One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “How do I go viral on TikTok” … well, it’s not as easy as it looks. TikTok is a very unpredictable social media platform, but it is unreliable that its fantastic for awareness and engagement… and more recently sales due to the power of TikTok shop. While TikTok may seem like a platform where content goes viral quickly and easily, there’s actually a complex algorithm behind the scenes that determines which videos get shown to which users. Therefore, in this blog, we’ll dive into how the TikTok algorithm works and share some hacks to help your content go viral.
So, how does the TikTok algorithm work?
The TikTok algorithm uses machine learning to determine which videos to show to which users. The algorithm is designed to personalize the user experience by showing users content that they’re most likely to enjoy and engage with.
Here’s a breakdown of the four main factors that the TikTok algorithm uses to determine which videos to show to users:
User interactions
The first factor that the TikTok algorithm takes into account is user interactions. This includes actions such as likes, comments, shares, and follows. If a user interacts with your video by liking, commenting, or sharing it, the algorithm will see this as a positive signal and may show your video to more users.
On the other hand, if users swipe away from your video or watch it for only a few seconds before scrolling, the algorithm will see this as a negative signal and may show your video to fewer users.
Video information
The second factor that the TikTok algorithm takes into account is the information on the video – such as the caption, hashtags, and sounds used in the video. The algorithm will analyse the text in the caption, as well as the hashtags used, to determine what the video is about and who might be interested in it.
Using relevant hashtags and sounds can help your video get discovered by users who are interested in similar content. For example, if you’re posting a video about cooking, using hashtags like #cookingtips or #foodie can help your video get discovered by users who are interested in cooking and food.
Device & account settings
The third factor that the TikTok algorithm takes into account is device and account settings. This includes factors such as language preference, location, and device type. The algorithm will use this information to show users content that’s most relevant to them.
For example, if a user’s language preference is set to Spanish and they’re located in Spain, the algorithm will show them videos in Spanish and may prioritise videos created by Spanish-speaking creators.
Completion rate
The fourth and final factor that the TikTok algorithm takes into account is completion rate. This includes factors such as the length of the video and how much of the video is watched by users.
The algorithm will prioritise videos that are complete and engaging, meaning that users watch the entire video or at least a significant portion of it. This means that creating high-quality, engaging content that keeps users watching until the end is crucial for success on TikTok.
Hacks to go viral on TikTok
Now that we’ve covered how the TikTok algorithm works, let’s dive into some hacks to help your content go viral.
Use trending hashtags and sounds
One of the easiest ways to get your content seen by more users on TikTok is to use trending hashtags and sounds. By using hashtags and sounds that are currently popular on the platform, you increase your chances of your video being discovered by users who are interested in that particular trend.
To find trending hashtags and sounds, simply click on the “search” tab and search relevant keywords to see what’s popular in terms of videos, hashtags, sounds and more. Above is an example of popular food hashtags and upbeat sounds.
Collaborate with other content creators
Collaborating with other creators is a great way to get your content seen by a larger audience. When you collaborate with another creator, you’re able to tap into their audience and get your content in front of users who may not have discovered it otherwise.
To collaborate with other creators, you can reach out to them directly or participate in a TikTok challenge or trend that involves multiple creators. This not only helps your content get seen by more users, but it also helps you build relationships with other creators and expand your network.
Use eye-catching visuals
TikTok is a highly visual platform, so it’s important to use eye-catching visuals in your videos. This includes everything from bright colors and interesting camera angles to unique editing techniques and even filters within TikTok itself.
Using eye-catching visuals not only helps your content stand out in the crowded TikTok feed, but also makes your content more engaging and memorable. This can lead to more likes, comments, and shares, which can in turn help your content go viral.
Post at peak times
Posting at peak times is another way to increase your chances of going viral on TikTok. Peak times are when the most users are active on the platform, which means that there’s more competition for attention, but also more potential for your content to be seen by a large audience.
To find the best times to post on TikTok, you can use TikTok analytics tools or simply experiment with different posting times to see when your content gets the most engagement.
Participate in challenges and trends
Participating in TikTok challenges and trends is a great way to get your content seen by a larger audience. Challenges and trends are usually centered around a particular theme or idea, and they often involve using a specific hashtag or sound.
By participating in challenges and trends, you’re able to tap into a larger community of users who are interested in that particular theme or idea. This can help your content get discovered by users who are already interested in the type of content you’re creating, which can lead to more likes, comments, and shares.
Engage with your audience
Engaging with your audience is crucial for success on TikTok. This includes responding to comments, liking and commenting on other user’s content, and following users who are interested in your content.
Engaging with your audience not only helps you build relationships with your followers, but it also sends positive signals to the TikTok algorithm. When users interact with your content and you respond in kind, the algorithm sees this as a positive signal and may show your content to more users.
Create consistent and quality content
Creating consistent and high-quality content is key to building a loyal audience on TikTok. This means posting regularly, using high-quality visuals and audio, and focusing on a specific niche or theme.
When you create consistent and high-quality content, you’re able to build a loyal following of users who are interested in your content and want to see more. This can lead to more likes, comments, and shares, which can in turn help your content go viral. Take a look at how TikTok FYP works to help you understand how your video is priortised by TikTok:
To conclude…
The TikTok algorithm is a complex system that uses machine learning to personalise the user experience by showing users content that they’re most likely to enjoy and engage with. By understanding how the algorithm works and implementing these hacks, you can increase your chances of going viral on TikTok and building a successful presence on the platform.
Remember to focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that keeps users watching until the end, and to engage with your audience to build relationships and send positive signals to the TikTok algorithm. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful TikTok influencer in 2023 and beyond.
