TikTok is the since its original release in 2016.
You’ve found the right spot if you want to find out more about this popular video app, and how you can make it work for your business.
So that you don’t have too, we read TikTok as well as .
This article shares all that we have learned, along with tips from TikTokers who are experts in growing views, engaging users, and growing a following.
Learn how TikTok works and what it takes to make a winning video. Then decide if TikTok is right for you.
This article is
What’s the TikTok algorithm?
TikTok is an which determines what videos you will see in your mobile app. It works like any algorithm to deliver relevant content based on what you are interested in.
The digital world is not without recommendation systems. They are used by many platforms including Netflix to provide you with the best content.
A recommendation system shares content users enjoy based on similar preferences.
TikTok’s recommendation algorithm and system revolve around the page “For You”.
How do you define the For You feed
The , also known as For You page, or FYP, is a customized stream of videos that provides a personalized feed for the user’s interests.
While TikTok users may see similar videos, your FYP will be unique to you and is curated exclusively for you.
This feed is the first to appear when you launch the app. You can create your FYP through interaction with the app.
Your FYP is likely to be determined based on your information (e.g., gender, age) when you join TikTok for the first time.
This will be an expansive approach, until TikTok shows you what you would like to see.
Let’s look at what actions have an impact on the algorithm.
What is the TikTok algorithm?
TikTok documentation outlines
- Interactions with users
- Video information.
- Account and device settings
1. Factor: User interactions
Users can interact with a video by taking actions. They can either be positive or negative.
Positive interactions will result in the app showing you more of what it already shows, while a negative interaction can cause it to do the reverse. We’ll be discussing negative interactions and how they impact “What the algorithm will not show”.
Engagements that are positive include:
- Commenting
- After creating an account.
- Like a video.
- Watch video.
Knowing how TikTok works allows you to know the best questions to ask your viewers in order to get the most engagement.
User interaction in practice
TikTokers knows that user engagement is a key factor in our algorithm.
When it posted the viral video below to my FYP, TikTok got it just right. Although I don’t interact with TikTok videos often, I liked the video below and commented on how healthy it was. Although did not want to follow the creator’s lead, I found it enjoyable.
This video had 785,200 linked, 9060 comments and 5,579 shared. The video is viewed 6,000,000 times.
My FYP was able to publish the second video by the creator thanks to my comment and like.
Although the second video did not have as much magic, the virality and interaction of the first video helped it land at the right spots.
TikTok is to be credited for a certain level of trust in its TikTok algorithm.
You’ll see comments such as “Trusting algorithm to bring you back” on some of the most entertaining videos, or video made in series.
TikTokers may comment like this to let the algorithm know that they are interested in the content, but not necessarily want to follow its creator.
The creator reminds viewers that they don’t have to trust the algorithm and can use the follow button. Creators love to encourage users to follow them as this almost ensures that they will be able see more of their content.
@molzysketch it’s there for a reason guys #tiktokartist#tiktokart #handsofthedsmp Luna. Amore e non – Piero Picioni
Encourage user interaction
You want users to interact with your content. This can be achieved by producing great content. However, passive viewers can take meaningful actions through a call-to-action.
TikToker Tyla Brimblecombe, Styla Socials, explains why it is important to have a TikTok.
3 more quick points in the comments Send this to someone who would benefit from this In a French Cafe – Relaxing Piano Waltz – Classical Piano Music Masters
She said:
- We all know that watchtime is the most important indicator on TikTok. Someone scrolls through the For You feed and sees your video. They like it. Then they go on to make it all the the way. They click on your profile to see more of your videos. This lets TikTok understand that your content is valuable.
2. Factor: Video information
TikTok documents state that video includes the following:
- Sounds
- Captions
- Hashtags
- Video descriptions
- Text overlays
Video information in practice
TikTok’s association with trendy sounds is well-known. The TikTok algorithm uses a trending sound to identify people most likely to interact with the video. This is based upon previous interactions. A user will likely enjoy the video if they watch it to the end every time that a particular sound is used. They may also want more.
Trending sounds don’t just have to be viral. Sound can be used by brands to gain fast visibility and reach a larger audience.
Kristyn Higginson is the creator of Skinician’s TikTok.
- In the beginning, it was difficult to create viral content because a lot the most popular music was not available on business accounts. This was overcome by choosing trending music when creating relevant, relatable content. As a brand we were able to lean into the trends, without copyright infringement. In the initial stages of creating content on the platform, this might prove to be useful for small brands.
Skincian’s viral video was made possible by early adopting a popular sound. It received over 50,900 views and 2,142 likes. There were also 40 comments. This video was shared with their TikTok followers.
We’d love to get to know you! #skinician #skincare – #beautytok @skinician – [FS]ICHIGO_TH [ saijoutakato7]
TikTok founders have discovered that video information is a significant contributor to their video success.
Kate Smoothy, Web Hive Digital’s TikTok creator is Kate Smoothy.
