TikTok has been a social media sensation since its launch in 2016. From its humble start to gearing a top-notch position in the social media world, TikTok has been the center of attention.

With 1 billion active users, TikTok has managed to be the third most popular social media network globally. This video platform is all about going viral with either your lip-syncing videos, dance, or challenges.

TikTok’s algorithm is relatively one of the easiest to crack as compared to the other social media networks. You don’t need a big fat fan following to climb the ladder of success, nor do you need to put out the same content. What you need for TikTok is consistency. The more content you put out, the more popularity your account will gain. For this, you should look into a TikTok scheduling tool.

So to actually learn more about the TikTok algorithm, let’s focus on the essential questions.

TikTok Algorithm – What It Is & Why Do You Need to Learn About It

If you are one of those people who have downloaded TikTok, you probably wonder how the algorithm works. The algorithm is designed to rank creative, entertaining, and engaging content. It looks at factors such as likes, shares, comments, and views. The algorithm ensures that users get the best content they find attractive by populating your feed with as many relevant videos as possible.

From a user’s point of view, the feed is super easy to navigate as videos keep on playing one after the other.

If you are one of those people who have downloaded TikTok, you probably wonder how the algorithm works. The algorithm is designed to rank creative, entertaining, and engaging content.

It considers specific videos that can hook you for hours based on your recent activities, such as likes, shares, what you watch, and who you follow. Moreover, the algorithm takes into account your location and the content you love to create.

Okay, so the interesting part here is that it doesn’t limit you to the same content but always introduces you to new videos and creators, keeping your feed fresh. For instance, if someone watches a lot of makeup or fitness videos, then the algorithm will naturally start recommending similar videos. On the other hand, such makeup or fitness videos will hardly appear on someone else’s feed if they consume content related to sports or gaming.

But all we can surely say is that the TikTok algorithm is always learning and improving. So, whether you are a TikTok newbie or an expert, the platform cares for its users and ensures they have a good time.

However, like all other social media networks, this one is also constantly working on making its algorithm bigger and better.

This is how TikTok explained its algorithm:

“The system recommends content by ranking videos based on a combination of factors – starting from interests you express as a new user and adjusting for things you indicate you’re not interested in, too – to form your personalized For You feed.”

How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work in 2023?

The TikTok algorithm is continuously working behind the scenes to enhance your TikTok experience.

As discussed above, the algorithm observes the types of videos you watch. If you are a fan of cute animal videos or enjoy DIY crafts, it takes note of these preferences and recommends similar content.

So, when you interact with videos by liking, sharing, or commenting, you are essentially sending signals to the algorithm about your interests. It uses your previous history to fine-tune your feed and show you more of what you engage with. For instance, if you follow specific creators or regularly explore content under particular hashtags, the algorithm factors these choices into its recommendations and ensures that you see content from your favorite accounts and topics of interest.

Moreover, your location and language matter the most. Your geographical location and the language you use on TikTok are also considered, which helps the algorithm tailor your feed to align with your location and language preferences.

Well, there is not just a single factor running behind the algorithm, but multiple factors influence how TikTok will serve your content to your audience. Let’s get into the details.

The factors are as follows:

• User Activity
• Subject Matters
• Location and Language
• Audio

  

1. User Activity

   User activity plays a vital role in the TikTok algorithm. The more engagement your videos receive, the more likely they will rank higher and serve your target audience. Here are some positive indicators that influence the user activity:

   • Comments
   • Shares
   • Likes
   • Rewatches
   • Accounts followed
   • Videos Created

2. Subject Matter (Video Information)

   The subject matter is another crucial factor for the algorithm. The platform categorizes the content based on the user’s interests. TikTok uses these metrics to determine the subject matter:

   • Sound
   • Hashtags
   • Keywords
   • Content
   • Effects

3. Location and Language

   The algorithm determines the location and language through the user’s device setting. The action includes:

   • Language preferences
   • Posting location
   • Type of mobile device

4. Audio

   When a user adds trending audio or song to the video, the TikTok algorithm categorizes it and serves it to the relevant audience.

Related Article: 27 Best TikTok Tools for Explosive Growth in 2023

How to Beat the TikTok Algorithm in 2023 – 5 Top Tips & Tricks

As TikTok grows in popularity, so does the challenge of getting your content seen by users. The TikTok algorithm changes make it difficult for content creators to keep up. However, there are some strategies you can use to beat it in 2023.

1. Switch to a Professional Account

   Honestly, the mighty professional TikTok account comes with multiple perks. Of course, you get a fancy title after all, but the benefit it offers are exceptional.

   You can get an overview of all your video analytics, providing valuable insights into your videos’ performance. When you access analytics, you can tailor your content strategy to suit your audience’s preferences better, and this leads to higher engagement rates. You can even get an idea of your top-performing videos to create videos that resonate with your audience.

