There is no denying that TikTok is one of the biggest social media platforms right now, with over 1 billion monthly active users. That’s a lot of people!
As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, more and more businesses are flocking to the platform. Even big brands like Levi’s, BMW, Crocs, and Chipotle are using the platform to get in front of their audience. After all, this would be a great way to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience.
Views are the name of the game on TikTok. But let’s remember that TikTok is brimming with new content. Getting all those Gen Zs and millennials to watch your content requires more than just participating in dance challenges and hoping your videos go viral.
It’s essential to understand how to use the platform strategically to get more views and engagement on TikTok. Fortunately, there are proven strategies that can help you get noticed on this rising platform. We’re going to break them down for you in this blog post.
What counts as a TikTok view?
Before we talk about how to get more views, it’s important to understand what counts as a TikTok view.
On TikTok, every time your video plays, it counts as a view. And if someone watches your video repeatedly, those are all counted as new views. However, TikTok doesn’t count views from your account as a view. That means even if you play your video 100x, it won’t classify as a view.
How to get more TikTok views
Optimize your content for FYP
Unlike other social media platforms where only people in your network sees your content, TikTok’s algorithm uses a recommendation system to deliver content they think users will like based on their interests and behavior. So instead of seeing posts from people they know, a user’s “For You” page will be filled with content similar to the videos they have interacted with.
Suppose you own a cosmetic brand and feature your products on your TikTok page. In that case, your videos will be shown to people who enjoy watching makeup tutorials, product reviews, lipstick swatches, and other makeup-related content.
So before you start shooting some videos, we suggest you watch some videos on the “For You” page and carefully examine videos that capture your attention. It is also a good idea to research the latest trends, trending topics, and hashtags. Create a list of these topics and think of how you can put your own spin on them.
Keep it short and sweet
Right now, TikTok users can create videos up 3 minutes long. However, TikTok’s algorithm favors videos that viewers have seen in their entirety. Creating short videos is the easiest way to earn top marks for this ranking factor.
Aim for short videos that are 15 to 30 seconds long. Be sure to use the first three seconds to arouse the user’s curiosity and stand out from the sea of content. Don’t be afraid to use humor if it suits your brand. The most effective TikTok videos are those that are entertaining.
Hop on the audio trend
If you want to boost your discoverability on TikTok, add trending sounds or music to your videos.
On TikTok, trending audio or music works like a hashtag. Adding it to your video triggers the algorithm and shows it to users who have watched or liked a video with the same audio. So if you’re using viral audio, there’s a good chance that your video will go viral as well.
When watching a video, always pay attention to the audio they’re using. You may also tap the sound icon on the bottom right corner to determine how many times it was used, along with the top videos featuring this audio.
Don’t forget the caption
TikTok only gives you 150 characters for your caption, so be sure to use it wisely. It may not seem much, but it’s enough to pique the interest of your target audience and get them to watch your video.
Use the same hook you used in your video as a caption, and see how it improves your views and watch time. Also, include keywords in your captions to enhance your content’s discoverability.
Cross-promote your videos on other social media platforms
You already spent time planning, shooting, and editing your video, so why not make the most of it and share it on other social media platforms?
This will help you get more eyeballs on your content. And thanks to the little Titkok username attached to your video, it’s like a subtle way of telling people to follow you on TikTok. It’s a win-win strategy.
Final thoughts
There appears to be no stopping this social media juggernaut, which is expected to get bigger in the coming years.
Due to TikTok’s algorithm, it’s easier to go viral on this fun and playful platform than on the more saturated platforms like Facebook and Twitter. But we’re seeing a steady uptick in users, and over time, it will take a lot longer for creators to reach a million views.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve already posted a bunch of videos on the app, now is a great time to step up your presence on the platform. Use the tips discussed above to get your videos on as many For You pages as possible.