What is the TikTok Algorithm?
The TikTok algorithm is a complex set of computer programs and mathematical models that decide which videos will be recommended to users. The algorithm provides personalized content recommendations for each user based on user interaction, video information, and account settings. It mainly includes the user's viewing time, likes, comments, sharing, and following behaviors, the video's title, tags, music, and other information, the user's device type and geographical location, etc.
Every time you swipe the screen, TikTok silently records the types of videos you watch the longest and the content you like, comment on, or share. This information forms your digital footprint, telling TikTok what you want. So, it uses this data to decide what video to show next on your "For You" page.
So, as a creator who wants to stand out on TikTok, you need to understand the logic behind this. Next, let's examine these principles so you can create engaging content that changes the algorithm's favor in your favor.
How does the TikTok algorithm work?
TikTok's algorithm utilizes machine learning to determine user preferences and serve similar content based on engagement. When users open TikTok for the first time, they see several popular videos covering different trends, music, and topics. After this, the algorithm will continue to provide the user with eight updated videos based on the videos the user has watched or engaged with and what the user is doing.
When TikTok collects enough user data, the app can map users' preferences based on similar users' preferences and group them into "clusters." At the same time, it also groups videos based on similar themes, such as "basketball" or "rabbits."
Using machine learning, TikTok's algorithm can serve videos to users based on their proximity to clusters of other users and content they like. TikTok's logic is designed to avoid redundant content that might annoy users, like seeing multiple videos with the same music or numerous videos from the same creator.
The following are the critical points of the TikTok algorithm:
1. User behavior analysis:
TikTok's algorithm analyzes users' behavior to understand their interests, preferences, and interaction patterns. It includes time spent watching the video, dwell time, likes, comments, shares, etc.
2. Content relevance:
The algorithm evaluates the significance of each video to the user based on the user's historical behavior and interests. It means the content you see on TikTok is increasingly tailored to your interests.
3. Interaction history:
The user's interaction history with the video is crucial to the algorithm. If a user frequently interacts with a specific type of content, the algorithm will be more inclined to recommend similar kinds of videos to them.
4. Video data analysis:
TikTok's algorithm focuses on user behavior and conducts in-depth analysis of the video itself. It includes elements of the video, tags, music, spoilers, etc. This way, algorithms can better understand and classify different content.
5. Novelty and Diversity:
TikTok's algorithm presents users with novel and diverse content, not just content that matches their interests. It helps keep users interested in the platform and avoids content that is too one-dimensional and boring.
6. Trends and challenges:
The TikTok algorithm will pay attention to current popular trends and challenges and recommend these contents to users. It drives creators to engage with trending topics while allowing users to remain sensitive to pop culture.
7. Geography and Language:
The algorithm considers the user's geographic location and language preferences. It helps ensure users see content relevant to their region and language.
8. Video duration:
TikTok's algorithm adapts to users' viewing habits. If users prefer short videos, the algorithm may be more inclined to recommend more concise content.
9. Creator interaction:
A user's interaction history with a specific creator also affects the algorithm's recommendations. If a user interacts with and follows a particular creator frequently, the algorithm may recommend content from that creator to them more regularly.
Overall, TikTok's algorithm is a comprehensive system that provides users with personalized, exciting, and diverse content through continuous learning and optimization. This customized recommendation system has made TikTok successful in the short video social field.
11 Best TikTok Algorithm Optimization Tips
1. Carefully create the beginning of your video
On TikTok, the first few seconds of a video are crucial because they determine whether a user will continue watching. To grab your audience's attention, you must ensure your video starts eye-catching and creative.
Implementation suggestions:
• Get to the point: Avoid lengthy introductions and go directly to the topic or highlight of the video.
• Use eye-catching visuals like quick cuts, bright colors, or engaging animations.
• Ask a question or challenge: Pique your audience's curiosity and make them want to know more by asking a question or challenge that interests them.
• Show emotion or humor: People are more likely to be attracted to emotional or humorous content.
Case analysis:
Let's say you're making a TikTok video about food. You can show the final product in the first few seconds of the video, with enticing music and text prompts, such as "In just 5 minutes, let's make this delicious home-cooked dish!" This opening is intuitive and catchy and instantly grabs the attention of food lovers.
2. Take advantage of popular music
On TikTok, music is one of the critical factors in attracting viewers. Choosing currently popular music as background music can improve your video's ranking in the algorithm. TikTok often recommends videos using popular music because these videos are more likely to resonate with and interest users. You can choose appropriate music by checking TikTok's trending music charts or using music from challenges and topics that are trending on the platform. Also, make sure the music matches the video content to enhance the overall appeal of the video.
Implementation suggestions:
• Check TikTok's music charts regularly to find popular songs that suit your video theme.
• Try to blend popular music with your video content to create something exciting and unique.
• Indicate the music used in the video description to increase the chance of being discovered.
