Have you ever wondered why some videos go viral on TikTok in a day while others never catch fire? The secret mechanism that makes your content go viral is the TikTok algorithm.
The algorithm is the complex mechanism that determines the fate of your content on the platform. Are you wondering how the TikTok Algorithm works?
Well, finding the formula behind the TikTok Algorithm is like catching smoke with bare hands. Apart from a few ranking signals, TikTok has also kept its cards close on the precise details of its algorithm.
Still, whatever information they have revealed must be leveraged to establish your brand’s presence on TikTok.
This blog will focus on how the TikTok algorithm works and provide tips and tricks for harnessing it to enhance your organic reach on TikTok.
Let’s begin with the basics.
What Is TikTok Algorithm?
The TikTok Algorithm is a mechanism that uses Artificial Intelligence to curate personalized content recommendations on the “For You” Page. It showcases the content that users prefers and are most likely to engage with.
So, if you ever wonder how TikTok reads your mind, it is because TikTok has a machine-learning algorithm that constantly analyzes your behavior and predicts the content that you will find most interesting and engaging.
Every user’s For You Page (FYP) is unique based on their preferences, location, language, following, likes, dislikes, and more.
The TikTok algorithm is dynamic and adapts to each user’s changing preferences. When a user engages with something new, the algorithm catches it, feeds it into the formula, and shows them that type of video.
So, when you are looking for what is TikTok algorithm, there is no definite answer. Like every other social media algorithm, the mechanism keeps changing from time to time, adding and subtracting elements to suit every user preference.
How Does TikTok Algorithm Work?
After learning about the TikTok algorithm and its importance in going viral, you must be wondering how does TikTok algorithm works. What factors matter the most, and what does not play any significant role in it?
We can not say that TikTok has been completely transparent about its algorithm, but over the years, it has revealed some of the factors that have proven to affect content reach.
TikTok algorithm takes note of thousands of signals; a few of the factors that influence the algorithm the most are given below:
Ranking Signals that Influence TikTok Algorithm
The primary factors influencing the TikTok Algorithm are user interaction, video information, and device and account settings.
These factors are responsible for the algorithm’s ability to match the content with the users’ preferences precisely. Let’s break down each factor one-by-one.
1. User Interactions
The most impactful aspect that can affect TikTok Algorithm is the user interactions. This includes the engagement part and beyond that. It clearly identifies the user’s interest in the type of content they want to see the most based on their interaction and engagement.
- Accounts and creators they follow
- Videos they like and share
- Videos they mark as not-interested and not-appropriate
- Videos they mark as favorite
- Comments they have posted
- Creators they have hidden
- Content they have created
- Videos they watch toward the end or rewatch
- Interest in organic content or ads
Based on these factors, your video is pushed by TikTok Algorithm for views. So, for creators and other users, it is vital to create content that aligns with the audience’s interests.
2. Video Information
After analyzing user interactions, the TikTok algorithm moves toward checking the content in the video the user has interacted with and identifies the subject matters with the help of the following factors:
- Sound
- Hashtags
- Caption keywords
- Effects
- Cover text
3. Device and Account Settings
Device and account settings are not as influential as the above two. They are usually set up manually by the user as per their preference from day one. These factors are basic setting a user set up on their account, based on which algorithm shows them the content.
- Country settings
- Language preference
- Device type
- Interested categories
In the official article published by TikTok in 2020, they stated, “A strong indicator of interest, such as whether a user finishes watching a longer video from beginning to end, would receive greater weight than a weak indicator, such as whether the video’s viewer and creator are both in the same country.”
Factors that Do Not Influence TikTok Algorithm
Unlike other social media algorithms, TikTok does not recommend content based on the number of followers or high-performing past videos. This means that even if you are new to TikTok, you can go viral by creating high-quality videos showcasing good content.
TikTok Algorithm 2024 is not affected by account age, posting frequency, and paid promotion. This suggests that to stay relevant and popular on TikTok, you must consistently create engaging content.