   Moreover, With a Pro account, you can add links to your website and other social media profiles right in your bio. That means more traffic to your other online hangouts and a killer marketing strategy.

   Also, some exclusive TikTok tools are attached to the Pro account that can make your videos stand out.

   For instance, if you are running a business, you can even sell stuff directly to your fans using TikTok’s e-commerce features. So, going Pro is definitely one of the best moves you can make on the platform. Whether you are just starting on TikTok or looking to take your account to the next level, switching to a Pro account is one of the best TikTok tips.

   Here’s a prime example of Starbucks

   

2. Use Trending Hashtags

   Let’s be honest, with TikTok’s dynamic environment, staying up-to-date with trending hashtags is super important. I mean, trends can literally change within the blink of an eye, so it’s essential to be updated with every new thing around. The same goes for hashtags. When it is the talk of the town, it means loads of users are using the hashtag. That’s usually because it’s tied to a catchy song, dance, or challenge. So, by jumping on those trending hashtags, you are basically giving your content a front-row seat in front of your target audience.

   Moreover, you can find these trending hashtags within TikTok or use external tools like Hashtagify. These tools can help you discover popular and relevant hashtags that align with your content.

   Also, you can try Social Champ’s hashtag manager to find trending and relevant hashtags for your videos.

   Pro Tip: Don’t use hashtags that don’t go with your content, try to use the generic ones that fit right for your video content.

   How come a TikTok user can forget the popular #SavageChallenge, it was all the rage and all thanks to the viral song ‘Savage Love’ by Jason Derulo and BTS.

   @jasonderulo Congrats @dixiedamelio on releasing her first song #HAPPY ♬ Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat) – Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo

3. Create Videos for Trending Sound

   TikTok was once all about lip-syncs, trending sounds, and music. So, why not make the most of the platform’s premium features? You can unleash your creativity by aligning your videos with the latest TikTok sounds. The video platform always appreciated the idea of creativity and self-expression, so what better way to showcase your talents than by creating videos that synchronize with the trendiest sounds?

   Moreover, you can find all the trending sounds and music on Trends Discovery by TikTok with the analytics as well. It provides a complete list of all the popular and trending songs filtered by region. This makes it easier than ever to discover the latest audio trends and incorporate them into your content.
   Lets take a look at TikTok’s superstar Charlie D’Amelio’s example.

   @charlidamelio

   @gemma huck dc @♾️

   ♬ Buckle Up – Philly Goats & PGS Spence

4. Write Captivating Captions

   Let me tell you one thing that can definitely beat the TikTok algorithm; your video caption. In the competitive landscape of TikTok, having captivating captions is essential to stand out and engage your viewers effectively.

   To craft compelling captions on TikTok, you can consider using emojis and relevant hashtags to make your caption visually appealing and more likely to catch the eye of potential viewers. Inject humor into your captions, spice it up with puns, jokes, or playful language to engage your audience and keep them entertained.

   Additionally, you can randomly share questions or thought-provoking statements in your captions to ignite discussions among your viewers, ultimately driving more interaction on your videos. Just make sure to keep your captions short and sweet, as Tik Tok is all about snappy content, so don’t overdo it.

   Take inspiration from Wendys

   @wendys

   making Monday’s better, one chicken wrap at a time! (@mama_evmarie)

   ♬ original sound – Wendy’s

5. Partner With Fellow Creators

   Let’s be honest, TikTok thrives on collaboration and creativity. Partnering with other TikTokers can amplify your reach and following significantly. For a successful collaboration, you need to follow the pointers below.

   • Okay, firstly, seek out TikTokers with a similar follower count and target audience. This aligns that your collaboration is mutually beneficial, as you’ll be tapping into a shared fanbase.
   • Next, initiate contact with potential collaborators. Express your interest and brainstorm content ideas together.
   • Make sure to build a strong and creative synergy, as it is crucial for a successful collaboration.

   The real magic happens in collaborating with fellow creators. You get to feature on each other’s accounts and introduce yourself to a fresh audience that might be totally into your content.

   @denisemmercedes

   Wanted to recreate this video with @Maria | Fashion & Lifestyle 🖤 Which look is your fav? Video inspo by @Wisdom Kaye #stylenotsize

   ♬ Wisdom touch it Remix – Denise Mercedes

What Factors Are Not Important to the TikTok Algorithm?

If you have been on TikTok for more than a week, you have probably noticed that the content you see on your For You Page (FYP) isn’t always the most diverse.

For instance, the platform won’t show you the video with the same sound, created by the same creator, and appears on FYP in a row.

Here are a few things the TikTok algorithm doesn’t show.

