TikTok: How to Boost Your Views Using the Algorithm
The Mysteries of the TikTok Algorithm
The TikTok algorithm, much like Instagram’s, remains a true mystery to its users. You’ve likely noticed that when you spend too much time watching cat videos, your suggestions become flooded with them. Yet, sometimes the app surprises you by serving content completely unrelated to your usual consumption. TikTok users have dozens of questions.
How does a video posted three months ago suddenly resurface and 10x its views? Why does the view count vary so much from one piece of content to another? How exactly do videos land on the “For You” page?
All these questions burn in the minds of creators for one single reason: this algorithm dictates trends. It decides which video is highlighted and to which audience.
How TikTok Ranks Videos
To reassure creators and brands, ByteDance’s platform recently opened up about how videos are ranked.
“The system recommends content by analyzing videos based on a combination of factors – starting with the interests you express as a new user and adjusting for things you indicate you are not interested in. Neither the number of followers nor the fact that the account has previously had high-performing videos are direct factors in the recommendation system,” the team specified a few months ago.
We have analyzed this communication, scrutinized “For You” selections, and tracked the growth of various accounts. In this article, we invite you to discover how the TikTok algorithm works. This complete guide will help you understand how to increase your views and followers.
The TikTok Algorithm Decoded from A to Z
The Main Factors Considered by the Algorithm
In France, a user spends an average of 60 minutes a day on TikTok. This performance is made possible by the algorithm, which serves videos aligned with a user’s interests. To identify these, the ByteDance team analyzes a dataset designed to maximize the average time spent on the app.
Several factors are taken into account. The first information you give the app feeds the algorithm: TikTok identifies the type of device you use (Android, iPhone, or tablet). Language is also a key element, allowing the app to know which language you understand best when suggesting videos.
User Interests
Once your profile is set up, ByteDance asks for your interests. Choose these carefully, as they dictate the initial content served. Since it’s a first connection, the system will run tests based on these interests to see what you enjoy most.
Interactions
The second stage involves user interactions. Your activity on the social network does not go unnoticed. Every comment you leave is scrutinized, as are the likes you give and the content you share. ByteDance considers these exchanges as a prime entry point to understanding what you want to see. (See also: Our advice on TikTok engagement rates: why and how to grow them?)
Account Follows
Once you have truly settled into the space, you will subscribe to certain accounts. This subscription base is another working tool for the algorithm, helping it better understand which targeted content and themes to prioritize.
Your “Work” on the Platform
Finally, TikTok looks at your own contributions. Every video uploaded is examined from every angle: captions, music, hashtags, and the comments it generates. Average watch time is a crucial indicator. The longer users watch, the more it signals that the content is successful, leading to more exposure. TikTok prioritizes watch time over a user’s native language, though it does not provide the exact weight for each ranking factor.
How to Create High-Impact Videos on TikTok
Even if the fine details remain a secret, this information allows us to better plan content for maximum reach. This reflection must start during the pre-production phase.
What Content to Post?
To find ideas, simply open the app. In the “For You” section, you can discover the latest trends and make them your own. Trends are vital on TikTok because they allow you to “surf” on content already loved by users.
Music is Crucial
Music has a privileged place on the app; users can even search for content via a specific track. ByteDance helps you find hits through the “Trends” tab in your sound library, showing the most used and viewed tracks of the moment.
Video Editing
Editing is vital. Beyond music, you must think about captions and hashtags. Since interactions feed the algorithm, use your captions to encourage users to speak up and react to your content.
Hashtags
Despite limited space, hashtags are essential for categorization. Using the best keywords helps users discover your content within specific themes. Don’t forget to include specific challenge names to appear in trending searches.
Knowing Your Community
The flow of videos is so intense that timing is everything. Use ByteDance’s Analytics Tool to find out when your followers are most active. This data tells you the exact day and hour they are online, helping you choose the perfect moment to post. (See also: What is the best time to post on TikTok?)
Creativity Takes Center Stage on TikTok
While understanding the algorithm is interesting, creativity is what truly makes a videographer famous. Although harder for an AI to judge, creativity ensures maximum views.
Successful creators like Justine Marc or Yo Funders have built unique signatures. It is difficult for a new user to simply copy these, which is why TikTok offers infinite creative tools like filters, “Duets,” and “Stitches” to help new creators find their own voice.
Inspire yourself by checking out our ranking of the Top 10 TikTokers to follow!
Justine Marc
@justinemaarcOuf on a encore eu de la chance ♬ original sound – jevanvlogs
Yo Funders
Yo Funders, with over 1.4 million followers, also chose to stand out by modifying his voice. He mimics the distinct tone of a professional journalist while reporting on trivial, everyday topics.
@yofunders_ AH ! Je suis plus fort que ma mère mdr À vous de jouer ! #FlashFolie #Mattel #humour #drole #tiktokfr ♬ son original – Gaëtan
These two examples are both entertaining and unique on TikTok. It is difficult for a new user to join ByteDance’s platform and simply replicate the same niche.
To support new content creators looking to invest in the platform, TikTok offers endless options. Recently, new filters have emerged; by adopting them early on, ByteDance ensures extra visibility for the content, as it encourages other videographers to use them as well. This is also true for creation tools like “Duet,” where users react to another influencer’s video.
Get inspired by checking out our ranking of the Top 10 TikTokers to follow!
Three Tips to Increase Your TikTok Views
- Post Regularly: Consistency is key. The algorithm is never satisfied and loves regular data. Some creators post up to three videos a day.
- Vary Your Content: Use all the creative tools at your disposal (filters, duos, etc.) rather than sticking to one format.
- Watch Time is Everything: You must entice viewers to watch until the end. Use specific storytelling: start with a problem, and only show the result at the very end.
For a deeper dive, Stéphane Bouillet, co-founder of Influence4You, has written a complete book on the subject: Download “50 Ideas for Your TikTok Influencer Campaigns” for free.
Conclusion sur l’algorithme de TikTok
While the TikTok algorithm remains mysterious, the basic signals are clear. Understanding these details allows you to integrate them into your strategy to boost your notoriety.
TikTok is becoming unavoidable. With over 15 million active monthly users in France, advertisers must embrace these new codes. What are you waiting for to post your next viral hit?
- Are you an influencer looking for collaborations? Register for free on our platform!
- Are you a brand looking to launch a campaign? Contact us!
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