Let’s get one thing clear: TikTok isn't for everyone.

Here’s another heartbreaking truth: not every one of your videos will go viral on TikTok.

I get it; you might feel disappointed reading this.

But wait, here's some good news. While the TikTok algorithm seems complex and challenging – TikTok has revealed how it works. Yay!

But there's a lot to understand about TikTok: from the different hashtags in play, the music you add to videos, your location, and even the first video you like – all these things influence the TikTok algorithm.

So, how do you get your TikTok video to go viral with all this mystery surrounding its algorithm?

Let's look at how you can use TikTok's algorithm to your marketing campaigns' advantage.

TikTok’s Basics

I know you’re excited to learn about the algorithm. However, let’s cover the basics first.

The primary objective of TikTok is to keep users on the platform as long as possible. (I mean, we already know this as of 2023) They focus heavily on showing the best videos to the right users.

Tech experts refer to the TikTok algorithm as the “matching engine" thanks to how it works. Generally, this engine uses a video classification as the main recommending factor. Next, it shows it to users with preferences similar to the classifications.

Typically, video classification is defined by two characteristics:

• The audio/music

• Hashtags or text descriptions used.

In most cases, TikTok assesses' your preference by tracking your actions on previously watched videos as a user.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg. TikTok goes further and uses other metrics such as:

With that out of the way, let's cover the TikTok algorithm in detail.

The TikTok Algorithm Explained

Simply put, an algorithm is a step-by-step process for solving a problem. Social media platforms like TikTok use algorithms to make their platforms better for the user. The growth of algorithms is attributed to the rise of social media channels and search engines.

Algorithms like TikToks weigh dislike factors, including video information, user interaction, device, and account settings. This also includes gauging your interest in the videos you watch the most.

TikTok says its algorithm is designed to help users have a more personalized experience, and if you've been on the platform long enough, you know this to be true. And herein lies the challenge.

Designing and building algorithms for a user-friendly social media platform that keeps you engaged while delivering tailored content is challenging. And TikTok has come out to explain the hardships of building content recommendation algorithms.

But why is this a concern?

The significant risk is creating filter bubbles, where users repeatedly experience the same one-sided ideas. In its defense, TikTok says it displays different content to a user, which deals with the filter bubbles issue.

That said, how do you stand out and get your video going viral?

There's no one-size-fits-all solution. But here are a couple of ideas that, if implemented well, can get you the desired viral effect.

1. Post Short, 15-30-Second Long Videos

TikTok allows you to post 10secs-to-10-minute-long videos. This can either be in portrait or landscape mode.

However, you want to avoid posting long videos. Why so? Attention Span.

A recent study shows 8 seconds as the average attention span of most people. That said, try and keep your videos below the 20-second mark for high user engagement. This will help boost your video compilation rate.

Remember, this is a decisive ranking factor for TikTok's algorithm.

2. Create Engaging Content

This should come as a no-brainer.

We've mentioned how attention spans are going down by the day. Ultimately, this means you need to work on the first 5 seconds of your video.

The golden rule is to make your videos short and overly engaging.

Try to capture the user's attention within those seconds. Doing this engages viewers and motivates them to finish watching the video.

3. Post Trending Music or Videos

As a creator, you can increase your chances of getting a video trending on TikTok using music many users have liked.

Easy, right?

This typically entails using a viral music video or audio to curate your content. It can be anything from performing a dance, think “Juju on That Beat” dance move for this, to more 'extreme' practices such as lip-synching. Or to an even interesting challenge like the trending #ashleylookatme dance challenge.

4. Best Posting Times

This is a tricky area and depends on your location.

Consider sharing your content at 6 p.m. and noon — prime user activity times on TikTok for maximum engagement.

5. Use Hashtags

The For You Page is where TikTok's content creators aim to land to hit the TikTok jackpot.

Some often-used hashtags you'll mostly see include #Foryou, #FYP, and #ForYouPage.

TikTok explains that tapping these hashtags alone won't guarantee a spot on the For You Page. To reach a larger audience, try using a mix of trending hashtags.

6. The TikTok Captions

Compared to Facebook and Instagram, TikTok isn’t the place to write those long paragraphs about life and its mystery. Again, this comes down to what I mentioned above: Attention Span.

Ensure your TikTok captions are short. And sweet.

You also want to feature hashtags relating to your content and make them complimentary. Typically, TikTok is a mobile-based-first video platform. This means keeping your caption short brings better results.

7. Post High Quality and Well-Edited Videos

Get a quality camera or a smartphone with a quality camera.

As a TikToker, avoiding posting unclear and poor-quality videos is in your best interests.

Here's something to remember: video completion is a ranking factor in TikTok. Additionally, high-quality video ensures more video views.

TikTok will reward you handsomely if you have creative editing skills. So, leverage TikTok's video editing features. Add those stickers, filters, templates, etc.

8. Join the Challenges

Remember the #bussitchallenge or the #Jerusalemadancechallenge?

Do these challenges ring a bell?

You’re losing out on going viral if you don’t tailor your content to a particular challenge. The hashtag challenges are an excellent way to come up with content ideas.

On average, most TikTokers enjoy consuming videos under hashtag challenges. So, keep an eye on these challenges.

That said, try and incorporate a creative element to the challenge to help your video stand out.

9. Enable the Share Feature

Here’s something you didn’t know about TikTok: you can download videos and cross-promote them on different platforms.

So, how do you do this?

First, ensure you enable your download option on your TikTok profile settings. This allows you to share your content on different social platforms.

Finally, remember to keep your duet option open. Typically, duets are videos a TikToker creates alongside another creator’s original content.

Have fun with this!

Wrapping It Up: Go Global

You know you can make that video go global. I believe in you. The question is: do you? What are you waiting for? But wait, hold your horses!

Before you can go global, start by identifying local trends. Sure, different locations will have different local trends. However, local trends can give your video an advantage in going global.

Once your video has been viewed by a huge audience, the TikTok algorithm starts working. From this point, it spreads your content to a broader audience.

Soon, an international audience will be engaging along with your local one.

Over to you!