Videos that generate significant engagement within the first two hours of posting are much more likely to be promoted, the report says. — AFP Relaxnews
The life of an influencer can be the stuff of dreams, but breaking into the crowded world of social media isn't always easy. And while luck plays a role, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of viral success. Indeed, a study of TikTok's algorithm sheds light on some of its secrets.
If you're looking to get started on TikTok, these tips might come in handy. A study conducted by Giraffe Social Media analyzed the Chinese giant's algorithm to assess the most beneficial actions for content creators looking to maximize engagement on the platform.
With more than 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, the report points out.
Stay on trend
The analysis focuses on some of the criteria used by TikTok's algorithm. For example, the study reports that videos featuring a trending audio are 1.5 times more likely to be pushed to TikTok's "For You Page," and can see their views grow by 30%. In fact, 67% of viral videos use audio that has already been successful on the platform.
Other actions can also boost a video's viral potential. The more comments and likes a video receives, the more likely it is to make it onto the app's "For You Page," or FYP. Similarly, content that’s shared or leads to new followers can increase its chances of getting onto the FYP.
As creators trying to raise donations by monetizing their content will tell you, it's important to encourage users to watch videos all the way through. On average, videos that retain 70% of viewers are given greater prominence on the platform.
Things to keep in mind
While users have a central role to play, there are also things creators should do. For starters, it's important to pay particular attention to the caption that accompanies the content, but also to the hashtags used. The report points out that the #foryoupage hashtag is used in 75% of the most popular videos.
It's also important to make sure a video has an attractive hook from the very first three seconds. This is a strategy often adopted by the platform's creators, helping to capture users' attention and keep them watching the content for long enough to help boost its viral potential. Don't hesitate to film yourself facing the camera, and keep in mind that short videos are the most effective.
Next, try to be regular. To improve your visibility, the report recommends posting one to four videos a week. As far as times are concerned, aim to post between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., especially on weekends, when engagement is 30% higher. This is a strategy that creators can adapt according to their followers' activities.
In addition to responding to followers' comments and thus boosting engagement, collaborations between creators can be another way of promoting the exposure of content to other audiences.
Finally, note that while TikTok remains the preferred social network for teens in the United States, another recent report suggests that certain beauty-related content can be more successful on Instagram. – AFP Relaxnews
