Have you been pouring your heart into creating TikTok content, only to find that your videos aren’t getting the views and engagement you were hoping for? Or perhaps you’re new to the TikTok creation game and are looking for ways to make your mark and stand out from the crowd. Whatever your situation may be, you’ve come to the right place.
Did you know TikTok has over 1 billion active users each month (Hubspot)? That’s a massive audience, and with the right strategies, you can get your content in front of more people and boost your engagement. With so many creators competing for attention, it can be challenging to know where to start.
In this blog post, we share 10 TikTok hacks that will help you boost your engagement and grow your following. From using hashtags effectively to leveraging TikTok’s algorithm, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned TikTok creator or just starting, read on to learn how to take your content to the next level and get the engagement you deserve.
What is the TikTok Algorithm?
Before we dive into the 10 TikTok hacks, it’s essential to understand how the TikTok algorithm works. If you’ve spent any time on the app, you’re probably familiar with the “For You” page—a never-ending stream of videos curated just for you. But how does TikTok determine which videos to show you, and how can you use that knowledge to boost your engagement?
According to TikTok, the “For You” page is powered by a recommendation system that delivers content to each user that is likely to be of interest to them (Hubspot). Each user’s feed is unique and tailored to their specific interests. There are three key factors that determine what appears on a user’s “For You” page: device and account settings, user interactions, and video information (captions, sounds, hashtags), (Hubspot). This means that the more you engage with content that aligns with your interests, the more likely you are to see similar content in the future.
So, how can you use this knowledge to boost your engagement on TikTok? That’s where the 10 TikTok hacks come in. By understanding the algorithm and using these strategies, you can increase your chances of getting your videos on the “For You” page and in front of a wider audience.
10 TikTok Hacks
Hack #1 - Post at the Right Time
One of the most important factors for boosting your engagement on TikTok is knowing when to post your content. According to a survey of 300+ marketers conducted by HubSpot Blogs, the best times to post on TikTok are between 3-6 PM and 6-9 PM. On the other hand, the worst times to post are between 6-9 AM and 9-12 AM. Additionally, the best days of the week to post on TikTok are Friday and Saturday, while Monday and Tuesday are the worst.
Why is posting at the right time so important? When you post during peak hours, you’re more likely to get your content in front of more people, increasing your chances of getting likes, comments, and shares (Hubspot). However, it’s worth noting that these times might not work for everyone. It’s essential to analyze your own audience and see when they’re most active on the app. You can do this by checking your analytics on TikTok’s Creator Studio or by experimenting with different posting times and seeing which ones work best for you.
Hack #2 - Capture Your Audience with a Hook
When it comes to TikTok, you only have a few seconds to capture your audience’s attention before they scroll past. That’s why it’s essential to create a hook that grabs their attention right away. A hook is a short and catchy intro that makes people want to watch your entire video (Hootsuite). It can be a question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement.
The key to creating a hook is to make it relevant to your content and target audience. For example, if you’re creating a makeup tutorial, your hook could be, “Want to learn how to create a flawless look in under 5 minutes?” This hook would be relevant to people who are interested in makeup and want to learn new techniques.
Hack #3 - Find Your Niche
One of the most effective ways to boost your engagement on TikTok is to find your niche (Hootsuite). A niche is a specific topic or interest that you focus on in your videos. By creating content around a particular niche, you can attract a dedicated audience who shares your interests and is more likely to engage with your content.
Once you’ve identified your niche, create content that is tailored to your audience’s interests. For example, if your niche is fitness, create videos that showcase workout routines, healthy recipes, and tips for staying motivated.
Remember, it’s essential to stay true to your niche and not try to be everything to everyone. By focusing on a specific topic or interest, you’ll be able to create content that resonates with a loyal following.
Hack #4 - Use Hashtags
Hashtags are a powerful tool for boosting your engagement on TikTok. When you use hashtags, your videos are more likely to be discovered by users who are interested in the same topics (Hootsuite). This can help you reach a larger audience and increase your engagement.
To use hashtags effectively, start by researching popular hashtags in your niche. You can use the “Discover” feature to search for hashtags related to your interests and see how many views and videos are associated with each hashtag (Hootsuite). Make a list of the hashtags that are most relevant to your content and include them in your video’s captions.
