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Writer's pictureDavid Finch

The Secret Sauce to Going Viral on TikTok: Decoding the Algorithm

Information in this blog post was obtained from InfluencerMarketingHub, Later, and Hootsuite.

TikTok Video Shoot
Image courtesy of FreePik

Have you ever wondered how some TikTok creators manage to go from just a few followers to millions in mere weeks? Or, have you struggled with creating content that seems to fall flat despite your best efforts? The answer lies in understanding and using the TikTok algorithm to your advantage. In this post, we'll dive deep into decoding the secret sauce of going viral on TikTok – so get ready to take notes because these tips will surely help skyrocket your success on the platform!


Understanding the algorithm is key if you're looking to go viral on TikTok. The TikTok algorithm is designed to surface content users will likely engage with. That means that if you can create relevant and engaging content, you're more likely to get noticed by the algorithm.


To start, it's important to understand how TikTok's algorithm works. The algorithm takes into account a variety of factors when determining what content to surface. Some of these factors include:

  • The number of likes and comments your video receives

  • The amount of time users spend watching your video

  • How often your video is shared

  • The number of views your video receives

If you can create content that performs well in these areas, you're more likely to be successful on TikTok. Additionally, it's important to remember that the algorithm is constantly changing, so what works today may not work tomorrow. However, understanding how the algorithm works and staying up-to-date on changes can increase your chances of success on TikTok.


Strategies for Building an Audience on TikTok

Banner
Image courtesy of TikTok for Business

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to building an audience on TikTok, but some strategies can help you get started.


First, consider what kind of content you want to create. What will make your videos stand out from the hundreds of millions of others on TikTok? Think about what kinds of videos you personally enjoy watching, and try to emulate that style in your own content.


Next, start posting regularly. The more videos you have, the more likely people will stumble across your account and follow you. But don't sacrifice quality for quantity – ensure each video is interesting and engaging.


Use hashtags and trending topics to get your videos in front of new audiences. Hashtags can help people find your content who wouldn't otherwise know about it, and if you're using popular trends wisely, you can ride the wave of existing hype to boost your views and followers.


Understanding User Interaction & Engaging with Your Audience


TikTok Live
Image courtesy of Digital Marketers World

When it comes to social media, engagement is key. You must understand how user interaction works to grow your following and get people interested in your content. (Hootsuite)


On TikTok, the algorithm favors engaging content and gets users to interact with the app. That means that if you want your content to be seen by more people, you must ensure it’s engaging and encourages users to interact with it. Here are some tips for creating engaging content on TikTok:


Use trending topics and hashtags. This will help your content be seen by more people who are searching for those topics.


Use calls to action. Encourage users to interact with your content by using calls to action such as “like this if…” or “comment below…”


Create interactive videos. Use features like duets and reactions to encourage users to interact with your videos.


Go live. Live videos are some of the most engaging content on TikTok, so go live and interact with your viewers in real time!


Optimizing Content for Maximum Reach

Audience
Image courtesy of Hootsuite

To get your content seen by most people on TikTok, you need to optimize it for maximum reach. Here are some tips: (Later)


1. Use trending hashtags. This will help your content get shown to users who are searching for those topics.


2. Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions. This will help TikTok's algorithm surface your content to users who are interested in that topic.


3. Create shareable content. Videos that are entertaining and/or informative are more likely to be shared by users, which will help increase your reach.


4. Engage with other users' content. Like and comment on other videos to get the creators and followers noticed.


Tips for Going Viral on TikTok


Viral
Image courtesy of QuickFrame

If you're looking to go viral on TikTok, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances. First, make sure your videos are high-quality and interesting. (InfluencerMarketingHub) The algorithm favors well-made and engaging videos, so put some effort into making yours stand out.


Secondly, use hashtags and trending topics wisely. Research which hashtags are popular and use them in your videos to increase your visibility. Similarly, piggyback off of trends that are already popular on the app to get more views.


Be active on the app as much as possible. The more you post, the more likely you are to be seen by the algorithm. So keep churning out content, and eventually, you'll start racking up those views!


Analyzing Performance & Tracking Growth



Image courtesy of Social Media Examiner

There's no doubt that TikTok has taken the social media world by storm. In just a few short years, the app has amassed over 1 billion active users and continues to grow incredibly. With such a large and engaged user base, it's no wonder brands are clamoring to get in on the action. But many brands don't realize that TikTok is unlike other social media platforms. To succeed on TikTok, you must understand how the algorithm works.


The TikTok algorithm is designed to surface content that is engaging and relevant to the user. That means that to get your content seen by the masses, you need to create highly shareable content relevant to your target audience.


To start, take a look at what content is already performing well on TikTok. Look at the videos that have gone viral and try to identify any commonalities between them. What topics are they covering? What styles of videos are they using? What elements make them particularly engaging? Once you understand what types of videos tend to perform well on TikTok, you can start creating your own versions of those videos.


It's also important to track your progress and growth on TikTok. Keep an eye on your number of followers and the engagement level of your posts. If you see a decline in either of these metrics, it indicates that you need to change up your content strategy. (Hootsuite)



Conclusion

Overall, going viral on TikTok can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right strategies and knowledge of the algorithm, you'll be one step closer to achieving your goal. With content that is creative and eye-catching enough to capture people's attention and hashtags that will help grow your reach, you can increase your chances of becoming an overnight sensation. From there, it's up to you - so get out there, have some fun creating videos, and see where the journey takes you!


 

Resources

Geyser, W. (2022, July 18). How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work? Retrieved from Influencer Marketing Hub: https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-algorithm/.


Newberry, C. (2023, Feb 8). 2023 TikTok Algorithm Explained + Tips to Go Viral. Retrieved from Hootsuite: https://blog.hootsuite.com/tiktok-algorithm/?gclid=CjwKCAjwrpOiBhBVEiwA_473dKrVy4uf1WItzcZUtWaWL2bojvdGvZCeqdyl8IOTdyxfJITA-qPZIxoCB_kQAvD_BwE.


Worb, J. (2023, Feb 16). How Does The TikTok Algorithm Work? (+10 Hacks to Go Viral). Retrieved from Later: https://later.com/blog/tiktok-algorithm/.

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