TikTok is the place where creators go to find their audiences. We all know this by now.
But what happens when a brand opens up the app, posts their first video, and the only view they get is from their social media intern’s mom?
Don’t worry, intern, we’ve got your back. Here's exactly how to get more views on TikTok.
Why do views matter on TikTok?
Creators rely on views to get paid by the TikTok Creator Fund. Creators who meet the requirements are paid between two and four cents per 1,000 views.
For everyone else, views are basically just impressions. Basically, the more views your video gets, the more it will be pushed to a larger audience.
What specifically counts as a "view" on TikTok?
TikTok is pretty generous when it comes to what counts as a view. The second your video plays, it counts as one view. If the video plays again, that counts as a new view. When users revisit your video to watch it yet another time, yep, you guessed it– that’s a whole new view.
Wondering how to get more views on TikTok after posting? Use these 10 TikTok growth hacks
1. Grab the viewer in the first two seconds
TikTok is designed for rapid scrolling. It’s literally the perfect storm for short attention spans and hyperactive thumbs. If you want users to watch your video all the way through (and maybe even replay or share it) hooking their interest in the first two seconds is vital. Try explaining what the video is about in a few words or asking a question that is relevant to your target audience and their pain points.
For example, Tiffycooks does a great job hooking viewers with enticing food shots and a quick intro.
2. Know what types of content succeed on TikTok
TikTok is designed for entertainment and sharing ideas. With that said, trending content tends to perform super well on TikTok. You can find suggestions for songs, hashtags, and profiles to check out in the Discovery Tab sidebar, and you can also type a hashtag or keyword into the search bar to find out what’s trending around your topic of choice. These are both easy ways to brainstorm trendy video ideas.
Educational content also tends to pop off on TikTok. Share tutorials or how-tos relevant to your industry, life hacks, or even your favorite products. Sneaky pro tip: Need comments? Wait to link the products until people ask.
3. Keep video high-quality
Gone are the days of potato-quality content being acceptable on social media. Our phones can do so much, and we have a wealth of videography tips and editing tools at our disposal (TikTok templates, we’re looking at you). The FYP favors quality videos. If you want your TikTok to perform well, use a tripod for steady footage and film in front of a window or in good artificial lighting.
4. Respond to viral music trends
Responding to viral music trends is another great way to garner attention on TikTok. When you post using trending sound, your video is pushed to users who watch and like videos using that sound. That means riding new trends like viral visual and audio effects can push your content to new audiences. Some TikTokers even trick the algorithm by using trending audio at a low volume. This is an interesting, albeit unproven hack.
5. Participate in challenges
TikTok challenges are a fun way to use trends to your advantage. Challenges come in the form of dances, skits, pranks– really, the content types are never-ending. When you make a challenge video, TikTok will show your video to users who already like that challenge. Get them to engage, and your video will be pushed to even more new audiences.
6. Create "stitch" videos
Stitch videos are created by meshing cuts from another user's video with your own. Creators can use this method to reach the audience of the original poster. By prompting users to stitch your TikTox, you can create a chain of video sharing and engagement.
7. Use hashtags wisely
Hashtags can help you reach new users just like on other platforms, but the way TikTok’s algorithm is designed means you don’t really need them as much. Plenty of users believe that using #fyp and #ForYou help boost videos onto the For You Page, but this hasn’t been proven. Using these hashtags can’t hurt, but be sure to include some hashtags relevant to your content or trending within your niche. Use both popular and less popular hashtags to expand your reach while promoting engagement.
8. Attention spans are short. Do more in less time
Short content rules TikTok. Even though the app extended its video length to three minutes, the For You Page (FYP) is dominated by videos that last 30 seconds or less. Use your seconds wisely. Get straight to the point, speak fast, and don’t leave any dead space. Manipulate your videos to accomplish more in less time. A lot of TikToks will make their intro and outro the same so that the video can loop seamlessly.
9. Collaborate with other TikTokers
Find a TikToker with a good-sized, highly engaged audience and inquire about a collab. TikTokers can collaborate with other creators in their niche to piggyback off each other’s audiences (think OG YouTuber collabs, but with some Gen Z sparkle). Additionally, brands can partner with TikTok influencers in their industry to expand reach and awareness to new audiences.
10. Try to get featured on TikTok’s For You Page
The For You Page is similar to Instagram’s Explore page. Getting featured on the FYP is considered the holy grail of TikTok success. It’s a goldmine for exposure, growth, and monetization. Increase your chances of getting on the FYP by getting more comments, likes, shares, and duets on your video. Completion rate is also important here. Create videos your viewers will watch until the end.
Not sure how to make a splash on TikTok? Look to these accounts for inspiration
Duolingo
Duolingo uses a trending sound and their signature owl character, Duo, to promote language learning using their product.
Glossier
Glossier blesses us with a series of makeup hacks (using their own products, of course).
Adobe
Adobe features a popular video and sound trend to promote their software and entertain us with kitty cat antics.
Square
Square features local businesses with each video focusing on a different city. They’re supporting their clients while creating useful content for tourists.
Missmangobutt
True crime podcaster and YouTuber Stephanie Soo follows a trending video format where users stitch this clip and respond. In true Stephanie fashion, her response features a rapid-fire true crime story.
Wrapping up
TikTok is all about entertainment, humor, and having fun by sharing creative content ideas. There is a space and an audience for you on the global platform, no matter your niche. Learning how to get more views and likes on TikTok is all about finding the content format and trends that fit your brand’s message.
While there’s no secret formula to blowing up on TikTok, these tips will help you create a solid growth strategy.
FAQs
- Why is my TikTok not getting any views?
- You might have posted at a time when your target audience isn’t online, your post might have gone against TikTok guidelines, or you might not be getting enough engagement from your followers. Try posting at 10am or 10pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the best results.
- How fast can a Tiktok go viral?
- Forget 15 minutes of fame; now it's 15 seconds. A TikTok can go viral as fast as users watch it. A viral TikTok has an engagement rate of between 80-90%.
- How can I boost my TikTok for free?
- The best way to boost your TikTok for free is to study your target audience and use relevant hashtags.
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