Do you want to get started on TikTok and are you wondering how some posts go through the roof?
The secret often lies not only in understanding the TikTok algorithm, but above all in authentic, creative content that goes straight to the heart.
In this post I'll show you how to create posts that are not only seen, but felt. From the right use of hashtags to tips to make your posts irresistible, I'll unpack my best tricks for you.
Contents of the guide
TikTok algorithm: simply explained
Have you ever wondered how some videos on TikTok get so many views? It's because of the TikTok algorithm. It might sound complicated at first, but it's actually quite simple once you understand how it works. Here we explain it to you:
What does the TikTok algorithm like?
- When people interact with your video: The more likes, comments and shares your video gets, the more people it reaches. TikTok sees that people like your video and shows it to even more people.
- Your video matches what people want to see: Do you use popular music or hashtags? This helps the algorithm understand that your video might be interesting. So when you make a video, think about the little details, like the music or the hashtags you add.
- Location and language also count: TikTok likes to show people videos that were made near them or are in a language they understand, so if your video is interesting to people in your area, you're already winning.
How do you use this for your video?
- Make videos that people want to see: Be creative and original.
- Use hashtagsthat are currently trending and use music that everyone knows and likes.
- Talk to the people in your videos. Ask them for their opinion or challenge them to do something. This way your video gets more comments and likes.
- Trying to hit a nerve. Whether positive or negative.
In short, the TikTok algorithm likes videos that are interesting and that people engage with. Remember these tips the next time you make a video and you'll see your videos reach more people.
Content with impact: Be creative and original
There are a lot of videos on TikTok, so how do you stand out? The key is to be creative and original with your content.
Here are a few simple tips to create videos that people love and want to share:
1. Be yourself: This may sound trite, but it's true! The most successful TikTok videos are often the ones that are authentic and personal. Show your personality and have fun doing it. People love to see who you really are.
2. Find your niche: What do you like to do? Whether you're a master chef, a dance enthusiast, or a DIY expert, use your passions to create unique content. When you talk about things or do things you love, it shines through and attracts others who have similar interests.
3. Experiment with trends: There are always new trends on TikTok. Try taking these trends and putting your own spin on them. This could be a dance, a specific song or a challenge. By leveraging trends in a way that suits you, you create content that is both current and unique.
4. Quality matters: You don't need expensive equipment, but there are a few basics you should keep in mind. Provide good light and clear sound. A video that is bright and clear is immediately more appealing.
5. Interact with your community: Respond to comments, make videos that address requests or questions from your followers, and be active. The more you interact with your community, the more connected people will feel to you and the more likely they are to share your content.
Remember, success on TikTok doesn’t happen overnight. But with creativity, originality, and a little patience, you can create content that will not only be seen, but loved. Just start and have fun!
Optimization of your posts: hashtags, sounds & trends
One of the best methods is to optimize your posts with hashtags, current sounds and the latest trends:
1. Use hashtags: Hashtags are like signposts that help people find your video. Use general hashtags like #fyp or #fürdich, but also more specific ones that match your video. For example, if you're making a cooking video, you could use #kochen or #leckerschmecker.
2. Integrate current sounds: Music and sounds are super important on TikTok. Use current and popular sounds so that your video appears more often on the "For You" page. You can also create your own sounds, but using well-known melodies will help you reach more people faster.
3. Participate in trends: There are always new trends on TikTok. It could be a dance, a challenge, or a certain type of video. If you participate in these trends, the chances of your video being discovered increase. But remember, always add your own touch to make you stand out from the crowd.
4. The right time to post: Yes, timing is also important. Post your videos when a lot of people are active on TikTok, for example in the evenings or on weekends. This way you can reach more people right from the start.
The secret of success
Why do some TikTok videos go viral overnight? Mostly for these reasons:
1. Emotional Anchor: Videos that evoke strong emotions – whether joy, surprise, or even sadness – have a greater chance of being shared. Think about how you can reach your audience on an emotional level.
Here is an example of such a TikTok that I created myself.
2. Simplicity and clarity: Often it is the simplest ideas that go the furthest. A clear, easy-to-understand concept can reach a wider audience more quickly than something overly complicated.
3. Relatable content: If people can identify with your video, whether through everyday situations or shared feelings, then there's a good chance they'll want to share it with others.
