Welcome to our guide to how the TikTok algorithm works in 2024. In this introduction, we’ll delve into how TikTok decides which videos to show users. You’ll learn about the factors that influence your video’s visibility and how to use this knowledge to your advantage.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to navigate the TikTok algorithm and maximize your content’s reach and impact on the platform. Let’s dive in!
What is the TikTok algorithm?
The TikTok algorithm picks videos for you based on what you like. Your For You page shows these videos.
Everyone’s For You page is different. What you see is not what others see.
For example, if you like beauty videos, you’ll see more of them. But if you like sports, you’ll see different videos.
Your For You page changes as you watch different things. If you start liking DIY videos, you’ll see more of them.
How does the TikTok algorithm work?
You might be curious about how TikTok picks the right content for you. The TikTok algorithm uses many factors to decide what videos to suggest.
Now, let’s explore the key factors that determine which videos appear on your For You page:
Engagement
TikTok cares a lot about how much you interact with videos. It checks:
- If you like or share videos
- If you leave comments
- How many videos do you watch till the end
- Videos you save as favorites
TikTok looks at this information to see what kind of videos you enjoy. If you often like a creator’s videos, TikTok will show you more of their stuff. If you watch a video till the end or save it as a favorite, TikTok knows you liked it.
User Interactions
Besides likes and shares, TikTok also looks at:
- Who do you follow?
- What kind of videos do you make?
This helps TikTok know what you like and how your interests change. Then it shows you more videos that you’ll enjoy watching and making.
Video information
Captions, hashtags, and sounds provide details about the video to TikTok. This helps the algorithm figure out the video and when to show it to users on their For You pages.
Device and account indicators
TikTok also looks at how you set up your account and your device. It checks where you are, what language you prefer, what device you use, and what categories you’re interested in. But because users don’t say these things directly, they’re not as important as other factors. That’s why TikTok cares more about things like watching a whole video.
What the TikTok algorithm doesn’t show
TikTok wants your For You page to be fun and safe. So, it won’t show things like repeating posts, spam, or anything you’ve already watched. It also avoids stuff that could be offensive or unsafe, and it won’t show brand-new or under-reviewed videos. TikTok doesn’t care about how many followers you have or how well your past videos did. That means anyone can get noticed, whether you’re new to TikTok or not.
9 tips for working with the TikTok algorithm
Considering these ranking factors, it’s clear that boosting engagement is key to getting TikTok’s attention.
If your brand is new to TikTok and you’re still growing your followers, don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you out:
1. Level up your TikTok hashtags
If you believed hashtags were only for Instagram, reconsider. The TikTok algorithm relies on hashtags to grasp a video’s content and classify it.
So, if you wish for TikTok to display your video to the appropriate audience, ensure you utilize hashtags pertinent to your video and your brand.
2. Take advantage of TikTok trends
TikTok loves what’s trending! Using popular sounds, hashtags, and effects in your videos can help them get noticed.
Songs and sounds often become big hits on TikTok. When you see a sound trending, use it in your unique way. This connects you with people already enjoying that sound.
But it’s not just about sounds. Keep an eye out for trending hashtags and effects too. If there’s a new meme or challenge, try adding your twist. Look at how Amazon used a trendy sound and meme together in one video.
Also, try out popular video styles. If a certain type of video is getting lots of views, try making your version that fits your style.
Jumping on TikTok trends might seem basic, but it can help your content reach new audiences. Just make sure the trends you follow fit your brand.
3. Make the first few seconds count
TikTok cares if people watch your video all the way through. So, you must grab their attention right away and keep it.
That means no long intros. Jump into the good stuff in the first 2-3 seconds. TikTok is fast, so slow starts won’t work. Viewers will just move on.
Use text, voiceovers, or sound effects to hook them fast. The aim is to show why your video matters right away.
4. Prioritize shorter videos
TikTok now allows videos up to 10 minutes long. But, longer videos might not help with the TikTok algorithm.
Remember, the algorithm cares if people watch the whole video. So, think: will they watch a 15-second video or a 10-minute one?
Short, exciting videos work best. But, you can still try longer ones if they match your brand. Just mix it up with some short ones too.
5. Post at the right time
On TikTok, time matters, just like on other social sites. The more likes and comments your video gets, the more it’s shown to others. So, aim for lots of engagement right after posting.
To do this, post when your followers are most active. Usually, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. work well. But, check when your followers are online for the best results.
6. Write keyword-rich captions
You can leave your captions short, but it’s better to use them wisely. Write captions related to your video, so TikTok knows what it’s about. Include keywords that match your video, as Booking.com does with “home,” “view,” “Cape Town,” and “South Africa.”
But don’t overdo it with keywords. Use them wisely to make your caption clear and relevant to your content.
7. Track performance using TikTok analytics
For marketers, it’s super important to keep an eye on how well they’re doing on each platform they use. Using TikTok analytics can give you helpful information to make your strategy better. Here are some important things to look at:
- How many times your videos are watched.
- How long people watch your videos before they stop.
- Where your traffic comes from (like the “For You” page, hashtags, or sounds).
- How many likes, comments, and shares your videos get.
- How often songs are used in your videos.
- How many people visit your profile.
- How fast your number of followers is growing.
- How many times people click on links in your videos.
- How many times your videos are downloaded.
- How much of your video people watch before they stop.
Looking at how well each video does and how things change over time with these things can show you what your audience likes best.
Compare your old and new videos, try different lengths, use captions and different sounds, and see what works best. Let the information you get from the data show you what works and what doesn’t. Then, use what you learn to make your content better and plan your strategy.
8. Optimize your content for search
Google now shows more TikTok videos when you search. They even appear in special spots called featured snippets. This makes it important to make sure your content works well for both TikTok and regular web searches.
To make your TikTok videos easier to find, write clear titles and captions with lots of keywords. Describe what’s happening in your video and use words that match what people might search for. Don’t try to be mysterious or use random words.
Doing this helps search engines and TikTok understand what your video is about. That way, your videos have a better chance of showing up when someone looks for similar stuff.
9. Work with TikTok influencers
Teaming up with TikTok creators who have lots of followers and get a lot of likes and comments can help more people discover your brand. Even if they only have a few thousand followers, smaller influencers in your field who are passionate about your stuff can still be great partners.
Here are some ways you can work together:
- Make fun challenges and use hashtags with your brand’s name.
- Pay for tutorials, tips, and how-to videos.
- Show off your new products being unpacked or reviewed.
- Let influencers take over your account for a while.
- Create products together.
- Give out special discount codes.
- Just remember—working with TikTok influencers can help your business grow, but it also has some risks. Make sure you pick your partners carefully. Look at things like who their followers are, how much they usually interact, and if they match your brand’s vibe. And make sure you both agree on what you want out of the partnership from the start.
Conclusion
Knowing how the TikTok algorithm works in 2024 is important for both creators and businesses. By understanding how it operates, people can make sure their videos reach the right audience and get lots of likes and views. As TikTok keeps changing, staying updated and flexible will help everyone succeed on the platform.