Explaining the TikTok Algorythm + 8 Tips Experts

Why is the TikTok Algorythm so effectfive?

It starts with a dance video and ends with you suddenly knowing all the facts about rare mushrooms.

You may be familiar with this scenario. But it’s not a coincidence, it’s planned- It is the TikTok algorithm.

While you thought you were just dipping your toes into the world of the flat-earthers, the TikTok algorithm has already determined what your meal will be tomorrow - at least it now knows about your penchant for porcini mushrooms.

It almost seems like magic, right? But in reality, it has nothing to do with magic.

Instead, it’s based on data analysis and intelligent machine learning that analyzes exactly how each user interacts, focusing on engagement on the platform - so that TikTok can make suitable recommendations for each individual user.

However, this method often leads to TikToks deepest depths at some point… Believe me, I speak from experience. Keyword: ASMR slime…

However, how does this black box really work?

This in-depth guide explains how the Tiktok algorithm works, what makes it unique and - probably most importantly - how you can benefit from it by creating viral content that captivates people.

To learn more about making money with TikTok or just about the Creator rewards program, check out one of these articles.

Meet Finn

Over the past few years, I’ve explored various niches, experimented with different content types, and learned from both successes and failures. I own a TikTok Channel with more than 70 000 followers. Now I want to teach others, how to build presence on this platform.

Why does every Video on TikTok reach at least 200 Views?

Have you ever noticed that videos on Tiktok can get millions of views even though the account has few followers or even just one video uIn contrast, it's different on YouTube. Or that almost every video, no matter how bad it is, has at least 200 views?

Even those where Uncle Herbert proudly posts his jogging statistics with a 10-minute pace per kilometer on TikTok while completely sweaty?

Maybe you have also experienced creating Tiktoks yourself and couldn’t believe your eyes when your video received hundreds of views in the first few minutes.

However, usually followed by disillusionment as after an hour there are no more views on the video given you by the TikTok algorythm.

The reason for this lies in the way the quality of videos is tested, which involves various ranking factors such as user engagement and video watch time.

Tiktok uses a sampling system to evaluate the performance of a video before it is presented to an increasingly large group of users. Understanding these key elements, including the importance of the TikTok algorithm and user engagement metrics, is crucial for optimizing content visibility on the platform.

Below is a description of what this process looks like in detail:

How does the the TikTok algorythm work in detail?

1.The initial stage: as soon as you publish a new TikTok video, it is initially shown to a limited group of viewers, usually consisting of around 200 people.

This audience usually consists of people with similar interests or demographics to you - for example, native language or age. Understanding how the TikTok algorithm works is essential here, as it determines which users will see your content based on these factors.

The analysis of reactions is crucial in determining how a sample audience responds to the video on TikTok.

2.Metrics like Watchtime, Likes, Saves and new Followers gained indicate whether or not content resonates with its intended target demographic. These are key ranking factors that the TikTok algorithm considers to evaluate the performance of your video.

A scoring system utilized by the app’s algorithms helps determine overall engagement levels which will be further explained later on.

3.Increased distribution: If the interaction with the tiktok content was positive during the initial testing phase, it will be shown to a larger group of users in gradually increasing samples.

As more users rate the TikTok positively, its reach grows accordingly.

4.Containment of distribution: If the interaction is not sufficient to reach the next level of reach, the TikTok video will stop attracting viewers.

In other words, this means that the video is taken off the score scale and does not generate any views.

As a rule, the system ensures that Uncle Herbert receives a maximum of 200 views - which will presumably be met with enthusiasm by him.

The points system.

In order for you to successfully achieve viral hits and avoid ending up with only 200 views, let me elaborate on the previously mentioned points system below.

The point system on TikTok is a crucial factor in determining how a video will be rated and distributed. More engagement, such as likes and shares, signals to the algorithm that your TikTok content is valuable, thereby enhancing its likelihood of being featured on users' For You pages.

Points are accumulated for every interaction with the video, including likes or shares, as well as watch time or if you view the TikTok again. User interactions, such as liking videos and following accounts, greatly influence the personalized content feed, helping platforms tailor recommendations based on individual preferences and behaviors.

Different interactions hold different values which result in varying number of points being awarded to them.

Here’s an exhaustive breakdown of how these points get allocated:

Likes: Each like counts as one point and serves as a fundamental measure of engagement. Additionally, likes can also increase your watch time on TikTok by generating expectations for your video through their sheer number.

Comments: Comments are more valuable than likes because they can earn you 2 points and show greater user engagement. By actively expressing thoughts or questions, comments show a higher level of interest in the content.

Shares: Shares are an indication of the quality of your video, as each share is worth 3 points on TikTok. Users will only share your content and recommend it to their friends if they perceive it to be of high value.

Saves: Each save awards 4 points to the TikTok videos as it indicates strong engagement from the user who has chosen to store the content for future reference.

Full view: If a viewer watches the video from start to finish, a score of 5 is awarded to the video. This demonstrates the captivating nature of the content and that the viewer remains interested for the entire duration.

