hairstyling and hair accessories.
Optimize the first few seconds.
TikTok’s algorithm favors high watch time. So, you must quickly grab and hold viewers’ attention. Start with a captivating few seconds. Jump to the video’s main point. Add a catchy headline as a text overlay. Use a trending audio clip. And open with a visually engaging image. This will keep your audience interested.
Maximize the captions.
Captions help inform your audience and TikTok’s algorithm about your video. Adding relevant keywords and hashtags helps users find your videos in related searches.
For better visibility, use fewer unrelated trending hashtags. Focus on accurately describing your content. This approach helps TikTok’s algorithm connect your niche videos with the right audience.
Be consistent
Consistent content creation in your niche is critical. It helps you understand what resonates with your audience. Posting a few videos each week for several months will help. It’s like how buying more raffle tickets improves your odds of winning.
Consistent content creation helps you reach new viewers and engage your existing audience. Mimi says that posting once or twice a month may bore people. They might wonder if there’s anything new when they return. Building trust with your audience relies on maintaining a regular presence.
Focus on quality.
Building momentum on TikTok is about something other than posting often or timing. The best strategy is always to provide real value to your viewers. Do this through education, entertainment, or thought-provoking content.
When Mimi left Luxy Hair to launch Intelligent Change, her community supported her. They valued her dedication to quality. As Mimi puts it, the beauty of content creation lies in the trust it builds. Authentic content builds trust with your audience. They will likely support you if you later enter a new product or industry. They believe in you and your values.
Put your spin on trends.
TikTok lets similar dance routines or challenges go viral for different users, even if the videos are nearly identical. Chasing trends for quick views may be tempting. But, your brand will gain more from engaging with trends thoughtfully.
Mimi advises you to observe trends that resonate with people. Then, adapt them to fit your brand’s values and goals. For instance, if you run a small-batch coffee company, you might answer a popular question: “What’s the one item you’d take to a deserted island?” with a coffee-related response. Yet, avoiding trends that don’t fit your niche is best.
Learn from your data.
After a few months of posting, check your TikTok analytics. See which formats and topics your audience likes most. Find videos with far more views. Check if your audience prefers longer or shorter content. Also, identify the videos with the lowest completion rates.
Like the TikTok algorithm, you can analyze user data. It learns from engagement and drop-off. This can help you improve your content.
Faqs
How can I use TikTok analytics to improve my content?
Check your TikTok analytics at consistent intervals. It shows which formats and topics get the most engagement. This data helps you understand your audience’s preferences. It reveals their ideal video length and content interests. You can then adjust your strategy.
Why is it essential to create content on TikTok regularly?
Regular content creation builds trust and keeps your brand visible. Regular posting helps you reach new viewers and engage your followers.
Should I follow every TikTok trend to gain more views?
Trends can boost visibility, but choose ones that fit your brand and goals. This makes the content feel real and reinforces your brand’s identity.
How does TikTok’s algorithm impact my video views?
TikTok’s algorithm shows content based on user preferences and engagement. It considers factors like watch time and likes. Creating engaging content and tracking its performance can boost your video’s reach. This increases the chances of promoting your videos to a larger audience.
What should I focus on in my TikTok captions and hashtags?
Use keywords and hashtags in captions. They help TikTok’s algorithm understand your content. This makes it easier for users interested in related topics to find your videos. Avoid unrelated trending hashtags for better audience targeting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to create great content on TikTok, balance authenticity, consistency, and strategy. You can better engage viewers by knowing your audience and using your analytics. Don’t chase trends or game the algorithm. Focus on providing real value with educational, entertaining, or thought-provoking content. Engaging your followers on relevant topics will build their trust. This will grow a loyal community that supports your brand and goals. With time and effort, your content will find its audience and make an impact.
