Hark! Anyone can achieve viral fame on TikTok, regardless of the tally of followers that doth follow. E’en those with a small following may find themselves thrust into the limelight. Verily, with over a billion souls wandering the halls of TikTok and myriad videos uploaded each day, standing out can be a Herculean task. Yet fear not, for it is feasible to shine bright on this grand platform.
Lo, here be 11 noble tips to aid thee on thy quest for TikTok glory.
How doth content ascend to viral heights on TikTok?
As with most social media realms, TikTok doth present content to its users based on past interactions. This dost apply to videos gracing both thy "Following" feed and the mystical "For You" page.
But pray tell, how doth TikTok select which videos emerge victorious on our FYPs?
By TikTok’s decree, the algorithm doth recommend content based on thine past interactions (views, likes, shares, comments), those thou dost follow, thine creation of content, thine account demographics, as well as the essence of the video itself (captions, sounds, hashtags). A potpourri of similar content from both familiar and unknown accounts doth grace thy screen.
To achieve virality, thy video must withstand a crucial test of sorts. The app doth present thy video to a modest group of users deemed a fair representation based on thy video’s contents (title, hashtags, captions, sound). Should it perform valiantly among this sample in views and engagement, TikTok may unveil it to a broader audience.
How long doth this test endure, thou may ask? It could be as swift as hours or linger on for days or weeks after thou dost first unveil thy creation.
Doth follower count or past performance hold weight?
The TikTok algorithm doth not take into account the number of followers in a user’s retinue or their prior engagement metrics. A post from a newcomer may cross paths with one from a seasoned account. Verily, all have an equal chance to dance in the spotlight.
And what sayeth TikTok heating?
There exists yet another route to viral acclaim on TikTok. Some videos art handpicked by TikTok’s own to garner a specific number of views, known as heating.
The tales speak of "heated" videos, said to constitute a small fraction of the daily total views on TikTok, yet this heating hath been reserved for influencers, celebrities, and brands that TikTok deem worthy.
How to attain virality on TikTok: 11 tips
Now, unto the grand plans. We’ve assembled a compendium of strategies to boost thy chances of achieving virality on TikTok, from the inception of filming to the mastery of hashtags and editing.
1. Participate in trends
TikTok’s realm is alight with music and sound bites, and incorporating popular sounds into thy content can aid in thy quest for virality. Employing trending audio can prove effective as it captures the ear, sets expectations for viewers, and may lead others to discover thy creation through the audio’s realm.
Even if thou hast woven thine own audio into a video, we advise integrating a trending melody as a backdrop to heighten thy chances of going viral – adjust the volume of said track to a murmur beneath thy spoken words.
Survey the Commercial Music Library ere embarking on an audio trend, for brand accounts find access to a more limited selection than creators and regular users.
2. Use hashtags wisely
Hashtags and challenges form a cornerstone of the TikTok tapestry, and employing them wisely can expand the reach of thy content. The judicious use of relevant hashtags and participation in prevalent challenges can broaden the horizons for others to chance upon thy creation.
When wielding hashtags:
- Employ a blend of widespread and niche tags, forsaking neither.
- Shun the employment of generic hashtags like #FYP or #foryou, for they hold little sway.
- Place no more than 3-5 hashtags upon thy creation.
Peruse 7 additional TikTok hashtag tips for further enlightenment.
3. Create engaging and share-worthy content
Crafting content worthy of being shared stands as a pivotal step to achieving TikTok virality. What manner of content doth prompt folk to share with friends and followers? Several themes hath stood the test of time:
- Funny/entertaining: Humans delight in sharing humor and mirth with companions.
- Educational: The #LearnOnTikTok banner flies high for a reason, so impart knowledge unto others! Surprising or unique lessons may well compel individuals to pass on thine teachings.
- Inspirational: Inspiration may spring from many wells – show how to solve a dilemma, enhance one’s appearance, health, or life, or introduce items worthy of a wishlist. Should thy content inspire others to enact change in behavior or life, they are inclined to share with kin.
4. Start with a hook and keep it succinct
With TikTok monitoring average watch time, ’tis essential to seize a viewer’s attention swiftly and furnish reasons to retain their gaze. Ergo, commencing with a strong hook holds paramount significance.
While TikTok hath extended the length of videos over time, brevity oft reigns supreme. Nevertheless, should thou embark on a lengthier tale, narrate a story following a coherent path.
A tip for the wise: Peruse thy TikTok analytics to discern the most captivating hooks in thy arsenal.
5. Engage with thy audience
Engagement with thy audience serves as a cornerstone in building a throng of followers on TikTok. Respond to comments and messages on thy videos, and engage with content akin to thine own (bearing the same hashtags). Such endeavors foster a community around thy content and inspire folk to share thy creations with their own followers.
