How the TikTok Algorithm Works

The TikTok algorithm has been deemed by many as a favorite as it provides a steady playing field for nearly anyone, regardless of their follower count, to go viral on the app. We recently launched an entire online course dedicated to Instagram Reels and TikTok, but wanted to provide our audience a little insight and sneak peek into one of our thirteen ReelTok Course chapters. Read on to discover how the TikTok algorithm works and how to use it to your advantage!

WHAT IS TIKTOK?

TikTok is a social media platform featuring short-form mobile videos. Primarily utilized by 10-29 year olds, the platform continues to grow in popularity and is perfect for brands looking to showcase their creative side and reach a large audience. 

If you’ve never experimented with TikTok before and are looking to create your first one, we highly recommend you download our IG Reels + TikTok: Their Features Explained freebie before getting started. This 20-page free download walks you through the purpose and meaning behind each feature within Instagram Reels and TikTok so that you can create quality video content with ease.

HOW DOES THE TIKTOK ALGORITHM WORK + WHAT IS THE “FOR YOU” PAGE?

Before diving into the algorithm, we have to understand that TikTok is a business and wants users to stay in the app for as long as possible. Why? Because the longer users stay in the app, the more ads they can be exposed to, which is how TikTok makes money. 

Because of this, your goal as a creator is to post content that users will spend an extended amount of time consuming. When you do this, the TikTok algorithm will “reward” you by showing your content to more users because it has been deemed as valuable. 

How will TikTok show your content to more users? It will appear on the “For You” page! Consider this page comparable to IG’s Explore page. Essentially, the “For You” page is a personalized feed tailored to each individual user and their activity on the app. The algorithm takes into account each user’s likes, watch time, shares, comments, profile views, duets, stitches, and more in order to curate a feed that they are likely to enjoy and spend an extended amount of time scrolling through. 

HOW TO “BEAT” THE TIKTOK ALGORITHM

Now that you know how the TikTok algorithm works, how do you use it to your advantage? Create content that users will spend an extended amount of time consuming! This doesn’t mean you have to take up the full 60-seconds allotted for a TikTok video. A short clip can be just as valuable if users find themselves re-watching it over and over again, engaging with the post, or sharing it with their friends. 

One of our top tips for creating content that is sure to be enjoyed is to use trending audio, effects, or hashtags. This is content that people are already loving, which makes it that much more likely that the algorithm will push your recreation of the trend to more users. 

We hope you found this blog post helpful! For a deeper dive into the TikTok algorithm and how to create content worthy of going viral, check out our ReelTok Online Course or TikTok + Instagram Reels Bundle! 

In the meantime, we’ll catch ya on the ‘Gram and in our weekly social media newsletter. Chat soon!

xx- The Homies