Everything You Need to Know About TikTok's Algorithm

Posted on 11th Nov, 2024.

Every social media site has an algorithm that determines who sees your content, and when. While there's no one trick you can use to ensure your video reaches the front of your followers' FYP, there are some ways you can take advantage of the algorithm to boost the chances of your content being seen by the right people at the right time.

Let's dive into how the algorithm works and techniques you can use to ensure it favours your content.

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How Does TikTok's Algorithm Work?

While nobody apart from TikTok's team know exactly how the algorithm works, there are a few things we're fairly certain of. The first is that TikTok's algorithm is highly personalised to each individual user. Rather than showing the same type of content to each person that uses the app, TikTok tailors the content to the user by choosing similar videos to the ones they've watched and interacted with in the past. This is why it's so important to aim your content at your target audience/niche.

That's where the FYP page gets its name from - it's literally For You. At the end of the day, TikTok wants its users to be as engaged and addicted as possible, so the app thrives on feeding users exactly what they want to see.

As well as targeting users based on their preferences, the algorithm tends to prioritise content with a high level of engagement. While you will come across videos that have very few likes and comments, the algorithm also feeds you viral content, videos which have racked up thousands of likes, comments, and views. If you engage with viral videos that follow a particular trend, you're also more likely to see that trend again and again.

Don't fear though - you don't already have to be a viral content creator in order to get seen. TikTok will show videos to users that are interested in the topic, whether the creator is already TikTok famous or not. Users will also see much more content from creators they follow, not just in the Following tab but on the FYP, too. To boost your chances of being seen, consider buying followers.

Likewise, your target audience will typically be shown TikTok content that their same demographic watches, so it's worth checking out what your competitors are posting and seeing if you can create something similar (but better!).

Other factors which play a role include location, the time of day when you post, hashtags, keywords, and search phrases. Things that can go against your video when it comes to the algorithm include posting content that doesn't meet Community Guidelines, is reported or tagged as not interesting, or has already been seen by users.

How to Use the Algorithm to Get Your Content Seen

Use these top tips to ensure the algorithm prioritises your content and you gain new followers and engagement.

1. Think of TikTok Like a Search Engine

You've probably heard of SEO in the context of reaching the first page of Google, but it can actually apply to TikTok and other social media sites, too. SEO for TikTok works much in the same way as SEO for Google - you need to find out what your audience is searching for and make sure your content matches.

You can do this by inserting relevant keywords and hashtags into your caption. If you search the main keywords associated with your content, you'll see an 'Others Searched For' section where you can discover more useful keywords and hashtags.

2. Use TikTok Best Practices

By learning the rules of engagement you need to follow for TikTok success, you can boost your chances of going viral and gaming TikTok's famously elusive algorithm. Some of the most important things to consider when posting content are posting consistently, tapping into trends, and collaborating with other content creators - preferably those who have a larger following than you so you can tap into their followers.

Content should always be created and recorded on a good camera. If all you have is a smartphone, use your back camera, not your front camera, as it's usually better quality. You don't need fancy editing software (although it won't harm!), TikTok's app, Capcut, is a great way to edit your videos, and we have plenty of editing tips to get it in tip-top condition.

Need any more advice on TikTok best practices to stick to? Check out our handy guide.

3. Establish Your Niche and Post Accordingly

While being a generalist can have its perks, finding your audience will supercharge your growth on TikTok. Choose a niche, check out what similar content creators are doing, and stick to it. You don't have to create only one type of video, but trying to appeal to too many different users will actually hold you back.

Once you've captivated your audience, consider posting specialist content series that your followers will come back for again and again. You can keep these in a playlist for new followers to reference back to.

4. Add Your Own Twists to Trends

Trending videos have a better chance of being boosted by TikTok's algorithm, but don't forget to tie this in with the previous point about niching down. Don't just jump on any old trend - look at trends that other content creators in your niche are taking part in and take part yourself, putting your own unique twist on it.

There's no foolproof tool or techniques you can use to 'hack' the algorithm, but there are ways you can give your content a better chance of being pushed up the FYP using our top tips.