The algorithm behind TikTok. Since TikTok’s rise, it has been a hot topic, and interest in it is still high. What makes it so unique in comparison to other social media platforms, and how can you use it to go viral?
TikTok outperformed Google in terms of online traffic at the end of the previous year. It’s becoming obvious that modern brands need to have a significant TikTok presence. How do you get there, though?
In the past, social media platforms closely guarded their algorithms’ logic, how they prioritized social media posts, and what caused particular pieces of content or social media accounts to “go viral.” However, that has changed, and we have the data to back it up.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating the TikTok algorithm, there are a few fundamentals that we advise every brand to follow because they are the foundation of every successful TikTok campaign we’ve ever run. What then is the secret to success?
Unveiling the Significance of the TikTok Algorithm: Why Should it Matter to You?
Why is TikTok’s algorithm getting so much attention? Because it’s so logical, is the response.
The algorithm behind TikTok is designed to keep users engaged and returning for more of what they enjoy. Therefore, it suggests to users movies with themes and content they have already enjoyed; no two users will have the same recommendation.
On TikTok, this is known as the ForYouPage or FYP. On other social media platforms, a user’s content feed is primarily focused on the accounts they have already chosen to follow. For TikTok, not so. When a user first opens the app, they see content from a variety of well-known and unknown accounts, large and small, that are simply there because TikTok’s algorithm thinks they’ll like it.
The news is enormous for brands. The TikTok algorithm can therefore recommend your video content to the specific type of user who would enjoy it the most, i.e., your potential ideal customer.
If so, you might be asking yourself, “Why can’t I just upload a video and hope for the best?”
The reply is yes, you can. But it might not gain the support you expect. The TikTok algorithm is based on certain principles, so it’s important to understand exactly what the recommendation system is looking for in order to gain an advantage over your rivals.
How does the TikTok algorithm work?
Here are some details directly from TikTok: The system creates your individualized For You feed by ranking videos based on a variety of factors, starting with interests you express as a new user and adjusting for things you indicate you’re not interested in, too.
Therefore, as a user, a number of factors affect the content you see on your For You Page:
1. User interactions
The way you interact with the content you’ve seen on the app helps determine what new content will be put forward to you. The interactions this is based on are:
- Likes, Shares, Follows and Comments – If you see a video and actively engage with it, it indicates to the TikTok algorithm that you are interested in this type of content.
- Own Content – The kind of content you create on your profile will inform the algorithm about the kind of videos you are interested in seeing.
- Completions and Re-watches – This is less obvious. TikTok’s algorithm takes into account whether you’ve watched a video right to the end, and whether you’ve re-watched it, to determine whether you found it engaging – and whether you’d like to see more like it.
2. Video subject matter & compatibility
A TikTok user’s activity tells the TikTok algorithm the kind of videos they are interested in. The other side of the puzzle, therefore, is for the algorithm to understand new videos themselves and determine whether they fit into the kind of categories that a user likes.
The video information factors at play are:
- Captions and Hashtags – the copy a TikTok poster adds to their video can tell the algorithm a lot about its contents
- Sounds and Effects – the way a TikTok poster interprets TikTok’s tools can tell the algorithm about the content niche the video fits within.
- Similar accounts that are liking the video – if the video is popular with accounts that like similar content, this indicates to the algorithm that this is a relevant video to showcase.
3. Device and account settings
These are all the technical factors surrounding your device. These don’t have as great a weight as your interactions, but they are still important:
- Device type
- Location or country setting
- Language preference.
What TikTok Keeps Hidden: Content Excluded from the For You Page
You won’t be shown content on your “for you page” that:
- You aren’t interested in. If you have tapped “not interested” on a video, TikTok will avoid sending you content similar to it.
- Registers as duplicate content. If there are two videos with the same content out there, TikTok will not send it your way.
- Is something you’ve already seen. The algorithm strives to supply fresh content consistently.
- Is spam. Anything flagged as not legitimate will not be shown.
- Could be unsafe. TikTok moderators seek to create a safe environment for everyone.
Did the TikTok algorithm change?
There are periodic changes to the TikTok algorithm. A TikTok algorithm update from last year aimed to give users access to more diverse content. As a result, user recommendations didn’t become stale. This is just one of the many ways TikTok is getting better.
download.zone is in a unique position to monitor algorithm changes in real time. Our findings regarding the ideal time to post on TikTok for the highest engagement serve as an important illustration of this.
This was the previous fad for posting times up until February 2022:
The best time to post new content, in order to get the best engagement rate (ER), has changed, with a peak occurring in the morning instead, according to download.zone’ own data. We interpret this modification as TikTok “internationalizing” its content. The data suggests that the algorithm may no longer place as much emphasis on strongly promoting content posted in the UK to UK audiences and US content to US audiences.
Get in touch with us if you’d like to know precisely when you should post on TikTok to get the most interaction.
After all, the reason you’re here is to learn more about the TikTok algorithm. Why not get the most recent information directly from the experts?
What does the TikTok algorithm mean for brands?
The best time to post new content, in order to get the best engagement rate (ER), has changed, with a peak occurring in the morning instead, according to download.zone’ own data. We interpret this modification as TikTok “internationalizing” its content. The data suggests that the algorithm may no longer place as much emphasis on strongly promoting content posted in the UK to UK audiences and US content to US audiences.
Get in touch with us if you’d like to know precisely when you should post on TikTok to get the most interaction.
After all, the reason you’re here is to learn more about the TikTok algorithm. Why not get the most recent information directly from the experts?