Smoothy says captions and hashtags are an integral part of her strategy. Smoothy says that:
- I can’t stress enough how important it is to caption videos. For those with hearing loss, but also for people who scroll TikTok silently without sound enabled, captions are essential. Without captions, you can significantly decrease your reach and audience size. It’s never been more important to use keywords in TikTok description. The platform is seeing significant changes, with videos that are optimized for the search function performing better.
Smoothy attributes the success to the use of video information strategies in her “super easy marketing hack video.”
This marketing trick is so easy and requires very little effort to implement interactive video onto your site. I’ve got it on mine #websitetips #websitetipsandtricks #digitalmarketing #marketingtips #websitesyouneedtoknow original sound – Kate Smoothy | Websites & SEO
This video has been viewed 92,400 times and received 5,913 likes and 91 comments. It also got 740 shares.
TikTok has been informed by the keywords in the description of the video, the text overlay and the video description. The video was ranked for search terms’marketing hack’ or’marketing tips’ in TikTok’s search engine.
How do you use video information
TikTok professionals recommend that you conduct keyword research with the TikTok App, and then include keywords in your video captions, hashtags, or videos.
Use the search results to find out what other users are searching for. Create content that will attract the right audience and make your account more relevant. Get more views, more followers, and get more likes! It is the easiest and most effective way to build a TikTok strategy that aligns with your niche. #tiktokseo #tiktokcontentideas #contentcreatortips2022 #growyourtiktok #socialmediastrategist #ugccreator #socialmediatipsandtricks #greenscreen Hold Me Closer – Elton John & Britney Spears
3. Account settings and Device Factor
TikTok makes it clear that account settings and device settings are given less weight in the algorithm.
Language preference and country settings are two of the most obvious. Users want videos that are in their native language.
TikTok includes the device type into its algorithm. You may be more interested in videos your phone can play smoothly as this will improve the user experience for those with older devices or smaller screens.
Keywords and TikTok
TikTokers have been talking a lot about changes in TikTok’s algorithm, and the way TikTok prioritizes keywords over time.
You’ll see a lot of people searching for . TikTok SEO has become more popular.
TikTok’s NEW algorithm updates! This video is for content creators and business owners. I explain all of the changes to TikTok. #tiktokforbusiness #tiktokforcreators #socialmediaforbusiness #tiktokseo Trap Sax – Nish
TikTok does not seem to refer to “keywords”, in any way, in the documentation.
Keywords are important, but
It is no accident that TikTok has increased the video description to 2,200 characters . TikTok stated this in their app announcement:
Creators with more characters have the opportunity to “generate engagement” while being searchable by TikTok and thus better recommended to viewers.
TikTok mentions hashtags and captions . Both of these contribute to FYP.
hashtags and captions are words which help context videos. It means that captions or keywords are contributing factors to TikTok’s algorithm.
Also, we know from TikTok that users can restrict content by keywords. More on this later.
TikTok SEO, Google
We will continue to explore TikTok’s SEO, and the impact it has on Google. To test Google’s indexation for TikTok videos, we ran some tests.
You’d expect TikTok videos to be returned if you searched for on Google. We found the opposite.
Google prioritized sites that shared TikTok’s viral recipe trends. TikTok was ranked eighth in search results with a tagpage. This rank is not too strong considering the relevance of the search term.
TikTok was ranked sixth in the video results below five YouTube videos. Google’s YouTube channel is a more important option than TikTok.
Notable is the fact that all videos in the TikTok recipe tag featured #recipes as the caption. Captions are used by TikTok to sort videos according to topic. They can also be useful for increasing visibility through Google Search.
The screenshot shows that the caption contains the hashtag #recipes. This suggests that the keywords in this image are related to TikTok’s algorithm.
What does this all mean?
- Use relevant keywords for your captions and hashtags.
- TikTok documentation states that captions and hashtags contribute to the TikTok algorithm.
- Consider sharing your video via other platforms like YouTube Shorts to increase visibility on Google.
Find the Daily Newsletter Search Marketers Rely on.
TikTok algorithm myths debunked
Let’s dispel some common misconceptions regarding TikTok.
Myth: Post daily
New TikTokers are advised to post 1-3 TikTok videos per day. TikTok guidelines state that the .
It may still be helpful to . TikTok documentation suggests that you should experiment with the videos you post and keep your audience interested by posting high-quality content.
Myth: TikTok creators get more visibility
Good news: You don’t need to be a creator fund member to improve your chance of discovering yourself.
TikTok creators are more likely than others to get increased engagement. This is due to the fact that these TikTokers have the ability to produce great content and engage the community.
Myth: TikTok can only be used for short-form videos
TikTok was originally an app that allowed seven second videos. However, TikTok’s maximum video length has increased over time.
You can make videos in the app that last 15 seconds to 60 seconds or even three minutes.
Alternativly, create longer videos and upload them via the TikTok App.