Types of Content TikTok Algorithm Never Recommends
Before the TikTok Algorithm actually pushes your content to more and more viewers, it runs a quality and authenticity check itself. And, if your content falls in any of the below categories, TikTok will not recommend it to the audience:
- Anything against TikTok community guidelines
- Spam content
- Duplicated content
- Already watched content
- Not interested/not appropriate content
- Under review content
- Unsafe and offensive content
- Low-quality, blurry videos.
- Content shared by below 18 users
Signals impacting and not impacting the TikTok algorithm explained above can help you create a strong strategy that aligns with your viewers’ expectations and increases your chance of going viral.
12 Expert Tips to Hack the TikTok Algorithm in 2024
Understanding how does the TikTok algorithm works and beating it to the core is every creator and brand’s dream. It’s like cracking the secret code to the best TikTok strategy.
Here are 12 tips by the experts to help you charm the TikTok algorithm and generate higher reach.
1. Stick to Your Niche
Call it your niche, subculture, or domain—finding and sticking to it is crucial to establishing a loyal following and signaling to the TikTok algorithm about your account’s focus.
Once you have discovered your subculture, it’s important to stay within the lines. You can tap into your subculture and the audience following it by using the trending TikTok hashtags.
If you are a creator passionate about DIY, stick to it and don’t start talking about dance. If you are a food brand, talk about everything related to food or similar subjects; don’t talk about software.
Occasionally changing your niche will confuse your audience, who followed you for a specific purpose. It will also become difficult for you to attract new followers.
2. Leverage TikTok SEO
TikTok has its own SEO. You can optimize your TikTok videos and content with relevant keywords to make them appear on the FYP.
Just like hashtags, you can use relevant words or keywords in the description or caption of your video along with #hashtags to SEO-optimize it. Doing so enables the TikTok Algorithm to detect the theme of your content from these keywords and push your content to the relevant users who will be interested in engaging with it.
For instance, when you use a keyword like “Health,” “Fitness,” “Workout,” etc., in your captions or content, the algorithm understands your content type and promotes it to the fitness-related audience, increasing your chance of getting a better engagement.
This is also a great way to create your niche—a community of people who are actually looking for what you have to share.
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3. Make the Initial Seconds Count
Most TikTok users have attention spans of 1-3 seconds. So you have a chance to grab their attention within that time frame, or else you risk missing the opportunity.
Your aim is to generate enough curiosity to make them stick to your video. According to a survey, 63% of TikTok videos that attract viewers within the first three seconds get the highest CTR. The first few seconds are golden for keeping them hooked on your content.
Just like how @themrspedersen has created this video, attracting the viewers in the first 3 seconds by telling them how this video can help them never run out of ideas.
Such content is more likely to get a high click-through rate on TikTok.
4. Optimize for Sound-Off and Sound-On
Not every TikTok user has their sound on while scrolling. So, how do you intend to grab the attention of viewers in the first few seconds, if their sound is off from the beginning?
The answer lies in optimizing your video for sound-off viewing by incorporating subtitles and captions. Look how Christian Mendoza, a TikTok influencer, has added dynamic caption to grab the audience’s attention even with the sound turned-off.
@lacedmedia This is the best way to come up with content ideas your audience actually needs! There are big accounts flooded with comments of people within your same targeted audience, asking questions they wish they had answers too… So provide the answers! 😊 #socialmediamarketingtips #tiktokmarketingtips #tiktokgrowthtips #tiktokseo #contentmarketingtips #contentstrategytips #businesstips #businessowner ♬ Violin – Grooving Gecko
For those who like to watch TikTok with sound on, make sure to use relevant and trending audio or music to engage them with your video.
5. Post at the Right Time
Imagine posting a video on TikTok when most of your audience is asleep. No one will see the amazing video you have created and all the time and effort you have invested in it will be in vain.