Mastering the Algorithm: 3 Effective Tips to Achieve Viral Success on TikTok
For your content to be a success on TikTok, there are a few pointers you should be following. We’ve got the inside scoop on how you can hack the algorithm and watch your content boom.
1. Keep your videos short and vertical
On TikTok, completion rate and replays are crucial, as we already mentioned.
A group of users’ ForYouPages receive the content as soon as you share a video on TikTok, but only for a brief period of time. This will aid the algorithm’s understanding of how viewers interact with your video on TikTok. Watch time and completion rate are the important metrics.
The algorithm will display your content to more people after someone views it through to the end. What is the simplest way to give people the best chance to do that, then? Make it succinct. It’s riskier to make a longer video. Keep in mind that Gen Z, or TikTok’s core user base, is known for having an attention span of just 8 seconds. So grab their attention right away and hold it throughout the story.
Make sure to shoot your content properly while maintaining its conciseness. Vertically shot TikTok videos typically have a 25% higher 6-second watch-through rate. Please keep your phones upright and be prepared to press the stop button. Your opinions and participation depend on it.
2. Stay on-trend
TikTok is a trendsetting app. There are a few ways to ensure you stay up to date with what’s happening:
- Trending effects. Take a look at what effects are up there on the platform and use them. Check out your “discover tab” in-app and see what effects pop up the most. These will likely be trending and ready for use.
- Trending sounds. 88% of TikTok users said that sound is essential to the TikTok experience. Utilise this in your content. Like effects, this is all about seeing what others are using and jumping on board. Make sure to find the sounds through the app.
- Trending hashtags. You’ll find these along with trending effects and audio in people’s videos on the discover page. It’s always good to combine them with niche hashtags, too, so you get a wide variety of audiences.
How can you always make sure you’re on trend? A handy method is to sign up to our weekly TikTok trends newsletter. It delivers timely TikTok trend updates, plus how your brand can use them, and lands in your inbox every Tuesday.
3. Encourage engagement
As was already mentioned, TikTok reacts to the actions its users take after viewing a TikTok video. As a result, making an engaging video is a great way to exploit the TikTok algorithm and ensure that more users see it.
However, how do you get viewers to like, comment on, or share your video?
With an average engagement rate of 17.96%, TikTok significantly outperforms Instagram and Youtube. That means it’s the ideal setting for fostering connections. Break the fourth wall by posing inquiries to your audience or developing content around a hot-button issue.
As an alternative, you can work with a person who is skilled at increasing engagement. Yes, influencers are a great way to engage your audience. Consider partnering with them in the future. You can read more in our excellent article here about how to collaborate with an influencer on TikTok.
The TikTok algorithm matters, but this matters just as much
What other factors contribute to TikTok success? having a brand message that is relatable, genuine, and ownable.
The advice we’ve provided in this article is essential for the development of your TikTok account, but don’t overlook the most important element you must incorporate into every piece of content: demonstrating who you are.
TikTok is not the place where you should only display your best, most honed brand messaging. According to 64% of TikTok users, they can be authentic on the platform, and they anticipate that you will follow suit. Brands that aren’t afraid to try new things and share more of the personalities of the real people managing their brand’s TikTok account are those that make the best use of the platform.
Develop a hook that people can relate to, and show off your sense of humor. If that scares you, relax. We are the leading authorities on all things relating to Generation Z, and we know how to connect your brand with the ideal TikTok audience. We want to fuel your rocket with expert rocket fuel that is data-driven and will put you ten steps ahead of the competition. To learn more about how we can do that, get in touch.
FAQs
What does the TikTok algorithm not like?
The TikTok algorithm will not recommend some content on TikTok. This includes:
- Duplicated content
- Content you’ve already seen
- Content that could be potentially upsetting (such as graphic medical procedures)
- Content flagged as spam
Make sure that the content you post doesn’t fall under any of these categories. Otherwise, it won’t gain any traction on TikTok.
How does TikTok choose your algorithm?
The TikTok algorithm is focused on ranking videos based on the way you react and interact with content on the app. User interactions such as shares, likes, comments, and repeated watching are all signs that show what the user likes and doesn’t like.
How do I increase views on TikTok?
There are many ways to get more views on TikTok. Some tips to hack the TikTok algorithm and get more views include:
- Use the right hashtags for your videos
- Keep your videos short and simple
- Use trending audio
- Be specific about your niche and target audience
- Use the duets feature
- Promote your TikTok videos on your other social channels.
- Engage with other TikTok users
What is the best time to post on TikTok?
This depends on your audience and when they’re most active. However, Influencer Marketing Hub identified some of the best times to post on TikTok according to a study. These times are:
- Monday: 6 AM, 10 AM, 10 PM
- Tuesday: 2 AM, 4 AM, *9 AM
- Wednesday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 11 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM, *12 AM, 7 PM
- Friday: *5 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM, 7 PM, 8 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 4 PM
- Times marked with * offer particularly high levels of engagement. This is a great way to beat the TikTok algorithm.
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Conclusion
Although TikTok is a sporadic social media platform, it also provides any brand with the opportunity to go viral.
The best advice we can give is to think creatively outside the box, try new creative content ideas, and just have fun with it. TikTok is not about producing “perfect” content; rather, it’s about giving your audience something entertaining and novel.
Your goal should be to connect with more For You pages if you want to gain viral exposure on TikTok. Pages are your “golden ticket” to massive exposure, for you.
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