TikTok Algorithm Basics And Hashtags!
Hashtags And Understanding The TikTok Algorithm to Fame!
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What Will You Learn From This Article?
Understanding the Basics of the TikTok Algorithm.
What is the TikTok Algorithm?
TikTok Ranking Factors Influencing the For You Page.
Key Data Signals Considered by the TikTok Algorithm.
Taking a Look At Video Information and Content Discoverability.
6 Techniques To Make The TikTok Algorithm Work For You.
Content That Performs Well with the TikTok Algorithm.
Understanding the Basics of the TikTok Algorithm.
First, you must understand that I sincerely doubt that hashtags will make you “famous” on TikTok. Because that is not how the TikTok algorithm works.
There is quite a bit you need to understand about TikTok, and I will share with you what I know.
However, hashtags do play a role in categorizing your TikTok content by the TikTok algorithm.
Understanding how any algorithm works regardless of the platform is your key to building recognition and ultimately becoming “famous” or known on said platform.
Although hashtags can contribute to increased views and exposure, only the quality of your content can “feed” the algorithm.
But we will get to the hashtags later, first, we want to focus on understanding the TikTok algorithm.
What is the TikTok Algorithm?
Content recommendations are made by the TikTok algorithm system, which automatically determines which video a user might enjoy. It then displays said suggested content on the particular user’s “for you” page, a list of suggested videos to watch.
Your TikTok post needs to show up here on the “for you” page.
The “for you” page in TikTok is of utmost importance, in fact, that is where most of my views come from on TikTok. (One video crossing 100K views in less than 72 hours).
This is highly personalised for each user. The “for you” page suggested for you, may not be the same as for your friend or colleague.
Because as mentioned above, this “for you” page is tailored to the specific needs and interests of each individual. As you can see below, 100% of my TikTok views and engagements are from the “for you” page.
And the audience overview includes a lot of top-tier countries. And the video clip is only 8.17 seconds long.
Admittedly, I have only recently crossed the 1.2K follower mark. But then I have also really started digging into TikTok over the last 2–3 months.
Therefore, I am yet to work on the 10K and up follower count. I am, however, quite satisfied with the growth. Because the “for you” page also sends new followers your way.
TikTok Ranking Factors Influencing the For You Page.
Among the most important considerations. TikTok makes decisions based on how people behave on the app.
This gives a clearer indication of the unique preferences of each user, and how these preferences change over time.
TikTok ranks videos based on how aligned they are to said behavioural signals.
Key Data Signals Considered by the TikTok Algorithm.
TikTok uses certain key data signals to better understand the types of videos you like, along with the creators whose content you prefer and enjoy.
It is more likely to suggest videos similar to the ones you have watched based on your TikTok video view history.
It is also more likely to favour videos from TikTok creators whose content you engage with on a regular basis.
Below are the 6 most important key data signals used by the TikTok algorithm.
Favourited Videos.
Comments Posted.
Videos Completed.
Video Likes and Shares.
Accounts Followed.
Content Created.
As you can see, hashtags do not form many parts of the key data signals used by the TikTok algorithm to rank or become “famous” on TikTok.
Hashtags for part of the metric of categorizing your content by the TikTok algorithm. The quality of your content must be such that people would want to watch your TikTok posts, or even join your TikTok live.
However, I have found that choosing the right hashtags may improve your views, but then you need to know which hashtags to use.
Most relevant to the TikTok content you provide. But you need to know how to check views and analytics for certain hashtags.
For this, you will need to add your content to TikTok from a desktop. To the best of my knowledge, these analytics are not visible when using a mobile device.
In all honesty, I have to admit that all my TikTok posts and uploads are done from my Desktop PC. Just gives me so much more analytic results to work with.
It is of utmost importance that you keep track of your TikTok engagement and responses. Thus establishing things like the best time to post, what kind of content, and which presentation strategies work best.
Taking a Look At Video Information and Content Discoverability.
The information on the video itself such as captions, hashtags and sounds also helps TikTok understand how to rank the content.
This is mainly because it uses the information to understand what the content is all about so it can decide when to display it on users’ For You pages.
The information about the video also helps the TikTok algorithm understand how to rank your video on TikTok.
It uses the information to understand what the content is about, that way also simplifies the placing process on the “for you” pages.
The device and account settings of each user are also important because the TikTok algorithm uses the device and account settings for optimized performance. In this case, the primary information sought by the TikTok algorithm includes these 4 kinds of information.
Country Settings.
Device type.
Language Preferences.
Category Selection.
But, since TikTok users do not actively express these as personal preferences, they do not hold quite as much influence as the other factors already discussed. They do however play their part in the larger picture.
The TikTok algorithm is way more likely to place more weight on stronger interest indicators like watching a video in its entirety for instance.
As with YouTube, watch time matters on TikTok to climb the ranks, in my opinion.
6 Techniques To Make The TikTok Algorithm Work For You.
1 — First Impressions Count! — Make the first few seconds count by creating curiosity. This will increase the chances of someone watching the full video.
The TikTok algorithm will prioritise the factor that users watch your entire TikTok video. You need to grab your viewer’s attention within the first 2–3 seconds.
That means skipping lengthy intros and getting straight to the point.
2 — Importance of Keyword Rich Captions — Write TikTok video captions, so that the algorithm can understand what your video is about. Include keywords and/or search phrases relevant to the video.
But don’t just slam a lot of grammatically senseless keywords together. You want to form understandable sentences with the keywords.
This way both the TikTok algorithm and your audience understand what the video is about.
3 — Focus on Shorter Videos — TikTok has recently expanded its maximum length for a video to 10 minutes.
However, longer videos may not give you the advantage you would prefer with the TikTok algorithm.
People are just more likely to watch an entire 10-second video clip, as opposed to a 10-minute video. But a shorter video means a punchier video!
Perhaps make your TikTok videos a mix of longer and shorter videos, to see which ones attract the most attention.
4 — TikTok and Hashtags — The TikTok algorithm uses hashtags to understand the content of your TikTok video. It also uses this to categorize your video.
So, if you want TikTok to show your video to the relevant audience, then you must choose trending hashtags related to your content.
It is highly recommended that you use hashtags that already have a ton of visibility and engagement.
5 — Focus on Posting At the Right Time — As with any other platform, timing plays an important role when posting on TikTok. The TikTok algorithm looks at the engagement on your video to rank it properly.
The more engagement your video inspires, the more likely it gets for your video to appear on the “for you” page for other users.
Establish the best time to post over time, by tracking the engagement rate of your content.
6 — Use Trending Sounds to Leverage the Algorithm — Songs and sounds are among the content that quickly go viral on TikTok.
When you use audio in your videos, said audio plays a role in the discoverability of your video. When someone interacts with your video and a popular sound or audio file.
Then the TikTok algorithm will recommend other videos using the same audio file.
Content That Performs Well with the TikTok Algorithm.
Bear in mind that TikTok audiences want to be entertained, not sales-pitched or prompted to do Anything.
Personally, I find there are 4 kinds of TikTok videos that work rather well as far as favouring the TikTok algorithm goes.
Funny Video Clips.
Inspirational Video Clips.
Music Video Clips.
Famous Quote Video clips.
These however are the ones I find work best for me. Considering the “for you” page is tailored to every individual preference.
You may have to spend time tracking results to narrow down the kind of video clips that will work for you.
In my opinion, these work well for me because that is what my target audience responds to most, but as mentioned above, yours may be different.
Are you ready to find out how you can rank your video on the first page of Google and YouTube? Are you ready to get a ton of targeted visitors? Imagine millions of people going to Google and YouTube to search for your solution! — Source
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