Tiktok Algorithm: How does it work?

TikTok is a social networking website that allows users to create and share 15- to 60-second creative films. It has become a huge social media app with over 800 million active users globally and was also the most downloaded app in 2020. Other platforms are copying the platform’s features since they are so successful. For example, Instagram Reels – A feature similar to TikTok, as it allows users to watch videos on loop.

Knowing how this app works is a given its continued success and its algorithm’s outstanding ability in guessing what users want to view. As a result, it’s critical that we look at how their algorithm works.

The “For You” Page

The TikTok “For You” tab is where most users go to find new videos. We can decide how to influence what a person sees on their feed if we understand how the algorithm works.

Previously, we presumed that the For You page was a curated feed that pulled content from a user’s profile, location, and similar videos they’d already liked and engaged with.\

However, we now have real data from TikTok on how the For You page represents each user’s individual tastes.

“The algorithm recommends material by rating videos based on a mix of factors,” said TikTok, “starting with interests you express as a new user and adjusting for items you indicate you’re not interested in, as well.”

Just based on TikTok’s remark, there are 3 primary emphasis elements that we can focus on.

1. User Interactions:

User interactions will include all of the following: 

• Liked & Shared Videos
• Followed Accounts
• Posts Commented On
• Created Contents

The video completion rate is the greatest ranking factor in this category. That is, if people watch a video in its entirety, it is more likely to be shared to other feeds than if they scroll through it or watch it for a second or two.

As a result, the key for producers is to create films that keep viewers’ interest until the very end in order to get to the For You page.

2. Utilizing Video Information:

The following information will be included in any information on the videos:

• Captions
• Hashtags
• Sounds 

The algorithm is more likely to push material that a user often examines, based on the highlighted factors. As a result, people who frequently search for a given hashtag or love content with a specific sound bite are more likely to see videos with that hashtag and sound.

3. Account Settings:

Consider the following while reviewing your device and account settings:

• Language Preferences
• Country Location
• Device Activated

While the variables listed above may not carry as much weight as the other ranking elements, they do play a part in improving the watcher’s experience.

In Conclusion?

When a video is posted:

• It is shown to an account’s followers and those who are likely to be interested in it by the algorithm.
• Then, through completion rate, comments, shares, and thumbs up, the users’ engagement variables determine the distribution path and pace.
• Finally, the program uses the responses of the people to make the video become viral.

It’s worth noting that the TikTok algorithm does not expressly prioritize follower numbers as a ranking factor. As a result, everyone, from high-follower accounts to new accounts, has an opportunity to receive publicity for their video if it fulfills the algorithm’s standards.

TikTok’s For You suggestion algorithm weighs each of these criteria separately, making each For You page totally unique to the person and their degree of interest. TikTok, for example, says that a user’s completion of a movie from beginning to end might be a significant signal of interest.

This would be given more weight than a flimsy indication like whether the video’s author and viewer are from the same nation. For You page videos are then sorted depending on the likelihood of a user’s interest in a piece of material using these “indicators of interest.”

Do you need to be TikTok-famous to go viral?

The answer is, in a nutshell, no.

While a video posted by an account with more followers is likely to garner more views (because to the bigger follower base), “neither follower count nor whether the account has had past high-performing videos are primary variables in the recommendation system,” according to TikTok.

Even if you just have a few followers or have never posted to TikTok before, your video has a chance of being featured on the For You page.

What Factors Influence the TikTok Algorithm

If you’re a TikTok company, business, or artist, you probably want more views, likes, and comments on your videos. After all, the more people who watch your videos, the more chances you’ll have to connect with your TikTok audience and increase your brand’s awareness.

Working with the TikTok algorithm to get your content on as many For You page feeds as possible is the key to increasing video engagement.

However, obtaining a coveted position on the For You page necessitates much more than simply including the hashtag #fyp in your caption.

Here are the top 6 criteria that impact the TikTok algorithm to help you generate the greatest content and gain more exposure on the TikTok feed:

TikTok Algorithm Factor #1**: Hashtags**

The For You page, as previously stated, is where users want to arrive in order to win the TikTok jackpot. The hashtags #ForYou, #ForYouPage, and #FYP are likely to appear on viral TikTok content. However, according to TikTok’s algorithm statement, using one of these hashtags does not guarantee a position on the For You page.

Knowing exactly which hashtag to use to optimize your content for the FYP is still a bit of a mystery.

