The Secret to Viral Success on TikTok
Breaking into the crowded world of social media isn’t always easy, but with the right strategies, creators can improve their chances of going viral.
A recent study by Giraffe Social Media analyzed the algorithm of TikTok, a Chinese social media giant, to identify the most beneficial actions for content creators looking to maximize engagement on the platform. The findings provide valuable insights for those seeking to make a name for themselves on the app.
Key Takeaways
- Videos featuring trending audio are 1.5 times more likely to be pushed to TikTok’s "For You" page, where views could grow by 30%. In fact, 67% of viral videos use audio that has already been successful on the platform.
- The more comments and "likes" a video receives, the more likely it is to make it onto the app’s "For You" page. Similarly, content that is widely shared or leads to new followers can increase its chances of getting onto the page.
- Videos that retain 70% of viewers are given greater prominence on the platform, making it essential for creators to encourage users to watch videos all the way through.
- The quality of the caption and hashtags used are crucial, with the #foryoupage hashtag being used in 75% of the most popular videos.
Tips for Success
- Film yourself facing the camera and keep in mind that short videos are the most effective.
- Make sure a video has an attractive hook from the very first three seconds to capture users’ attention and keep them watching.
- Be regular by posting one to four videos a week, aiming to post between 6pm and 10pm, especially on weekends, when engagement is 30% higher.
- Respond to followers’ comments and consider collaborating with other creators to promote your content to other audiences.
The Power of TikTok
With over a billion active users worldwide, 90% of whom visit the app every day, TikTok has won out over giants such as Instagram, boasting an engagement rate 150% higher than Meta’s platform. While TikTok remains the preferred social network for teens in the US, certain beauty-related content may be more successful on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I increase my chances of going viral on TikTok?
A: Focus on creating high-quality content with trending audio, engaging captions, and relevant hashtags.
Q: How often should I post on TikTok?
A: Post one to four videos a week, aiming to post between 6pm and 10pm, especially on weekends, when engagement is 30% higher.
Q: What is the key to retaining viewers on TikTok?
A: Create an attractive hook from the very first three seconds and keep the video engaging throughout.