• Not Interested Content
• Seen content
• Spam
• Duplicate Content
• Potentially safety-compromising content

Going Viral – 10+ Tips for Working With the TikTok Algorithm in 2023

If you are one of the millions of people who love spending time on TikTok, you may wonder how you can make your video content seen by everyone. Luckily, there are a few ways you can do just that!

You can work with the TikTok algorithm with a little effort and creativity. Here are a few tips to help you work with the algorithm and get the most out of your TikTok experience:

1. Maintain an Active Presence

   TikTok is the fastest-growing social media platform, and it’s perfect for short, engaging videos. And it’s not just for Gen-Z; people of all ages are using TikTok, from millennials to boomers. To maximize your reach on TikTok, you need to be super active on the platform.

   Posting regularly and engaging with other users is key to growing your presence on TikTok, and you can only do that if you are active at prime time. What is that prime time, you ask? It is the time frame in which your audience is actively looking for content to consume. This is also your window for posting engaging content.

   To further enhance your posting, use hashtags and take challenges. These challenges will also break you from constantly thinking about new video ideas.

   Moreover, now TikTok scheduling is just a single click away. You can use TikTok schedulers like Social Champ to schedule and analyze your videos within a single dashboard.

2. Create Shorter Videos

   The TikTok algorithm rewards videos that users watch from start to end. These videos are usually the short ones! If you want to capture the audience’s attention, then try to make shorter videos. Here are a few tips:

   • Keep your videos under 60 seconds for maximum impact and engagement.
   • Make sure your video is visually appealing and engaging, with creative content that will hold viewers’ attention.
   • Use hashtags to get it in front of as many people as possible.

   Moreover, you can use TikTok editing features to make your videos shorter.

   First, consider using the “trim” feature to cut down your videos to a shorter length. You can also use the “speed” feature to make your videos play faster, which can help you create shorter videos without sacrificing quality.

   @theoreoofficial Tag yourself, we’re OREO (video by @Cakedbyrach) #oreo #oreocookies #oreotok ♬ Oreo meme song – Natalia💕

3. Use Trending Effects for TikTok Videos

   To add some extra flair to your TikTok videos, try out some of the trending effects. There’s a vast variety of effects to choose from, so choose something that suits your style. Also, using effects can help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed by more people. From fun filters to AR effects, you can find everything. And best of all, these effects are easy to use and can help you take your videos to the next level. Moreover, with the trending effects you can beat the TikTok algorithm easily.

   For instance, you can use the split-screen effect to show two different scenes simultaneously. This can be a great way to tell a story or show various aspects of your life. You can also use the duet feature to create a video with someone else. This is a way to collaborate with other users and create something unique. There are endless possibilities for using effects in your videos, so get creative and have fun with your videos.

   @edenharvzofficial 😎 #soldmysoul #fyp #foryoupage #trend #g6 #tips #trick #hack #xyzcba ♬ CITY OF ANGELS – 24KGoldn

4. Post at the Right Time

   When it comes to TikTok or any other platform, timing is everything. The time of day that you post can significantly impact the number of people who see your content. You want to post during peak hours to get the most views on TikTok. Peak hours on TikTok vary depending on the day of the week.
   The best time to post on TikTok is as follows:

   

   These timings indicate high engagement. Posting during these hours will help you reach the largest audience possible.

   Moreover, if you want to know the best time to post, you can check your Business or Creator’s account analytics. This is how you can do so:

   • Go to your TikTok Business account
   • From your profile, tap on the three dots icon at the top right
   • Tap on Business suite.
   • Select Analytics

     

   • There you go!

     

Featured Article: The Truth About Hootsuite Pricing Plans in 2023

5. First Three Second Counts

   In a world where we are overwhelmed with endless content, it is more important than ever to hook your viewers within the initial three seconds. TikTok is a great platform for doing just that. You can quickly grab your audience’s attention and deliver your message with its short-form format and beat the TikTok algorithm. Users have a short attention span on TikTok, so it’s best to hook their attention in the first three seconds.

   So how do you do it? First, you need to understand your audience. What are their interests? What kind of content do they usually consume? Once you know your target audience, you can start creating content that appeals to them. It’s also important to be creative and original.

   There’s no point in copying what everyone else is doing. Instead, try to come up with something unique and creative. Moreover, you can use some of the best TikTok tools to get more views on your videos.

6. Don’t Remove Old Content

   If you are a content creator on TikTok, you might be wondering what to do with your old videos. After all, you don’t want your profile to be cluttered with outdated content. If you are no longer uploading the content on the platform, why keep the old content around?

   However, there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t delete old content from TikTok.