You may locate popular hashtags by tapping the Discover Tab, as well as entering them in if you want to examine a hashtag’s performance.

But be cautious: hopping on a trending hashtag simply because it’s popular may seem like a smart idea, but it might backfire if the hashtag has nothing to do with the substance of your video.

Always utilize related hashtags to help viewers locate your work and tell the TikTok algorithm what you’re about!

TikTok Algorithm Factor #2: TikTok Captions

Unlike Instagram and Facebook, TikTok is not the place to post a long-form caption. Short captions with relevant hashtags that are related to the material you’re presenting are great for TikTok. Because TikTok is a mobile-first video network, it’s best to keep copy brief and snappy.

Consider asking a question in your captions, making a joke, or utilizing a part 1 series technique to give a bit of mystery to the text.

These topics are very popular among influencers on the network. Being able to lead a conversation in your comments pays off when it comes to increasing engagement.

The top comments on your video will appear at the top of your comments list, which means you may generate even more dialogue as others navigate through TikTok and discover comments on your video.

TikTok Algorithm Factor #3: Trending Songs & Sounds

TikTok’s music and noises, like hashtags, play an important role in the discoverability of your video. The good news is that utilizing a popular song at the appropriate moment can result in a significant increase in likes and views!

TikTok’s Sounds, unlike TikTok’s Discover tab, are not as quickly accessible as a tap of a tab. Unless you’re actively watching or making videos within the app, you’ll have to be a little more sneaky in discovering what music and noises are trending.

TikTok Algorithm Factor #4: When Your Audience Is Most Active

Posting material when your audience is most engaged will ensure that it is noticed. You may also get some useful audience data due to TikTok’s Pro Accounts.

Don’t be deceived by the fact that TikTok metrics aren’t as detailed as Instagram analytics. TikTok provides a wealth of information to assist you in determining when is the optimum moment for you to upload.

Knowing when your audience is available is a good place to start. In this blog article, we’ll go over all you need to know about finding your unique optimal time to publish on TikTok for your brand and business.

Why Do Some TikTok Videos Go Viral (While Others Don’t)?

Many people have seen or heard of TikTok’s “slow burn” phenomenon, which occurs when something is posted, receives very little interaction or reach, and then abruptly disappears. There appears to be no rhyme or reason to this time, which might be 48 hours after publishing or weeks afterward.

For the time being, we may presume that when films get more likes, comments, and views, the TikTok algorithm will push your video to the For You page, even if it isn’t brand new. Alternatively, a sound might gain a lot of attention as a result of someone else’s video going viral, giving your video using the same noises a boost.

Even if you don’t get a lot of feedback right away, it’s worth waiting and watching your movie for weeks, if not months, after you’ve released it.

There’s no disputing that TikTok’s video aesthetic is distinct – it’s a platform where you can express yourself in whatever manner you choose.

TikTok Algorithm Factor #5: Video Content & Editing

There’s no disputing that TikTok’s video aesthetic is distinct – it’s a platform where you can express yourself in whatever manner you choose.

The key to success is to have a good video strategy that captivates viewers and encourages re-watches and sharing.

This is why TikTok movies with a continuous loop might be used to activate the algorithm. Consider films you’ve seen three times in a row or clips you’ve returned to – these are the videos that really hold an audience’s interest, and the algorithm may reward you for it.

This is certainly something TikTok is keeping an eye on in order to serve more of the material that consumers are interested in. It’s possible that machine learning, rather than personal choice, decides whether or not a video becomes viral.

It’s worth investing some time editing your TikTok video once you’ve come up with a fantastic video concept to make the format even more interesting for viewers.

TikTok Algorithm Factor #6: Location

We believe TikTok will deliver hyper-local material to viewers in order to create a more community-oriented feed.

“Location is definitely a key factor in what videos get recommended to users on their For You pages. Having a global team has really allowed us to explore and confirm patterns in how we’re served location-based content.

Because of this, there’s a lot of potential for smaller businesses to benefit from being on TikTok to really increase brand awareness – especially if they’re trying to reach Gen Z and Millennials. ” – Lindsay Ashcraft, Social Media Coordinator at Later.

Although location is a minor factor in the TikTok algorithm, there’s no disputing that users have begun to notice (and engage with!) material uploaded in their immediate vicinity. It’s an intriguing concept to consider for the TikTok algorithm’s future.