This is why understanding and analyzing TikTok analytics is necessary to discover the best time for you to post. It will help you learn when your audience is most active and interactive and eventually maximize your reach.
Finding and posting at the right time can guarantee you the reach and engagement to increase the number of views.
6. Experiment with Different Contents
Sticking to just one style of content will not attract attention. Although TikTok is a video-based platform, it is trying out image-format content.
To master the TikTok algorithm, try something new every time and mix it up a bit. This will help you realize what works best for your audience. Try out long videos if your usual style is short videos. Or make content in landscape format rather than portrait this time.
While experimenting, just make sure your content looks professional and is as per the dimensions and TikTok size guide.
7. Collaborate with TikTok Influencers
Joining forces with influencers on TikTok will attract a bigger audience and is a win-win situation for both parties. Their strong followers will get you more eyes, so pick someone with a bigger and more relevant fanbase.
There are many ways you or your brand can collaborate with other influencers or brands, such as running a contest, organizing a giveaway, or sponsoring a video (one of the most popular).
Brands, big or small, all collaborate with influencers, content creators, and niche experts to expose their brand to a new audience. You must have come across many collaborative videos; sometimes, thats all the feed is filled with.
@priscilla.venturaKorean Skincare 🤌🏼♬ obsessed by mariah carey – tropical vibes ! 🌴☀️🍉
8. Follow TikTok Trends
Jumping on the latest TikTok trends is the bare minimum you can do to improve your reach on TikTok. These days, every brand and TikToker is eager to follow the trending sounds and effects.
Following trends is a shortcut that puts your content right before the TikTok algorithm for virality. If you are lucky and your content is worth it, you can go viral on FYP.
You will find the latest TikTok trends by clicking on the “Discover” icon on the top right corner of your screen. It also displays the set of hashtags along with popular trends that you may like.
9. Utilize Trending #Hashtags
Using hashtags is not a new practice. However, what some marketers miss on is following trending hashtags which catapults your chances to get that viral tag. Just like how new trends are created every day on TikTok, new trending hashtags are also rolled out every now and then.
When you use these trending hashtags on your video, the algorithm favors your content, boosts it, and gives you faster results.
These hashtags must be relevant to your content and align with your TikTok niche. Just as you find the latest trends on TikTok by going to the “discover page,” you can also find trending hashtags on TikTok.
10. Create Duet-Ready Videos
When you create a video, select DUET before posting. Duet allows everyone on TikTok to use the video’s effects, music/sound, and other elements to create their own content.
They can tweak your work and share their own art with it. When others create duet videos from your content, the TikTok algorithm pushes it to more people, giving you the reach you were going for.
11. Share High-Quality Videos
There might not be any proof that the TikTok algorithm favors good-quality videos, but of course, viewers do, and the algorithm follows viewers’ interests.
Along with keeping your content interesting and trendy, you must also maintain its quality in the cut-throat competition. Only then will your viewers want to rewatch your videos.
To create high-quality videos, you can start using good-quality recording devices (camera and mic). These alone have the power to greatly uplift your content. You can also try experimenting with landscape or portrait format and editing style.
12. Work on Unique Ideas for TikTok
In the extra-competitive domain of TikTok, standing out requires more than just following trends. You must be unique and think outside the box. Creativity is your ticket to becoming unforgettable and attracting a wider fanbase.
Every piece of content should be different and generate curiosity among viewers. This is the real challenge that creators and brands overcome daily to increase reach and engagement. You need fresh TikTok content ideas to stay relevant and interesting.
These top tips to beat the TikTok algorithm explained above are tried and tested and then brought to you.
However, any brand must remember that giving value to the audience is the key to getting your content to the top. TikTok is all about creativity and connections, so build a connection with your niche and let the brand’s personality shine.
Busting the Biggest Myths About TikTok Algorithm
TikTok is one of the biggest social channels right now, with more than 50 million users scrolling through its feed daily.