   • It can help you see how far you have come. It’s always satisfying to look back at old videos and see how much you have improved.
   • Other users may enjoy seeing your old content. If you have a large following, then your old videos may be one of the reasons why people follow you.
   • Deleting videos could cause you to lose followers.

   So if you see an old video of yours that isn’t getting much attention, don’t delete it! Who knows, it could be your next big hit.

7. Play With New TikTok Features

   Want to add some new excitement to your TikTok experience? Why not experiment with some of the platform’s latest features? TikTok is constantly rolling out new updates and features, so there’s always something new to explore. Here are the changes that TikTok is bringing in 2022.

   • TikTok’s new Avatar feature.
   • Keyword filtering ‘For You’ page
   • Group chats
   • Live streams (audio only)
   • Stitch and Duets are on the rise

   The platform continuously releases new features for users, and there’s always something to experiment with. Whether it’s a new filter or AR effect, there’s always something to try out. Keep up with the latest trends, experiment with new features and beat the TikTok algorithm.

8. Create a TikTok Challenge

   Every day, millions of people worldwide open up the TikTok app and scroll through an endless feed of creative content. From hilarious comedy sketches to jaw-dropping dance routines, there’s something for everyone on TikTok. But what really keeps people coming back to the app are the challenges.

   TikTok challenges are fun to get creative and show off your talent. They also give you the chance to be featured on the platform, which can lead to some serious social media stardom. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few trending TikTok challenges:

   • Seven Dance Challenge by Jungkook of BTS

   @jungkook

   아 몰라 걍 올려 #jungkook #mingyu #bts #seventeen #seven #sevendayaweek

   ♬ 오리지널 사운드 – JK – AbjkMRstY

   • Barbie – Ken-enough

   @brookieandjessie

   we are kenough🥺💔

   ♬ original sound – RA10

   • Red Flag Effect

   @kyliejenner

   ♬ original sound – Kylie Jenner

   • Cheesy Birria Ramen

   @papitacoschurros

   Three words: CHEESY. BIRRIA. RAMEN.🤤 #birria #ramen #noodles #cheese #birriaramen #losangeles #santamonica

   ♬ dc gaby e juu – Gaby Lopes

9. Create Relatable Content

   Let me tell you one thing: TikTok always prioritizes content where keywords are actually spoken. After all, the platform’s major focus is connecting with your audience personally.  Just to get noticed by the algorithm, create content that resonates with the everyday experiences, emotions, and challenges of your target audience. People who relate to your content are more likely to engage, share, and follow you.

   For instance, @Twinmelody account on TikTok posts videos about filters, tutorials, and fashion.

    

   @twinmelody Trend del Ojo #tutorial ❤️ Eye Trend TUTORIAL ! #viral ♬ All For Us (from the HBO Original Series “Euphoria”) – Labrinth & Zendaya

10. Diverse Content Mix

    Variety is the spice of TikTok. The algorithm rewards creators who offer a diverse range of content. Don’t limit yourself to a single niche; explore different video formats, challenges, and trends. This keeps your audience engaged and attracts viewers with varying interests.

    One prime example is @bellaporche

    @bellapoarch

    I kinda messed up on the dance😅 i’ll try again haha

    ♬ Super Shy – NewJeans

11. Create High-Quality Videos

    While TikTok is known for its casual vibe, investing in good video and audio quality can make a significant difference. Clear visuals, crisp audio, and well-lit scenes not only make your content more enjoyable but also signal to the algorithm that you are a serious creator.

    For example, Zach King consistently produces high-quality content. His videos feature stunning cinematography, smooth transitions, and immersive illusion videos. By prioritizing video quality, Zach has garnered a dedicated following.

    @zachking The magical waiter @RIIZE ♬ Get A Guitar – RIIZE

Winning at the TikTok Game!

So, that’s the TikTok algorithm in a nutshell!

Whether you are into dancing, DIY, or storytelling, these tips can help you get noticed. But most importantly, be yourself and enjoy what you do.

There’s no doubt that the TikTok algorithm is a power that can help you get your content seen by more people. However, it’s also important to remember that there’s no magic bullet to getting views and likes on your videos. Ultimately, the best way to increase your chances of success on TikTok is to produce quality content that people will want to watch and share.

So, don’t overthink it; just grab your phone, make some cool videos, and have a blast on TikTok. Who knows, you could be the next big thing!

Learn About Other Network Algorithms

• Inside the Box of the Facebook Algorithm 2023 and How It Works?
• How to Master the YouTube Algorithm in 2023
• What’s the Secret Behind the Instagram Algorithm 2023, and How Does It Works?
• Twitter Algorithm Changes: How This Will Impact Your Business in 2023
• Beginner’s Guide on How to Beat LinkedIn Algorithm in 2023
• How to Master the Pinterest Algorithm in 2023

Frequently Asked Questions