Use a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags to reach a broad audience while also targeting users who are interested in your specific niche (Hootsuite). Also, don’t go overboard with hashtags. Using too many hashtags can make your captions look spammy and turn off potential followers. Stick to 3-5 hashtags per video and make sure they’re relevant and targeted to your audience.
Hack #5 - Use Duet and Stitch
Duet and Stitch are two features on TikTok that allow you to collaborate with other users and create new content based on existing videos (Hubspot). With Duet, you can create a split-screen video with another user. This is a great way to collaborate with other creators, showcase your own skills, and tap into their audience. To use Duet, simply find a video you want to react to and tap the “Share” button. Then, select “Duet” and start recording.
With Stitch, you can create a new video using up to 5 seconds of another user’s video (Hubspot). This is a great way to add your own spin to a popular trend or challenge, or to showcase your own creativity by incorporating elements from other videos. Both Duet and Stitch are great ways to boost your engagement on TikTok. By collaborating with other users and creating new content based on existing videos, you can reach new audiences and expand your reach on the platform.
Hack #6 - Use Trending Songs and Sounds
TikTok is all about music and sound; using the right song can make all the difference when it comes to engagement (Hubspot). By using trending music, you can tap into popular trends and challenges, reach new audiences, and increase your chances of going viral.
When using trending songs, it’s important to be creative and add your own spin to the trend. Don’t just copy what everyone else is doing. Put your own unique twist on the trend. This will help you stand out from the crowd and make your content more engaging and shareable.
Hack #7 - Experiment with Different Content
If you’ve been creating content on TikTok for a while and still aren’t seeing the engagement you want, it may be time to switch things up. One way to do this is to experiment with different types of content and see what resonates with your audience (Hootsuite). For example, you can try creating videos based on user comments or feedback. If someone leaves a funny or interesting comment on one of your videos, you can turn it into a new video. This not only shows that you’re listening to your audience, but it also creates a more interactive and engaging experience for your viewers.
The key to experimenting with different content is to stay true to your brand and personality. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or create content that doesn’t align with your values or style. Instead, focus on finding new and creative ways to express yourself and connect with your audience.
Hack #8 - Give Your Audience a Reason to Engage
One of the best ways to boost your engagement is to give your audience a reason to engage with your content (Hootsuite). This means creating videos that prompt your viewers to take action, such as liking, commenting, or sharing your content.
An effective way to accomplish this is by asking your audience questions or creating videos that encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions (Hootsuite). For example, you could create a video that asks your followers to share their favorite recipe or favorite travel destination.
Hack #9 - Participate in Popular Trends and Challenges
Participating in popular trends and challenges on TikTok is a great way to increase your visibility and engagement on the platform (Hubspot). When you participate in a trend or challenge, you are tapping into an existing audience that is already interested in the topic, which can help your content get seen by more people.
To participate in a challenge, you can simply create a video that follows the guidelines of the challenge or uses the same sound or hashtag (Hubspot). You can also put your own spin on the trend to make it more unique and personalized to your brand.
Hack #10 - Use TikTok Analytics
One of the most powerful tools that TikTok offers to creators is TikTok Analytics. This feature allows you to track and analyze key metrics related to your account and your content, such as views, likes, shares, and follower growth (Hootsuite).
By regularly monitoring your analytics, you can gain valuable insights into what is working and what isn’t, and adjust your content strategy accordingly (Hootsuite). For example, you may notice that certain types of content perform better than others, or that your audience engages more during certain times of the day.
By understanding how the TikTok algorithm works, posting at the right time, and engaging with your audience, you can improve your chances of success on the platform. If you want to learn more tips to make your brand stand out on the app, check out my colleague’s blog post on SMMU now. By implementing these 10 tips and tricks, you can finally upgrade your TikTok game and achieve the engagement and success you deserve.
References
Garlin, B. (2022, October 4). How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work In 2023? Retrieved from Hubspot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/tiktok-algorithm
Hirose, A. (2022, December 5). 13 TikTok Tips That Will Help You Go Viral in 2023. Retrieved from Hootsuite: https://blog.hootsuite.com/tiktok-tips/#6_Learn_from_your_successes_and_mistakes
Rodrigue, E. (2022, October 25). How to Grow Your TikTok Following [Expert Insights + Data]. Retrieved from Hubspot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/grow-on-tiktok
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