If you like music but don't know how to use it or convert it to mp3 format, you can download TikTok mp3 and save a high-quality music file.
Case analysis:
A fitness trainer filmed a series of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) movement demonstrations using a popular song as background music. Through careful editing and soundtrack, the video quickly attracted the attention of many viewers and received many likes and shares quickly. This case shows how to increase the appeal and virality of a video by adding your songs and expertise.
3. Optimize video title and description
Using keyword-rich titles and descriptions can help the algorithm understand your video content, thereby improving the accuracy of recommendations. A clear and attractive title can immediately grab the user's attention, while a detailed description can provide more information about the video content, prompting users to click to watch.
Implementation suggestions:
• Use concise and powerful language in the title to clearly express the theme or highlight of the video.
• Include keywords and phrases in the description, ensure they flow naturally, and avoid keyword stuffing.
• You can ask questions or start discussions in the description and encourage users to interact in the comment area.
Case analysis:
A travel blogger posted a video exploring the streets of Paris. He used catchy words like "Paris Adventure" and "Hidden Treasures" in the title, detailed what the video was about in the description, and asked encouraging questions like "What's your favorite part of Paris?" Users participate in discussions. As a result, the video received many views and interactions, successfully attracting more viewers interested in travel.
4. Keep videos short
TikTok users tend to watch short videos, so keeping videos between 15 and 30 seconds increases the odds of being fully observed. Concise content is more likely to attract and satisfy users' attention quickly. Ensure every second is valuable and creative and avoids unnecessary delays.
Implementation suggestions:
• Plan your content before video production to ensure each shot has a clear purpose.
• Use fast-paced editing techniques like quick camera cuts to keep your audience interested.
• Practice concise expressions to ensure your message is conveyed clearly and powerfully.
Case analysis:
A beauty blogger has shared 15-second videos on quick makeup tips. Each video focuses on a specific makeup step, such as eyeliner application or lip gloss selection, and captures the attention of a large audience by quickly demonstrating techniques and results. This case shows how to deliver value quickly and engage your audience quickly through short content.
5. High-quality video content
Clear picture quality and stable shooting can improve the user viewing experience, thereby increasing the interaction rate of the video. Shooting with high-quality equipment and attention to detail during production can make your videos stand out.
Implementation suggestions:
• Use good quality camera equipment and stabilizers to ensure clear and stable video quality.
• Prepare and debug adequately before shooting to ensure the light and background match the video theme.
• Perform appropriate editing and color correction in post-production to enhance the overall look and feel of the video.
Case analysis:
Using high-definition camera equipment and professional filming techniques, a home decor blogger has created a series of short videos showcasing various interior decorating styles and staging techniques. The video's clear images, complete sense of design, smooth editing, and creative layout plans successfully attracted the attention of many home decoration enthusiasts and received many likes and shares.
6. Keep videos short
TikTok users tend to watch short videos, so keeping videos between 15 and 30 seconds increases the chance of complete viewing. Concise content is more likely to attract and satisfy users' attention quickly. Ensure every second is valuable and creative and avoids unnecessary delays.
Implementation suggestions:
• Plan content before video production to ensure each shot has a clear purpose.
• Use fast-paced editing techniques like quick camera cuts to keep your audience interested.
• Practice concise expressions to ensure your message is conveyed clearly and powerfully.
Case analysis:
A beauty blogger who shared a series of 15-second videos on quick makeup tips. Each video focuses on a specific makeup step, such as eyeliner application or lip gloss selection, and captures the attention of a large audience by quickly demonstrating techniques and results. This case shows how to deliver value quickly and engage your audience through short content.
7. Use captions and text overlays
Adding captions and text overlays helps deaf users understand the content and captures their attention when watching without sound. Clear, readable text can help convey critical information, making your video more accessible and engaging.
Implementation suggestions:
• Add concise and clear subtitles to your videos, ensuring the font size and color are easy to read.
• Use text overlays to highlight important information or your video highlights.
• Appropriate use of dynamic text effects to increase visual appeal, but ensure that it does not affect the clear communication of information.
Case analysis:
A fitness trainer uses subtitles and text overlays in his TikTok videos to introduce different workout moves and fitness techniques. Even when muted, viewers understand each move's name and critical points through subtitles, while text overlays highlight fundamental training principles and considerations. This approach improves the effectiveness of the video's messaging and attracts more health and fitness-focused viewers.
8. Selection of release time
It is essential to understand when your target audience is active. Posting your videos during those best times can increase your video's visibility. Busy times may vary between regions and target groups, so doing some analysis and testing is essential.
Implementation suggestions:
• Use TikTok's analytics tools to monitor when your audience is active and plan your posts accordingly.
• Try posting videos at different times to see which times bring the highest engagement rates and views.
• Consider time zone differences, mainly if your audience is spread across different parts of the world.
Case analysis:
One food blogger noticed that most of her audience was active around dinner time, so she posted videos of easy dinner recipes. As a result, her video views and engagement rates increased significantly because they met precisely what her audience was looking for then. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of optimizing content visibility and engagement by understanding audience activity.
