The TikTok algorithm recommends videos based on a specific pattern, not randomly. So if you grasp this concept, you’ll win the fight for TikTok’s audience’s attention. In this piece, we’ll reveal exactly how.

TikTok Algorithm: How Does It Work in 2022?

The TikTok algorithm is basically a recommendation system that defines which videos you’ll see on the For You page. The For You feed is unique for every user and is like no one else’s, even if some of the videos you and your friends see are the same.

Based on your interests, the For You page can change over time. But what does ‘based on the interests’ mean?

TikTok thinks you’re interested in a certain video if you interact with it and search for similar content. For example, try to like every cat video you see, and your whole feed will be full of cats.

Here’s what TikTok says about the algorithm of the For You page:

A stream of videos curated to your interests, making it easy to find content and creators you love … powered by a recommendation system that delivers content to each user that is likely to be of interest to that particular user.

The following factors come into play when TikTok defines videos for the For You page👇

TikTok Algorithm: Interactions

All social media platforms act similarly here: the content is shown to you based on what you like and comment on. But apart from liking and commenting, these actions play a vital part:

  • The accounts you follow.
  • Videos you share.
  • Creators you’ve hidden.
  • Videos you add to your Favorites.
  • Videos you mark as Not interested.
  • Videos you report.
  • Videos you watch till the end.

Based on your behaviour, TikTok decides whether to show you a clip or not.

TikTok Algorithm: Video Details

Apart from how you interact with content, TikTok also takes into account the information and metadata of each video hosted:

  • Captions
  • Hashtags
  • Lenses and filters
  • Sounds
  • Trending topics, challenges, etc.

TikTok Algorithm: Your Device and Account Settings

You’ve probably noticed that you rarely see content from creators outside your country of residence and videos made by creators speaking different languages. Even if this factor does not influence your For You page as much as the previous two facets, the following device details still might impact the discoverability of certain videos:

  • Language within the TikTok app and your whole phone’s settings
  • Country
  • Type of a mobile device
  • Categories of interests you’ve selected when just joining the app.

💡How to Reach & Influence a Global Audience on TikTok Instead of a Local One

Content TikTok Algorithm Doesn't Include in FYP

The following content types won’t be included in the For You page:

  • Videos you’ve already seen.
  • Reported videos.
  • Potentially upsetting content, such as graphic medical content and legal consumption of regulated goods.

Now let’s delve into how you can hack the TikTok algorithm to get more views.

How Do I Optimise My TikTok and Go Viral?

Pick a Right TikTok Username

What is an optimised handle? A clear, short username that is easy to remember and read. Your TikTok handle appears near the comments you leave, in search results and on every video you share. This can be your name or a short version of it, your company name, or your name + what your videos are about.

Simply put, make your username as on point as possible.

To get discovered by more people, provide consistency with usernames across all your social media channels.

Choose a Profile Picture That Shows You or What You Do

Pick a picture that conveys what your profile is about or clearly shows your face. People can see your profile picture when searching, so it’s better a pfp that represents you or your brand. For brands, a logo will be just fine. For creators, a close-up of their faces will do the right thing.

Tell About Yourself and What You Do

TikTok bio has a character limit of 80 characters, so you have to be super snappy to describe yourself, what you do, or what your channel is about. Let people know it and make them hit the Follow button. You can also use engaging CTAs and emojis to make your offer more engaging.

You can add only one clickable link to your TikTok bio, so make this shot right! This can be your website or blog link. TikTok is an actionable asset that can help you drive more traffic to your site, eCommerce store, email newsletter, online event, and more.

Add Instagram and YouTube Accounts to TikTok Bio

If you already have many followers on TikTok, you can lead them to your other channels – Instagram and YouTube. In addition to a website link in bio, you can organically add these two channels to your TikTok and boost your followership.

Decide When You Want to Post Your Videos

Before opening your phone camera, think through ideas you want to implement, what content you’d like to post and who you want to watch it. There are jacks of all trades on TikTok, but channels with a particular niche, interest or activity are the most engaged.

Find your best time to post on TikTok, considering your audience and personal preferences and come up with a schedule. Posting consistently and regularly is important for hacking the TikTok algorithm. Besides, don’t forget to check your TikTok profile’s analytics to get insights on when and what you should post.

Here it is – your six-step plan to optimise your TikTok account. We can’t wait to see you on TikTok!