Are you struggling to get your content noticed on TikTok? Understanding the TikTok algorithm is the key to success. By learning how it works and applying the right strategies, you can increase your visibility, boost engagement, and grow your following. In this guide, we’ll break down how the algorithm operates and share actionable tips to help you stay ahead.
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What is TikTok Algorithm?
There are many ways to describe the TikTok algorithm, but we can keep it simple: The TikTok algorithm is a system that recommends content by rating videos based on a combination of factors like engagement, user preferences, video information, and device settings. It will start gathering information about your interest and not interest to decide which videos will show on your “For You page” feed.
The TikTok algorithm in 2025 is smarter than ever, focusing on what keeps users watching and how they interact with content. Here’s what you need to know about the key updates:
- Video Completion Rate: TikTok prioritizes videos that users watch to the end. Engaging viewers within the first 2-3 seconds and keeping videos under 15 seconds boosts performance.
- TikTok SEO: Videos are ranked based on keywords, captions, and hashtags, making SEO essential for better visibility.
- FYP Personalization: Users are grouped by shared interests, helping creators reach like-minded audiences more effectively.
- Device and Language Preferences: Content is tailored to users’ language and device settings for a more customized experience.
How does the TikTok algorithm work?
TikTok’s algorithm decides which videos to show based on user activity and content preferences. So to focus on strategies to maximize, reach potential customers, and increase performance for your TikTok Channel, you must know the 3 major key ranking signals:
User interactions and behavioral signals
TikTok tracks how you engage with content to understand your preferences. The algorithm considers:
- Video likes and shares
- Accounts followed
- Comments posted
- Videos completed or favorites
- Content marked as “Not Interested”
Watch time is crucial. The longer users watch a video, the more the algorithm assumes they’re interested. Plus, TikTok prioritizes content from creators that users regularly engage with over those they simply follow but rarely interact with.
Video information
In addition to your activity, TikTok factors in the information on the video to identify the subject matter and then assess which ones you’d be interested in. TikTok uses these metrics to determine the subject matter:
- Sound: To identify trending audio content
- Hashtags: To categorize the content and inform the algorithm what the video is about
- Keywords: To inform the algorithm what the content is about
- Content: To make sure there are no two videos with the same content that will reach users
Device and account settings
Although the algorithm is preferred as a strong indicator of interest, device-account settings are still important factors. TikTok will distribute content with the same installation language to users, which will help brands reach their target customers, bringing better content and experiences to users.
- Country settings
- Language preferences
- Device type
- Category selection
What factors will the TikTok algorithm limit?
While important ranking factors influence the visibility of your TikTok videos, it’s equally crucial to understand the factors that can prevent your videos from being recommended. Here are some of those factors to be aware of:
- Content users have already watched
- Spam content
- Duplicate content
- Content users have marked as “Not Interested”
- Potentially harmful/upsetting content
5 Easy Ways to Beat the TikTok Algorithm in 2025
TikTok changes and develops daily, so you need to understand how the TikTok algorithm works to get a high reach. Here are a few TikTok tips for you to get better results.
#1: Grab Attention in the First 3 Seconds
TikTok moves fast, so if your video doesn’t hook viewers right away, they’ll scroll past. The first 3 seconds are crucial for keeping people watching, which tells the algorithm your content is worth promoting.
What to do?
- Start with a bold statement or question.
- Show the most exciting part of your video first.
- Use eye-catching text overlays to highlight key points.
For example, instead of saying, “Hi, today I’m going to…,” start with, “Want to get 10K followers fast? Here’s how!”
#2: Use TikTok SEO to Get Found
TikTok now works like a search engine. If you add the right keywords, your videos are more likely to show up in search results and on the For You Page (FYP).
How to master your TikTok SEO?
- Include relevant keywords in your captions, on-screen text, and voiceovers.
- Use specific hashtags that match your content (avoid overused ones like #fyp).
- Write clear, keyword-rich video descriptions.
For instance, if you want to upload a video about TikTok marketing, use keywords like “TikTok growth tips” or “TikTok algorithm 2025” to make it reach more audience.
#3: Focus on a Clear Niche/Subculture
TikTok favors creators who focus on one topic. Therefore, if your content is consistent, the algorithm will show it to people interested in that subject.
Consider doing this:
- Pick a niche you know well—like beauty, fitness, or digital marketing.
- Post content that fits your niche and avoid unrelated topics.
- Engage with videos in your niche to reinforce your content’s focus.
If you share fitness tips, stick to workout routines and healthy habits, don’t switch to unrelated content like tech reviews.
#4: Promote Cross with other TikTok users who match your niche
TikTok shows that 61% of users like brands better when they create or participate in a trend on TikTok, and 21% of TikTokers feel more connected to brands when they comment on people’s posts. Therefore, TikTok highly recommends a cross-promotion strategy to create a connection between users and form a community.
Try these:
- Follow trending content
- Answer trending questions or prompts
- Ask questions to spark comments
- Remix trending ideas with creators
- Use Duets and Stitches to collaborate with popular creators.
#5: Publish a series
When posting a series of videos of the same action, unveiling a little bit more information each time will make people come back for more.
What to do?
- Split big topics into multiple short videos (e.g., “3-Part TikTok Growth Guide”).
- End each video with a teaser for the next one.
- Organize related videos in a TikTok playlist.
Remember to plan and structure your series effectively, keeping your audience’s interests and expectations in mind.
Closing
Like any other platform like Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram, understanding how the TikTok algorithm 2025 works is the only way to win. TikTok is still a playground for content creators to express and spark their creativity; therefore, engaging video ideas is the key factor to winning the TikTok algorithm. Hope our tips will help you drive visibility and engagement on TikTok. And remember to check out our article for some inspiration!
