Here’s something we can all agree on: the Tiktok algorithm is one of the key reasons why the social media app has become immensely popular worldwide. In fact, some users even note that the algorithm knows them so well, it can read their thoughts!
Since the Tiktok Algorithm is so influential when it comes to gaining views and reaching your audience, you certainly want to work with it instead of against it.
In this all-inclusive master guide, I will unveil the secrets of this mysterious system and teach you how to use it to your advantage.
You will discover how to:
- Define your TikTok target audience
- Post at the right time to get more views
- Improve content consistency and engagement
Ready to crack the code on this complex algorithm? Let’s get started!
What is the TikTok Algorithm?
With over 689 million TikTok users worldwide, beloved fans rave about how amazing the app is at showcasing the right content to keep them glued to their screens. So, how does TikTok do it?
Through the TikTok algorithm, of course!
Simply put, the TikTok algorithm is a type of recommendation system. In fact, TikTok dubs its algorithm as the “For You” Recommendation System.
Similar to search engines like Google, the TikTok recommendation system uses a programmed approach to sift through and identify user preferences to provide them with the personalized content they actually want to see.
This, in turn, keeps the user on the app longer and improves the overall user experience (UX)!
How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work?
According to TikTok, “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, too – to form your personalized For You feed.”
For instance, when you like a video, follow an account, or comment on a post, this information is noted by the system and it will begin to suggest similar videos to your feed.
As time goes on, your preferences are zeroed in on and you will eventually fall into a niche group.
Why Content Creators Need to Understand the TikTok Algorithm
Interestingly enough, the same systematic approach applies to content creators!
For example, if you create videos that focus predominately on business tips, then your videos will be directed to a niche audience that has an interest in business-related videos.
When you consistently make quality videos about business tips and receive engagement from your business-loving followers, then the algorithm will start to notice you. And since the goal of TikTok is to keep users on the app, the system will begin to promote your videos and unlock new opportunities for you as a content creator (including monetary incentives!).
HOWEVER, if you make videos that don’t resonate well with your followers and don’t receive active engagement, then the system is less likely to give you a spotlight. This, unfortunately, may cause your views and follower count to plummet.
As you can see, it’s very important to know how the algorithm works if you want to grow on TikTok!
6 Ways to Work With the Algorithm, Not Against It
Here’s a fact: all TikTok content creators want their videos to gain likes, comments, and follows. In fact, most would be thrilled if their content went viral!
However, the only way to consistently stay at the top of the charts on TikTok is to appease the all-mighty algorithm. So, how can you take advantage of the algorithm and post videos that keep your follower count soaring?
Don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you guessing. Here is a compiled list of 6 ways to appease the TikTok gods and beat the system.
1. Read the Community Guidelines
Do you remember that box you check-marked when you first created your TikTok account? That was for the TikTok Community Guidelines, a public code that explains everything you shouldn’t post on the app, including explicit comments and video content.
You might be wondering, “Do people actually read these?” Well, yes. And you are also encouraged to fully read these guidelines!
Here’s why.
Banned Content: A Trend You DO NOT Want to Follow
When you post content that violates the community guidelines, even if it was done by accident, your account may get flagged, temporarily banned, or permanently blocked.
If your violation really was an accident or is truly justifiable, you can send TikTok an appeal. Here’s the good news: if your appeal is validated, you will not receive any negative consequences on your account.
However, if your appeal is nullified because you really did go against the community guidelines in an obvious way, then your account will receive extra scrutiny from the TikTok algorithm bots.
Unfortunately, this will negatively affect your chances of rapidly advancing on the platform.
Ultimately, it’s always beneficial to stay up-to-date on the community guidelines so you can avoid the negative repercussions of a violation, whether it was an accident or not.
2. Make Sure Your Device Settings are Up-To-Date
When you first set up your account, your device and account settings are usually automatically filled in with the following information:
- Language preference
- Country setting
- Device type
As stated by TikTok, “These factors are included to make sure the system is optimized for performance.” You can edit them in your settings.
Therefore, you should make sure the information in your settings is current and accurate before you start posting, especially since it can affect the type of audience you may (or may not) reach.
Speaking of audiences…
3. Find Your Niche TikTok Audience
If you are new to TikTok, then you will quickly find out that there are hundreds of unique collections of videos on the app.
For example, some of the most common collections on the platform that receive a lot of attention include:
- Choreographed dance
- Comedy (fail videos, funny animals, pranks)
- Lip syncing/singing
- DIY (home decor, cooking, arts and crafts)
These “collections” are categorized by their overarching themes (usually denoted by keywords and hashtags – more on this later) and then sent out to niche TikTok audiences.