9. Maintain consistency
Posting high-quality content regularly can help you build a loyal audience and increase how the algorithm favors you favorably. Consistency is reflected in posting frequency, content style, and quality, which helps build brand recognition.
Implementation suggestions:
• Develop a sustainable content publishing plan, such as publishing videos three times a week.
• Make sure each video maintains the same high-quality standard and style, so viewers know what they can expect.
• Consider batching content in advance to maintain a consistent posting frequency even during busy periods.
Case analysis:
A lifestyle blogger posts two weekly videos, one about home decoration and one about daily wear. Her consistent posting schedule and video style let her audience know when to expect new content and kept anticipation and engagement with her videos high. This approach helped her build a stable fan base on TikTok and strengthened her brand influence.
10. Interaction and community building
Replying to comments and following and interacting with other users can increase your account activity and help improve your video's ranking in the algorithm. Building a positive community atmosphere fosters interaction among your audience, increasing their engagement and loyalty to your content.
Implementation suggestions:
• Check and respond to comments regularly to show your concern and appreciation for your audience.
• Interact with other users' content and build good social network relationships.
• Encourage viewers to increase video interaction by sharing their thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Case analysis:
A travel blogger often responds to viewers' questions and comments below the video and asks questions in the video to encourage viewers to share their travel experiences. This interactive approach increases engagement in her videos and helps her build an active and supportive community of travel enthusiasts. Through this community building, her account attracted more viewers who love traveling, increasing her influence on TikTok.
11. Analyze and adjust strategies
Regularly reviewing your TikTok analytics data is essential to understand which content is performing and to adjust your content strategy accordingly. You can improve your content's performance and engagement rates by continually learning and adapting to your audience's preferences.
Implementation suggestions:
• Check your TikTok analytics regularly, focusing on critical metrics like video views, engagement rates, and audience growth.
• Try experimenting with different types of content and posting times to determine what yields better results.
• Adjust your content plan based on analysis results to meet your target audience better.
Case analysis:
By working with creators in its TikTok community, Rare Beauty found that this educational-focused content had an average watch time of 16% longer than other content on its TikTok, indicating that audiences found this content valuable and engaging. Additionally, Rare Beauty's TikTok Creator Ads drove nearly 98% of the conversions for the recent campaign, indicating high purchase intent among viewers for these videos. This case shows that performance and audience engagement on TikTok can be effectively improved by analyzing and adjusting strategies.
How do you adapt to the latest TikTok algorithm update?
To adapt to TikTok algorithm updates, first pay attention to official announcements and industry trends to understand the latest changes. Analyze your data regularly to determine which content is affected and which is performing well, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Actively test new features and maintain content diversity in response to algorithm adjustments. Second, stay flexible and be ready to adjust your content and strategy at any time. Focus on user experience, provide valuable and interesting content, and establish real connections with the audience. This way, you can better adapt to algorithm changes and keep your content competitive.
How do we avoid algorithmic penalties?
To avoid TikTok algorithm penalties, you should abide by community guidelines and avoid illegal content such as violence and pornography; do not use misleading titles; keep content quality high and use relevant tags and topics; keep accounts active and avoid duplicate content; adjust strategies according to algorithm changes.
How to reset the TikTok algorithm?
To reset the TikTok algorithm, you can try the following steps:
Clear cache:
In the TikTok app, go to settings and clear the cache. It helps remove old recommendation data.
Change interests:
On the Me page, click the three dots in the upper right corner, select Settings & Privacy > Content & Activity Preferences, and adjust your interests.
Browse new content:
Actively search for and watch different types of videos than you have in the past to help the algorithm learn about your unique interests.
Interaction:
Like, comment, and share new content that interests you to communicate your preferences to the algorithm.
Reduce watch time:
Briefly reduce your active time on TikTok to allow the algorithm to “reset.”
Log out and back in Sometimes, simply logging out and back in can also help refresh the algorithm.
Remember that algorithm adjustments may take some time, so be patient and continue to explore and interact for better recommendations.
Why is my TikTok algorithm so bad?
If your TikTok algorithm performs poorly, it may be because of viewing history. You may have watched videos that do not match your interests, causing the algorithm to misjudge. Insufficient interaction: There needs to be more interaction with the video, and it is difficult for the algorithm to determine your preferences. Content quality: The quality of the uploaded video content could be higher, or the tags and titles could be more attractive.
Content not included in TikTok’s algorithm?
The TikTok algorithm excludes the following types of content:
- Content that contains spam, misleading, and untrue content.
- Videos that users have already watched.
- Content that is potentially disturbing or harmful.
- Violations of the safety of minors; promotion of tobacco and alcohol products; Videos of dangerous stunts and sports.
- Videos of low quality, QR codes, unoriginal, overly sexual, or containing graphic and violent content to optimize user experience.
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