The TikTok algorithm is a complex system designed to serve users content on the app’s homepage — the For You page (FYP). According to TikTok, “The system recommends content by ranking videos based on a combination of factors — starting from interests you express as a new user, and adjusting for things you indicate you’re not interested in.”
The algorithm considers videos you’ve interacted with in the past, accounts and hashtags you follow, your location and language preferences, and even the type of content you create. So instead of being populated entirely with videos from the people you follow, your FYP is filled with videos TikTok’s algorithm thinks you’ll enjoy — mostly from creators you don’t already know.
Translation: no two FYPs are the same!
Here are a few tips for creating engaging TikTok content.
In an effort to be more transparent about the complex algorithm, TikTok has rolled out a feature that lets you discover why the platform has recommended a specific video.
How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work in 2024?
There are multiple factors that influence how TikTok’s algorithm serves content to users. The main contributors are user activity, video subject matter, location and language, audio, and “Not Interested” feedback.
1. User Activity
The more engagement and views a TikTok video receives, the more likely it will be served to larger audiences. Positive indicators include:
- Likes
- Comments
- Repost
- Saved Post
- Completions and re-watches
- Account follows
2. Subject Matter (Video Information)
TikTok is great at categorizing content based on user interests, so subject matter is an important factor when it comes to reach potential on the app. TikTok determines subject matter from:
- Caption keywords
- Sounds
- Hashtags
- Effects
- Content (i.e. video transcripts)
3. Location and Language
The algorithm recognizes a user’s device settings (including location and language) when deciding who may be interested in a video. These include:
- Posting location
- Language preferences
- Type of mobile device
4. Audio
When a video includes a trending sound or song, the algorithm will use this to categorize your content and serve it to relevant audiences. Tapping into trending audio is great for landing on more FYPs — especially if you jump on the new trend early. Check trending audios from here.
5. “Not Interested” Feedback
TikTok’s algorithm is always trying to serve high-interest videos to every user, and it uses previous activity to determine this:
- Videos you’ve marked as “Not Interested”
- Users you’ve hidden
- Videos you skip through
Each of these factors is individually weighed by TikTok’s recommendation system, which means each For You page is completely unique.
Factors That Do Not Influence the TikTok Algorithm
There are a few factors that do not influence how the TikTok algorithm ranks your content. These include:
- Follower count
- Whether you’ve had previous high-performing videos
This means that even if you only have a handful of followers, or have never posted to TikTok before, there’s still an opportunity for your video to go viral.
Types of Content the Algorithm Won’t Recommend
To foster a positive TikTok experience, the algorithm is designed to take “user safety as a primary consideration.” According to the platform, content that includes the following may be allowed but is not eligible for recommendation:
- Minor safety
- Dangerous sports and stunts
- Overtly sexualized content
- Tobacco and alcohol products
- Violent and graphic content
- Spam, inauthentic, or misleading content
- Unoriginal, low-quality, and QR code content
To avoid the algorithm flagging your content, follow the app’s community guidelines.
How to Hack the TikTok Algorithm for More Views in 2024
The TikTok algorithm is always adapting, changing, and learning from user behavior. Based on everything we know about how the algorithm works, here are 10 ways to boost your performance and beat the algorithm for growth:
TikTok Algorithm Hack #1: Hook Your Audience Within Three Seconds
Since watching a video in full is a strong interest indicator, TikTok typically favors videos that are easy-to-digest, have a seamless loop, and cater to users who have a short attention span. It’s vital to hook your audience within the first three seconds to capture their attention and encourage them to watch the video till the end — or even on repeat.
@contentmachine I love my best friend @Kristen Vaganos #comedy #dayinmylife #friendzone #friends
TikTok Algorithm Hack #2: Focus on a Niche
The more consistently you share videos related to your niche, the more the TikTok algorithm will recognize your expertise and begin to serve your content to the right audience. Think about the content themes that resonate with your target audience best and consistently add keywords to your captions and video content.
@corporate.bro OMG THEYRE HERE! @CorporateNatalie Inspo: @Modaramo Media #remoteworkers #officehumor
TikTok Algorithm Hack #3: Use Trending TikTok Audio
Trending audio and TikTok get on like a house on fire. The algorithm tends to favor videos using trending sounds, so consider jumping on trends while they’re still hot. Scroll through TikTok to identify repeated songs or audio clips, and check the “TikTok Viral” tab via the video editor for the latest trending audio tracks.
@kic
TikTok Algorithm Hack #4: Experiment With New TikTok Features
Being a “beta” user for up-and-coming tools can play a role in getting more engagement on your content. TikTok highlights what tools and features you’ve used to edit your video when you post, so keep an eye out for new feature releases and try them out to gain more visibility.
TikTok Algorithm Hack #5: Use Relevant Hashtags
Similar to Instagram, hashtags on TikTok help categorize content and make it easier for users to search for content. Use relevant hashtags to signal to the TikTok algorithm what your content is about. If you’re jumping on a trend, use the appropriate trending hashtag in your caption too.
TikTok Algorithm Hack #6: Engage With Content Creators in Your Niche
Social media is meant to be social — so it’s important not to post and ghost! Replying to comments and starting conversations with similar creators in your niche is a great way to boost your engagement, which is a key indicator for the TikTok algorithm.
@everybodyhasasecret
TikTok Algorithm Hack #7: Create Accessible Content
Creating accessible content is another valuable algorithm hack that will make your content more inclusive. The easiest way to do this is by adding on-screen text and captions, making your video more viewable and engaging to a broader audience.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there’s no surefire way to “beat” the TikTok algorithm. However, understanding how the TikTok algorithm works and following these tips can help you fine-tune your strategy and improve your chances of being seen in 2024. Being consistent and building a strong presence is the most powerful way to “hack” the algorithm — and it’ll work wonders for your brand too.