This makes many marketers and creators desperate to make their content go viral, and eventually, they start following anything they hear to appear on the For You Page.
They tend to believe in several myths that are not even close to the real TikTok algorithm system. So, we have felt the need to clear some air and tackle some of the biggest myths about the TikTok algorithm.
1. Watching Your Own Videos Boosts Visibility
If you think watching your own video repeatedly on TikTok will make you go viral, you’re wrong! The TikTok Algorithm focuses on unique views and engagement for every video.
Just because it seems that more views mean more visibility does not mean the algorithm will not identify where the views are coming from. It’s smarter than that.
2. Changing to Pro Account Reduces the Reach
Some TikTokers with good visibility feel that changing their account to pro might hinder the algorithm, impacting their reach.
However, this is not the case. TikTok has stated that account type has nothing to do with algorithm changes and distribution. Upgrading to pro actually gives access to the analytics feature, which helps brands and creators better understand the audience.
The same goes for verified accounts; it generate a sense of authenticity and trustworthiness for viewers about your content and helps improve reach and engagement.
3. Removing Low-Performing Videos Improves Reach
If you have a few videos that didn’t get much love, don’t try to delete them. Deleting underperforming videos will not give you the desired visibility.
The TikTok algorithm judges each video individually. None of the previously shared content, whether good or bad, will increase or decrease the reach of your next video in any way.
4. More Followers Means More Views
Having a wider and bigger following might seem like a final destination for good reach. However, the real effect is made with real engagement (likes, comments, and shares) and the quality of your content.
Having a big follower base can give the initial push for views, but the actual viral factor can be achieved with unique engagement.
5. Videos Only Go Viral in First Hour
The TikTok algorithm has never claimed the duration in which you can expect your video to go viral; this can happen at any time, any day. Even your content shared months ago can hit the fire today.
Persistence and consistency are two crucial factors for long-term engagement and visibility. So, keep creating content; you never know when you might gain popularity.
6. #FYP and #ForYou Increases Chances of Getting Featured
Hashtags like #FYP, #ForYouPage, and #ForYou are very widely used on TikTok video captions. Many believe that these hashtags can get them featured and trend.
In reality, only the content that people can’t stop watching can get you on the For You Page. The hashtags that resonate with the users and are relevant to your content are more entertained by the algorithm.
7. Posting Too Frequently Reduces Reach
One of the lamest myths about TikTok is that posting too often is bad. The TikTok algorithm doesn’t penalize your feed for being active and sharing videos regularly.
Being consistent with your content on TikTok actually boosts your reach and increases your chances of going viral as you are making your profile more interesting and engaging.
8. TikTok Promotes Videos with High-Production Value
Going viral is all about creativity and connecting with your audience. You don’t really need a fancy budget to get featured. Millions of people go viral on TikTok with smartphone-shot videos.
Good production can enhance the video. However, it does not affect the algorithm or its reach that much. Even if you don’t have a high budget, you can create videos that outperform others.
Instead of believing and following anything you hear about how the TikTok algorithm works, try understanding your audience and planning content smartly. Go through TikTok analytics on the native application to learn about performance and fine-tune your approach for better reach.
Dominate TikTok Algorithm
Dominating the TikTok algorithm is essential for maximizing your reach and engagement on the platform. But instead of aiming to outsmart the algorithm, think from the angle of providing value to your audience.
When you focus on creating high-quality, unique content while ensuring the textual insertion is in the right place, you can effectively boost your visibility.
With powerful and accurate scheduling and publishing features, it can turn the tide in your favor and get you on point with the audience’s expectations.
Remember, consistency and creativity remain key factors in leveraging the TikTok algorithm. Utilizing tools like SocialPilot can streamline your efforts, helping you stay organized and consistent.
With powerful and accurate scheduling and publishing features, it can turn the tide in your favor and get you on point with the audience’s expectations.