Replay: Each time the video is played again, it receives 6 points, which means that viewers find it particularly appealing and want to watch it several times. This indicates a high relevance of the content and a strong interest in it.

Profile Views and Follows: You receive 2 points for every visitor who opens your profile and 3 more points for every new follower. These actions are a clear indication that users are interested in your content and your profile.

The important metrics in a video are obviously watch time and replays.

Convince your audience to watch your video again and again - preferably until they wonder how they suddenly entered a slime ASMR spiral!

How many posts should you publish daily?

The question is quite complex. Especially immediately after creating them, you shouldn’t be overzealous!

Take it slow and follow our guide to building an account in the next section to avoid the TikTok algorithm seeing you as spam.

Start with a maximum of three videos per day and gradually increase this number after a few days of good results.

If necessary, it can also make sense to upload only once a day or even less - after all, quality comes before quantity! Of course, how often you create high-quality content depends heavily on your niche:

If your content features lip-syncing or dance videos like Bach’s, more high-quality videos a day are easier to produce than, say, animated films.

An example will certainly make the whole thing clearer…

One comparison would be that TikTok is similar to a restaurant.

The page on this platform would represent the theme of the restaurant and the viewers would be like its guests.

If the food is particularly tasty - even if it’s a limited selection - people will stay longer, talk about it and tip willingly; but if it’s a more creative specialty selection with inedible food offerings, they won’t.

Testing and adjusting are particularly important.

It can be quite useful to test different posting times and frequencies in order to determine when your audience is most active. This approach helps in cultivating a dedicated and engaged audience, leading to greater visibility and opportunities over time.

The process of warming up a new account properly so the TikTok algorythm loves you.

The process of warming up a new account is crucial for success on TikTok, just as stretching before exercising helps prevent injury.

Similarly, with a Tiktok account, if you don't warm it up properly, the app may quickly categorize your account as spam and stop recommending it on the For You page.

Recovering from such an injury can take a long time; therefore, we have outlined detailed steps to help your new account succeed right from the beginning.

1. waiting for the Initial Phase: Most creators make the mistake of starting right away.

Sure, you have a new idea for an account and are full of adrenaline to get started. However, this is not the correct approach.

First, you need to practice patience. Wait 2-3 days so that your account has time to be recognized and analyzed by TikTok before diving in headfirst.

2. Engaging: To engage actively with content: However, during these 2-3 days you shouldn't just sit and wait. During this phase, you should actively interact with videos in your niche. This means liking, sharing and commenting on videos that are similar to the ones you want to create yourself as well as following those accounts. Doing so displays to the algorithm that you're an engaged user and helps position your account properly within its respective niche.

3. Be authentic in your interaction: your actions should be honest and not deceive the algorithm. Consume the videos consciously by watching them instead of just skimming through them and make comments that relate to the video instead of just using emojis or nonsense.

4. Interaction times: To appear like a regular user, it is suggested that you use your account several times throughout the day. Based on my experience, successfully building up an account involves reaching for your phone at least three times daily and spending a minimum of five minutes interacting with posts in your niche.

8 suggestions to overcome.

“That all sounds very positive, but how can I improve the interaction?”

If you don’t have experience, it can be overwhelming to have to worry about so many factors at once to make your video go viral.

Therefore, you should take small steps and gradually integrate more and more of these useful tips into your videos.

1. Actively encourage people to follow you: By actively encouraging your viewers to follow you on your channel, you can greatly increase the number of followers on a video. It’s easy to insert a small screen overlay to remind your viewers to follow you.

2. Use different content formats: Combine different forms of content such as carousels and videos to create a more diverse content strategy. By using different formats, you can also encourage different types of engagement. Ensure that you are creating relevant content that resonates with your audience to enhance visibility and engagement.

3. Create multiple videos on related topics and improve key metrics such as watch time. For video clips longer than one minute, the following criteria are essential:

• Within 3 seconds, at least 70% of viewers should still be watching the video.

• After 30 seconds, at least 50% should still be watching.

• Aim for full playback: The goal is to have a maximum number of viewers watch the video in its entirety.

4. Reply to comments: Replying to comments increases your interaction rate, which in turn increases the engagement rate and watch time, as viewers often read through and respond to the comments section.

5. Include intentional errors: Deliberately include errors or questions in your videos to encourage viewers to comment on them in the comments section. This can include spelling mistakes or the question of what the next video should be about.

6. Using hashtags from your specific field increases the visibility and relevance of your video. When providing digital marketing tips, honing in on a specific niche can help target and engage your desired audience more effectively.

7. Use popular sounds and hashtags: By using current trending sounds, you can increase your watch time and interactions, which in turn leads to more video views.

8. Subtitles: TikTok is all about subtitles, which not only allow the vast number of silent viewers to follow your videos but also help TikTok better understand what’s happening in your video and broadcast it more accurately to your target audience.

Tip: If subtitles are obstructing the visual content, you can remove them from the screen without affecting their effectiveness in achieving this second goal.

Conclusion.

The TikTok algorithm is like a gym - it loves when you consistently work out. So don't worry if your video doesn't show big muscles right away. With consistent training and the proper exercises, soon your account will demonstrate great success!