Although there is no magic recipe, dealing with the TikTok algorithm can work in our favor and improve our chances of success… How it could happen – you will find out in the lines below.
How is a VIRAL clip actually measured on TikTok?
TikTok’s algorithm is the fuel that powers the platform’s highly addictive For You page.
– It is estimated that approximately 250,000 views will take your content into the realms of the first VIRAL phase.
– If your video reaches one million views, it enters the second VIRAL phase (which is sure to gain you a stream of new followers while also raising your status on the platform).
– The third phase is when you get five million views within a period of three to seven days – you are officially a VIRAL TikTok sensation.
NB! When a post goes viral, it has a long life cycle. We have come across cases where a post that reaches 1,000 likes in a few days gets another 600 the following week.
You probably know that no two users see the same videos on their “For You” page. The videos that appear to you change over time based on your viewing preferences and even your current state of mind.
Here are some tips to beat the TikTok algorithm and make it work for us…
1. Find your community
Unlike other social networks where people spend much of their time engaging with accounts they already follow, TikTokers spend most of their time on the For You page. It’s important to find existing communities to engage with across all social channels. Fortunately, TikTok communities are easily reached using hashtags.
*70% of them say they feel part of a community on the platform.
2. Grab attention in the first seconds
TikTok is evolving at the speed of a blink of an eye. Grab attention and show the value of your idea in the first seconds of your TikTok clip. And specifically, the first two seconds are critical to brand recall or awareness.
3. SEO optimization
TikTok SEO is the “new trendy”.
This optimization will allow you to get your content in front of people who are actively searching for specific content on the platform, rather than just scrolling aimlessly.
*TikTok recently expanded the maximum length of its captions to 2200 characters. This added bonus gives a great opportunity to work with keywords that will also help your TikTok optimization.
Hot Take:
Search for trending keywords by region and industry in the TikTok creative hub.
4. Create high-quality videos specifically for TikTok
Nothing new under the sun. Low quality content will not find its way to the “FOR YOU” page. There is no need for special “equipment”, your phone is actually the best assistant for creating an authentic video. What you need is decent lighting, a good microphone (if you’re going to record audio) and some quick edits and transitions for a good looking visual video.
*TikTok videos can be anywhere from 5 seconds to 60 seconds long, but TikTok says videos should always be longer than 10 seconds to reach the highest engagement.
Currently, the videos are vertical, but Tik Tok has started testing a horizontal video option as well. We still don’t know if horizontal video will live on, so it’s best to stick with the 9:16 capture.
Design your videos to play with sound on. Don’t forget to use TikTok’s built-in features and effects for more homepage visibility.
*93% of TikTok users use the platform with sound on, and 88% say sound is essential on the platform.
5. Post at the right time for your audience
While posting time is important on all social platforms, it applies here in full force. Active user engagement with your content is a key signal to the algorithm.
There are several ways to find out when your audience is most active in the app.
6. Engage with other TikTok users
– React to content you like or are trending.
– Answer topical questions.
– Use the option to reply to a comment using a video. This easily allows you to create new content based on comments or questions from your previous posts.
*21% of content creators on the platform say they feel more connected to brands that comment on other people’s posts.
These steps could boost your presence and shoot you to new TikTok heights.
Digital distractions.
In our work process, we often get questions about the algorithm and the sudden changes that occur daily in the platform.
We share the most common of them.
”How do we get ‘back in the game’ and make sure that the TikTok algorithm is on our side and that our videos reach the largest possible audience?”
Our advice is to clear your cache; to unfollow accounts in which you are no longer interested and do not get the added value you need.
*Bonus: Send signals to the algorithm by liking the types of videos as a hint that you want to see more of.
If you are active enough and have patience you will surely create your “viral” content. If not…
We at Smarketthink are ready to help you use the platform properly to grow your business. You can send an inquiry HERE.