4. Surprise element: Videos that feature an unexpected twist or surprising moment capture attention and are more likely to be remembered and shared.
5. Use hashtags and trends: When it comes to viral videos, hashtags and trends are also important. They can help get your video in front of the right people who are interested in the topic.
The important thing is to stay authentic and have fun creating content. Sometimes the most unexpected videos go viral, so don't hesitate to try new ideas and be creative. And don't forget to be regularly active on TikTok and monitor what's popular right now. This will give you a feel for what works and what doesn't.
Oh yes, very important:
- Look at other TikTok users and see what topics they are talking about or producing.
- TikTok is mostly used by young (and very young) people – age: 5-18 years
- Trying to hit a nerve but follow the TikTok rules (otherwise you will be blocked)
My TikTok post (that went viral)
In May 2023 I created a post with over 3.7 million views, 252,4000 likes and 21,600 saves:
I struck a chord with viewers by commenting on a current event and showing a man taking a pizza from a little boy - in front of a celebrity who gave the pizza to the little boy (and didn't notice).
As a result, the TikTok post received 3.7 million views.
Also important: interact with viewers
It's important not only to post cool videos but also to interact with your viewers.
1. Talk to your viewers: Check out the comments under your videos and respond to them. This shows that you value the opinions and thoughts of your viewers. You can also ask questions in your videos to get more comments.
2. Use TikTok's features: TikTok has lots of cool features like Duets or Stitch, which allow you to react directly to other people's videos. Not only is this a fun way to create content, but it also encourages interaction with others.
3. Stay Regular: The more often you post, the more opportunities people have to interact with your content. But quality is still more important than quantity. Find a balance that works for you.
4. Be authentic: People love to see real emotions and stories. Show your personality and share your experiences. This builds a deeper connection with your audience.
5. Encourage sharing: If your videos are funny, informative, or just plain interesting, people are likely to share them with their friends. You can also encourage people to share your video at the end of your videos if they enjoyed it.
… Use words like “Share this video if…”
So what is (not) possible? Learn from your successes and mistakes
1. Use TikTok Analytics: TikTok offers an analytics tool that lets you see how your videos are performing. You can see information like the number of views, watch time, and engagement rate. Use this data to understand what type of content resonates best with your audience.
2. Pay attention to the trends: Sometimes trends on TikTok change very quickly. What was in last week may be out this week. Monitor trends and adapt your content accordingly to stay relevant.
3. Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things. Sometimes an unexpected content type or new approach can work surprisingly well. Analyzing your posts can show you what is potentially promising.
4. Listen to your audience: Your followers can give you valuable feedback. If you notice that certain topics or formats are particularly well received, do more of them. At the same time, you may want to redesign content that is less well received in the future.
5. Be patient and persistent: Success on TikTok doesn't come overnight. It can sometimes take a while until you realize what works best. Stick with it, be creative and continuously learn from your experiences.
Summary (tl;dr)
So, to summarize, we can say the following:
Your success on TikTok depends on several factors:
- the TikTok algorithm,
- your content (they should be authentic & creative),
- your content should touch the audience emotionally
- You should also use the right hashtags, trends and sounds.
Here again in detail:
- TikTok algorithm: favors videos that generate strong interactions and cover topics that users are interested in. Use this to your advantage by creating content that invites interaction and using relevant hashtags and popular music.
- Be creative and original: Authenticity attracts. Show your true personality and find your niche. Unique and personal content creates a deeper connection with your audience.
- Optimization: Hashtags, Sounds & Trends: Stay up to date on current trends and cleverly integrate them into your posts. The right mix of general and specific hashtags as well as the use of current sounds can significantly increase the visibility of your videos.
- The secret to viral posts: Viral posts evoke strong emotions, are simple and understandable, contain relatable content, surprise and use hashtags and trends effectively.
- Interaction with viewers: Actively engage with your community, respond to comments, use TikTok's interactive features and be active regularly. This not only encourages engagement, but also builds loyalty with your audience.
- Analysis and adjustment: Use TikTok Analytics to learn which content is well received and which is less so. Be open to experimentation and adapt your strategy based on the insights you gather.
In short, TikTok requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to learn from your experiences and adapt.
With our tips, you'll be well equipped to get started on TikTok and create content that's not only seen, but also felt.