How does the Tiktok algorithm work?
It helps to understand the algorithm to get better results
We all know that the Tiktok algorithm is responsible for the high engagement on the platform; however, we don’t understand how it works. If you’re a brand just starting out on TikTok, or if you’re simply trying to be more consistent, it helps to understand the algorithm and work with it to get the best results.
In this post, we’ll explore what the Tiktok algorithm is and how it works.
What do they say about the Tiktok algorithm?
The Tiktok algorithm is an exercise carried out by Tiktok bots to select personalized content for each user. Bots discreetly observe your clicks, videos, profile views, interactions and behavior on the app, and collect information.
Based on this information, Tiktok’s algorithm identifies your preferences, and the bots push corresponding content to your “page for you”. This means that the videos on your friend’s page for you do not appear in the same way as yours. Each user receives personalized content determined by their engagement on the platform.
So, if you’re wondering why certain types of videos are welcoming you to your page “for you”, TikTok’s algorithm bears all the responsibility.
Before getting into the details of how this works, here’s what Tiktok has to say about the videos you see on your home page.
Your account settings.
The first thing the Tiktok algorithm looks at is the parameters you’ve carefully defined. The settings for your country, device type, language preferences and category, because it can’t push just any content onto your page. TikTok’s algorithm guarantees a personalized user experience at all times.
The user’s activities within the application are observed.
As I mentioned, the TikTok algorithm monitors your actions and the app’s footprints.
Activities such as:
- Accounts you follow
- The videos you like and watch, and even the comments you leave on posts.
- Videos you like, videos you’ve added as favorites, videos you’ve marked as “uninteresting”, inappropriate videos, and so on.
- It also checks which creators you hide or block, and how long you spend watching a video.
The algorithm notes this as your preference and sends this content to your “page for you”.
Content and video information.
TikTok’s algorithm uses information about the content you engage with to determine your preference. Information such as the various hashtags on a video indicate who the content is aimed at and what it is not. Similarly, captions and music/sounds are the features most closely observed by the Tiktok algorithm.
Note that these are the features that inform content ranking on Tiktok, so we’ll try to unravel how this happens by looking at how to manipulate the algorithm.
How to understand and benefit from the Tiktok algorithm?
Build your content around relevant niches.
As an entrepreneur, my videos are constantly focused on coaching advice. One way to avoid a drop in the algorithm is when you publish unrelated videos.
Why does this happen? You already have an audience, and they won’t be interested in irrelevant videos. When interaction is low, the algorithm interprets it as “non-interest” and may not display it on the “for you” pages of your other audience.
Grab your audience’s attention immediately.
Now that you know that the algorithm examines users’ activities, such as the time spent watching a video. So your videos need to capture and hold attention immediately.
Fortunately, short videos are the signature of TikTok video, but to encourage clicks and dwell time, the content needs to be accurate, captivating and useful. So remember to keep it short and sweet to discourage bounce rates and fool TikTok’s algorithm.
Know the right time to post.
You’ll agree that your target audience is more active at a particular time. As on other platforms, the algorithm can change at any time and cause your views to drop. Nevertheless, posting your videos when your target customers are active will encourage significant engagement before any algorithm changes. So don’t forget to use the Tiktok video planner to your advantage and exploit the algorithm to the full.
Use actionable captions, including hashtags and trends.
Your caption is the invitation you’re sending out, so make it attractive and clear. In addition, use related hashtags and include trendy stickers and sounds. This addition will bring your videos up in the “pages for you” of users searching for related content.
Understanding how TikTok’s algorithm works will help your marketing plan, so you’re not shooting blind when you can give the algorithm what it wants and grow your business on TikTok.
