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.
Table of Contents
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.
What’s new in the 2024 TikTok Algorithm?
In 2024, the TikTok algorithm continues to evolve, focusing on user interactions, video information, and device settings to curate personalized content. Here are some key updates:
1. Video Completion Rate: TikTok now heavily prioritizes whether users finish watching your video. To capitalize on this, you need to grab attention within the first 2-3 seconds, ensuring viewers stick around. Short, punchy videos (under 15 seconds) often perform better because they are more likely to be watched entirely.
2. TikTok SEO: The platform increasingly functions like a search engine. TikTok now ranks videos based on keywords, captions, and hashtags embedded in the content, making SEO a crucial tool for improving video visibility.
3. FYP Personalization: TikTok refines its recommendations by categorizing users based on their interactions. For example, if three users like similar videos, the algorithm will group them together and suggest similar content, making it easier for creators to reach like-minded audiences.
4. Device and Language Preferences: The algorithm now factors in user settings, like language and device type, ensuring content is served in the user’s preferred language and format.
How does the TikTok algorithm work?
Multiple factors influence how TikTok’s algorithm serves content to users. 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
The algorithm considers the following key data signals:
- Video likes and shares
- Accounts followed
- Comments Posted
- Content created
- Videos completed
- Favorited videos
- Not interested videos
To further constrict your interests, TikTok also considers your watch length. The longer you watch, the more interest you show, meaning that it carries more weight of interest in the TikTok algorithm 2024. In addition, the updating TikTok algorithm will select creators whose content you regularly engage with more than the ones you follow but often scroll past.
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 setting
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 Tips to Conquer The TikTok Algorithm 2024
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: TikTok algorithm for views
Hold your audience in the first 3 seconds. TikTok moves fast, so your video needs to hook viewers’ attention and show the value in the first 3 seconds to make them stop scrolling. If you miss this chance, your audience will scroll to the next video, and you will lose a potential customer. Moreover, the first 3 seconds are critical for memory and brand awareness.
#2: TikTok SEO
TikTok SEO is a whole new world. Although TikTok primarily relies on its algorithm to surface content to users, implementing SEO strategies can help increase the chances of your videos reaching a wider audience. Here are some key aspects of TikTok SEO:
- Keywords
- Hashtags
- Video Descriptions
- Captions
- Engagement and Interactions
- Consistency and Frequency
- Collaborations and Duets
#3: Focus on a Niche/Subculture
Focusing on a niche on the TikTok platform offers several benefits and can contribute to your success. Based on a large number of consistent videos related to a niche, the TikTok algorithm will recognize your expertise and start serving your content to the right audience.
Remember, while focusing on a niche offers advantages, choosing a subculture that aligns with your interests, expertise, and audience preferences is essential.
#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 promote cross strategy to create a connection between users and form a community:
- Follow trending content
- Answer trending questions or prompts
- Remix trending ideas with creators
- Duets, stitch, and video replies to comments
#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. Here are some advantages of creating and posting a series:
- Audience Engagement
- Storytelling Opportunities
- Increased Watch Time
- Building a Content Library
- Establishing Expertise
- Collaboration Opportunities
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 2024 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!
