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Video recommendations are displayed on a personalised page called “For You”.

According to TikTok: “The system recommends content by ranking videos based on a combination of factors — starting from interests you express as a new user and adjusting for things you indicate you’re not interested in, too.”

What Factors Contribute to ‘For You’ on TikTok?

User Engagement:

The more views and interactions a TikTok receives, the more likely it will appear to a larger audience. User engagement refers to:

  • Likes
  • Shares
  • Comments
  • The accounts you follow

Video Information:

The TikTok algorithm is able to categorise similar content and recognise accounts which fall under a similar niche. This is achieved through details such as:

  • Captions (e.g. the keywords included)
  • Sounds
  • Hashtags
  • Effects

Device & Account Settings: 

 The algorithm also considers a user's device settings when deciding where to display the video. This refers to factors such as: 

  • Your language preference
  • Country setting
  • Device Type

Not Interested Activity:

As well as serving you the videos that you like, the TikTok algorithm can also identify those which you are not interested in. The actions which are used to determine this are:

  • Videos you have skipped through
  • Videos you have marked as "Not Interested"
  • Users you have hidden

What Factors Do Not Contribute to the TikTok Algorithm?

There are also a few factors that do not impact the TikTok algorithm. These include the number of followers that an account has, as well as the performance of previous videos.

This means that the TikTok algorithm is actually quite fair to all accounts. For example, if you have no followers and haven’t posted a TikTok before, there is still a chance that your video can go viral!

How to Use the TikTok Algorithm and Go Viral in 2022:

Although it is always changing and developing, there’s no denying that the TikTok algorithm can actually help you improve your content visibility. Remember - the algorithm is not against you, but instead wants to display your videos in the right places and for the right people. 

Here are 8 Ways to Beat the Algorithm, Get Views and Go Viral on TikTok:

  1. Focus on One Niche
  2. Use Trending TikTok Audios
  3. Use Relevant Hashtags
  4. Engage with Similar Accounts
  5. Make Short & Snappy Videos
  6. Utilise TikTok Effects & Other Features
  7. Keep on Top of Trends
  8. Post Entertaining or Interesting Content

TikTok Algorithm Hack #1: Focus on one niche

Once you've decided on your niche, it’s important that you are consistent with your content. This includes adding keywords to your captions and video content, as well as choosing relevant trends and audios. 

It’s also crucial that your content resonates with your target audience. Think about the type of entertaining or informative videos that they might like to see. The more niche content that you post, the more the TikTok algorithm will help you show up on the right feeds.

TikTok Algorithm Hack #2: Use Trending TikTok Sounds

When it comes to viral TikToks, trending audio may possibly be the secret to success. According to Shopify, 73% of users would “stop and look” at TikTok videos that have audio. They also discovered that compared to other components like visuals, colours, and logos, TikTok users are eight times more likely to remember a brand or TikToker for the catchy audio used throughout the videos.

TikTok Algorithm Hack #3: Use Relevant Hashtags

When you use a hashtag associated with a niche topic or current TikTok trend, you may draw in viewers who are already interested in that type of content. By including hashtags in the captions of your video, you can reach TikTokers who aren't already following your account. Analyse competitors and other viral TikToks to identify the most appropriate hashtags. In order to reach an appropriate audience, @amandawarnock0 shares a mum hack and uses the hashtags #mumsoftiktok and #parentinghack.

TikTok Algorithm Hack #4: Engage with Similar Accounts

As with many aspects of business, connections are always the key to successful growth! Brands on TikTok can provide a more personalised and engaging customer experience by developing relationships with both previous buyers and potential customers. If you have a personal account, you can also grow by interacting with similar TikTokers in your niche.

TikTok Algorithm Hack #5: Make Short & Snappy Videos

Although TikTok has now increased the maximum length, users are still preferring short and snappy videos. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, videos between 15 and 20 seconds increase the chances of TikTok users completing them. This then results in the algorithm prioritising your video.

TikTok Algorithm Hack #6: Utilise TikTok filters & Other Features

Stay one step ahead of the algorithm by keeping up with new filters and features on TikTok. This video by @nourrtann is the perfect example of how you can get creative with TikTok tools. Remember - users LOVE to feel entertained!

TikTok Algorithm Hack #7: Keep on Top of Trends

A TikTok trend refers to a particular sound, dance, video format, or hashtag that goes viral. More and more users will then join the trend by making similar videos. According to Shopify, the best way to find trends on TikTok is to spend time on the app and cultivate your own personalised FYP.

TikTok Algorithm Hack #8: Post Entertaining, Informative & Educational Content

Before creating a TikTok, you should always consider the four main purposes of social media content. To entertain, inspire, educate and convert. Failure to create content that meets these requirements may prevent you from reaching or impressing your ideal audience. The TikTok bio on Instagram, “what has TikTok taught you?”, demonstrates that the platform's ambition goes beyond attractive videos and lots of followers.

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