TikTok is among the top 10 social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. One report shows that TikTok has over 1.6 billion users. The massive platform allows users to post short videos on various topics. Users can personalize their content with filters, stickers, voiceovers, and background music.
Social media platforms use algorithms to show users the content they believe the user wants to see. TikTok determines what a user likes by looking at previous interactions, behavior on the Discover tab, location/language, and trends. According to social media experts, TikTok’s algorithm differs from other social media algorithms in that TikTok also prioritizes newer content rather than content from creators that a user is following.
The Ins and Outs of the Algorithm
According to TikTok, the app also learns what content you are not interested in viewing. To personalize each user’s experience, the algorithm factors:
User Interactions
This involves the videos that a user shares or likes. It also includes the accounts that a user follows, the comments a user posts, and the content a user creates.
Video Information
This includes information like video captions, sounds, and hashtags used.
Device and Account Settings
The algorithm factors a user’s language preference, country setting, and device type.
These factors are included in a ranking system that the algorithm forms. At the top of the list may be videos the user is highly interested in, while the bottom may be videos the user likes to avoid. Whether a user finishes watching a longer video from beginning to end is another indicator of the algorithm.
Increase Your Visibility on TikTok
Understanding the TikTok algorithm is essential for business owners to know if they want to use the social media app to promote their brand. The key is to use the algorithm to your advantage. Here are some things you can implement in your marketing strategy:
First Seconds Matter
You need to grab the user’s attention within the first few seconds since TikTok prioritizes videos that users will watch from beginning to end. The best way to do this is to start your video with the information you believe the users want to know. Treat it like the users have a short attention span. Users will determine very quickly whether your video is worth finishing. Consider using text, voiceovers, filters, sounds, and more to help grab the viewer’s attention.
Video Duration
Make shorter videos for the best results. The TikTok algorithm prioritizes shorter videos. So, even though you can make videos up to 10 minutes in length, you may find better luck with videos around 15 to 30 seconds long. This increases the chances of people engaging with your content and watching the video all the way through.
Timing is Everything
TikTok’s algorithm also factors in what time you post your content. This is an important step to remember. You’ll want TikTok users to engage with your content within the first few minutes after posting. This increases the chances that your video will appear on the For You page for viewers, meaning that the algorithm has selected your content as a video that other users might be interested in viewing.
You’ll have to learn the times at which your target audience is most active on the app. This may take some research or trial and error to figure out. Generally, the best time to post social media content is around 10 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. You might also try looking at the analytics information within your social media accounts to help you gauge a time that works best.
Art of the Hashtag
Using hashtags on TikTok can help your target audience find their way to your content. It allows TikTok to categorize posts. Try incorporating three to five hashtags in your posts. You might even consider adding a few hashtags that are trending at the moment.
Caption Everything
Writing captions on your posts assists TikTok’s algorithm in understanding what type of content you have posted. This is a way to help the app guide your content to the correct users, meaning TikTok users that want to see it. Be strategic in the use of your captions.
Improve Your Social Media Marketing
Allow Digital Mules to use our knowledge of social media algorithms to help elevate your business. We can gear your company’s content on each social media platform to enhance your brand. Our staff is well-versed in social media management, content creation, posting, engagement, and more.
Using Digital Mules to handle your social media marketing strategy can help you free up time to handle other business-related tasks. Our services don’t end there. We also offer help with branding, graphic design, paid ads, search engine optimization, web design, copywriting, reputation management, and email marketing.
Please contact Digital Mules to get started on a path to refining your brand. We look forward to working with you!