What is a TikTok Audience?
It’s safe to say that, once you go down the TikTok rabbit hole, the algorithm will offer you a very personalized user experience. You will begin to notice that the vast majority of the video content you receive is dedicated to your current interests.
For instance, if you are an equestrian and have a huge heart for horses, then there is not a shadow of a doubt that videos featuring horses and horse-related activities will flood your “For You” page!
Congratulations, you are now part of the “Equestrian TikTok Audience.”
Define Your TikTok Audience
Want to know one of the best ways to hack the TikTok algorithm and boost views on your videos?
Here’s the ultimate secret: target a niche audience and consistently create content that resonates with them!
Remember, TikTok wants users to stay on the app as long as possible. Therefore, the system will shine a spotlight on the accounts that greatly influence a specific niche audience and stimulate user engagement.
With that being said, pick one audience you want to regularly create content for and stick with them for the long run.
4. Tailor Your Videos with Keywords and Hashtags
By now, you must be saying to yourself, “Okay, I know my target audience… but how on earth do I reach them? Is there something I can do to get my videos in front of them?”
Yes, there is!
It’s clear that your videos heavily rely on the TikTok algorithm to pick them up and put them in front of your audience.
But, did you know that you can help the system find your audience through the use of strategic keywords and hashtags?
Of course, you have to do a little bit of research on your target market and uncover the best keywords for your videos. But, when done correctly and combined with high-quality and engaging content, the system is sure to direct your videos to the right users.
Who knew you could SEO-proof a TikTok video!
5. Post Regularly at the Right Time
Consistency is key. This goes for the type, quality, quantity, and length of the videos you make. And, this is also true for the time of day you post your videos!
When is the Best Time to Post Videos on TikTok?
For starters, there isn’t a cookie-cutter time you should post your videos. In fact, the time you decide to post really depends on your TikTok audience.
For instance, if your target is working professionals, then the best time to upload content is when your audience is off of work and relaxing at home (perhaps around 7 PM). On the other hand, if you create videos for stay-at-home parents, then mid-morning around 11 AM is a great time to post.
As for the number of times you should post, shoot for 3 or more videos per day to really grow your reach. And remember, don’t sacrifice quality for quantity!
Lucky for you, TikTok allows you to track engagement with their Pro Accounts feature so you can determine the best times for you to post!
6. Follow the RIGHT Trends for Your Market
It’s no secret that one of the easiest ways to gain traction on TikTok is to follow trends.
However, this strategy can quickly backfire on you and can actually lead to a downfall of follows, views, and likes! Here’s why.
The Common Trend Video Mistake Content Creators Make
Let’s say you primarily post content that revolves around cooking and culinary delights. You consistently make videos about delicious cuisine. Your small niche audience loves your stuff and you have a steady set of followers that like your videos.
But, you are HUNGRY for MORE! You want your videos to get more views so you can earn more money and become a coveted Top Creator. So, you decide to record trendy dance videos that mimic some of the most popular trends on TikTok.
Unfortunately, you don’t really gain that many new followers or views. In fact, you actually lose 100 followers in just 2 days!
What went wrong?!
Well, in simple terms, your account was known for its artful food videos, not dancing! So, your niche market decided that they weren’t interested in your content anymore and stopped liking your videos altogether. And what’s worse?
You’ve been #Chopped by the TikTok algorithm because your engagement went down. Not good!
Stick with Content that Fits Your Niche
If you really want to jump onto the trendy video bandwagon, then you should search for trends that fit your TikTok audience.
And if you really can’t resist that trendy dance routine, get creative and involve food in the fun!
Don’t skip around from music videos to dance routines to funny dog compilations – just in an attempt to grasp at any views you can get.
Most importantly, don’t lose sight of why you even started creating content on TikTok in the first place – your love for everything culinary.
In the end, you will gain much more traction from videos that follow the RIGHT trends and resonate with your audience.
Find More Digital Marketing Tips with Chatter Buzz Media
When it’s all said and done, the TikTok algorithm isn’t so mysterious after all. Through targeted keywords, audience engagement, and consistent content, you can become a TikTok tycoon and master the system!
And don’t stop at TikTok. From social media strategies to web design hacks, take your creative capabilities further with these must-know digital marketing insights.
The post Everything You Need to Know About the TikTok Algorithm to Gain More Views appeared first on Chatter Buzz.
