How To Use TikTok
TikTok is a newer social media app that allows users to make short videos or compilations. Virality is easier on this platform than any other platform we’ve seen.
The structure of the app is addicting. You are able to watch 15s-60s videos at the swipe of a finger. In a generation of small attention spans, TikTok makes it easy to sort through content to find something entertaining.
TikTok has a variety of content makers. Some comedic, some are dancers, and some are completely random.
As an Advertising major, I have been researching TikTok and the opportunities to make money from your audience, as brands are putting their advertising dollars toward TikTok.
15 year old TikTok star, Charlie D’Amelio, has over 1 billion likes on her videos. That is a significant number we don’t see on other apps. Especially in a time span of 5 months. Charlie has made brand deals, invited to Prada show for NYFW, the superbowl, etc.
This type of success was made possible based on the way TikTok allows any creator or random video to go viral.
Let’s talk about what I’ve learned about TikTok on how to grow your audience and optimize the app.
Post 1-3 times a day at least. The more times you post, the more likely your content is to be seen. Variety = Virality. The more content you make, the more likely you are to go viral.
Use #FYP and a relevant/ trending hashtag. However, don’t use too many hashtags! FYP is the “For You” page that is basically the “discover" page for new content that TikTok thinks you might like. There are always trends on TikTok, so make sure to use a relevant trending hashtag that you will find when you put “#” and then the trends will pop up!
Sounds. Trending sounds are a great way to get discovered. Whether you are recreating a TikTok dance, or you are making other content to the sounds, it keeps all the content in one place. So, if someone likes a certain sound, they can watch more content from that song.
When you post a TikTok, get off the app. Or, just do not check up on your video. I have found when I upload and get off the app it does significantly better.
Don’t overthink it!! A lot of random content accidentally goes viral. Some creators feel like their “dumbest” content went viral. I have had this happen as well. I will make a TikTok that I put a lot of effort into and I will expect it to go viral… and it does HORRIBLE! However, I made two random videos about quitting my job… and they blew up. So, just do what first comes to your mind, and see if the magic happens.
You can switch your account to pro if you want to be able to look at analytics. Go to your profile> click the … in the top right corner > Manage my account > Switch to pro!
Unofficial tip: look attractive. Every video I have watched has mentioned that TikTok favors attractiveness. This is not a fact, but just an observation that every article has mentioned.
TikTok is not a trend anymore. It is a mainstream media platform. I recommend getting on the trend early if you want to see the benefits of Influencer Marketing on TikTok.
Most importantly, just have fun! A lot of us downloaded this app as a “joke” but found it actually entertaining. So, give it a benefit of the doubt.
Also! Follow me on TikTok! @Theamandajewell
I am currently making 3+ TikToks a day to do a social experiment to see if I can go viral again in a week. I am making this a YouTube video, so subscribe to stay up to date when it uplaods!