TikTok does not mention long videos being favored in their algorithm. However, they seem to share reasons with creators.
Make longer videos to gain more views. It’s not my words – it is the algorithm! #tiktoktips#socialmediatips @rachforaday?refer=embed” target=”_blank” title=”@rachforaday”>@rachforaday” – Rach * Expert in Social SEO
The algorithm will not show what the algorithm doesn’t.
TikTok is taking steps to diversify and safeguard recommendations during the FYP.
TikTok could easily become monotonous by showing similar videos using a recommendation system. It could also be very easy for TikTok viewers to see unwelcome content.
TikTok has taken steps to improve TikTok for all. These are the things TikTok will not show in FYP
Do not duplicate content
TikTok states that excessive amounts of any one thing can become tiresome.
For this reason,
Clusters that could be problematic
TikTok works to fulfill , to spark creativity and joy.
TikTok does not recommend similar content on potentially harmful subjects like extreme diets, fitness, sadness, and breakups.
TikTok is committed to protecting its users against distressing content if they are viewed in combination, but may be fine as one video.
This restriction can be positively exacerbated by “keyword filtering”, and “not interested”.
All content marked as ‘Not interest’
TikTok allows users to control the content they see or not on the platform.
TikTok viewers can hold down the screen of any TikTok video to select one or more options.
- Save Video: A positive indicator of algorithmic video engagement.
- Clear Mode: Watch videos with no usernames or captions.
- Report – This is a violation of the TikTok Community Guidelines. It must be reported.
- Not interested This informs TikTok that you don’t enjoy a piece of content. You will then see less of that content.
You can expect the viewer to click “Not interested” if they do not want to be shown. This will influence their FYP and algorithm.
Filtered keywords are included in the content
TikTok users can indicate what they do not want to see in the menu at the top of the screen.
You can filter videos and add keywords from FYP users and/or those you follow.
Children under 18 years old create content
TikTok in order to ensure that the app is safe for everyone.
The Explore feed cannot feature content from children or teens under 18. This means that other TikTok users can not find their profiles and content.
Here are 7 ways to make TikTok viral and work with it
These top TikTok creators share their best tips for making video content that will be liked by the algorithm.
Tip 1: Make the switch to TikTok Pro
offer more in-depth analytics for creators.
You can create one to gain insight on:
- Views weekly and monthly
- Follower growth.
- Trending videos.
This might appeal to you if you love in-depth analysis.
But it’s important to note that TikTok’s guidance
Tip 2: Find your niche
TikTok allows you to find a niche that will help you see the larger picture.
You can search for niches to find out what videos are performing well.
It’s not hard to learn the right way! #tiktokgrowth #tiktokgrowthtips #socialmediatips #viraltiktok Lookmeinmyeyes – Iloveslowedmusic
Tip 3 – Use the correct hashtags, include captions, and create video descriptions
As we have seen, keywords clearly offer advantages.
For a chance at being featured in top keywords lists, make sure you use hashtags that are relevant to your niche or video.
TikTok Coach @Brooklyn Social
Tip #4: Make use of the most popular sounds and music
The TikTok platform will always have music, regardless of how the algorithm evolves.
Trending music and sounds are not always all about viral dance moves and voiceovers.
These can be used to promote your brand and make it relatable within your industry.
Tip 5 – Create quality videos
let users create and edit high-quality, eye-catching videos from within the app.
Creators of TikTok stress the importance to create engagement as early as possible. Make sure you edit your videos so that they grab the attention within the first three seconds.
9 video hook templates. #marketing #socialmediamarketing #videomarketingtips #tiktokmarketing Shout Out (No Vox) – Chris Alan Lee
Tip 6: Get to know other TikTok users
You have a wealth of ideas in your comments section! You can also reply to comments by posting a video.
You can now post your comment in the comments section as a video.
It’s likely that other commenters will have similar questions to you, and they’ll click through to join your next video.
Tip 7 – Publish a series
Contrary to long-form videos, short videos can be used in series.
Henry Purchase of A Couple Things To Do now has 193,000 TikTok followers. Buy shares and enjoy activities for couples. He said:
- We post multiple videos with the same activity and reveal more each time. This keeps our users coming back to us for more. We didn’t initially post the exact location of our most loved video. After it gained popularity, we started using comments to make more content. This allowed us to reuse content while engaging our audiences.
Answering @metaltirana_al’s most requested question! Are you all still here? #milan #fyp Italy #qctermemilano Stormroom #travelcouple #acouplethingstodo Original sound by Ian Asher
TikTok: Why Brands Should Care
TikTok, whether you love it or not, is a timeless tool that allows for rapid growth.
Brands can reach thousands with little effort and in no time at all.
High-quality videos tend to be more popular, but simple videos from the camera can still get a lot of visibility.
These opinions are not necessarily those of Search Engine Land, but they do reflect the views of the guest author. Here are the names of staff authors.
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