How does the TikTok algorithm work?

TikTok has quickly climbed the ladder of success in the social media world. Since its release in 2016, the short-form video-creating application has now curated around 30 million daily active users. These users spend an average of 24.5 hours each month surfing through the app, and why shouldn't they?
TikTok has quickly climbed the ladder of success in the social media world. Since its release in 2016, the short-form video-creating application has now curated around 30 million daily active users. These users spend an average of 24.5 hours each month surfing through the app, and why shouldn't they? Given its addictive video content that lures users in and the carefully planned algorithm that keeps them hooked, TikTok is excelling in maintaining user interest. This interest is what has piqued even brands to collaborate and keep up with the young crowd online, making TikTok one of the most influential apps in the world right now. However, the question is, what exactly is this algorithm and how is TikTok using it so perfectly to benefit both them and their users? Want to know the answer to this? Hop on below to find out.

What is TikTok algorithm?

Have you ever noticed that the type of content you watch usually starts popping up more and more on your feed? This is precisely where the TikTok Algorithm system comes in. The system determines the type of video content that appears on the user's feed based on the type of content they prefer. Hence, with a specially targeted video content feed and a customized For You page on user preference, no two users will have the same For You page. The best part is that this customized For You page won't remain static for long. Once your preference of content, or state of mind changes, the TikTok algorithm will immediately pick up the changes and start recommending content that you would be interested in based on the current interest it observed. This TikTok Algorithm, however, isn't mundane and works on a carefully planned system that combines several factors. Want to know what are they? The answer lies below.

Factors that impact the TikTok algorithm...

Initially, many social media applications did not reveal how their algorithm worked. This was because the mechanism of algorithm functioning made each app unique and different from the other. It also helped applications avoid unwanted spammers from taking control of this functioning and target more users towards them. The online space, however, is sensitive, and users were curious about the app's inner workings since they were directly involved in this. Hence, to ensure that their users felt safe, TikTok gave an insight into how its algorithm functions. The key ranking signals that operate the application's algorithm are below.
User Interaction

The user interaction isn't hard to understand. It simply means that TikTok keeps a close eye on the type of content a particular user likes and recommends videos on the For You page based on that type of content. This is precisely why once you start viewing the same content, it will pop up on your feed more. The For You page based on the user interaction is based on several sub-factors too. Some of them are:

• Accounts you follow
• Videos you like and share
• The type of content you create
• Longer videos that you watch till the end
• Creators you have hidden

Video Information

The video information is collected based on the type of video you seek in the Discover tab. The type of content users choose to view first in a wide variety of video content is deemed their preferred genre, so the app starts focusing on showing it more. The video information is based on the following details:

• Captions
• Sounds
• Trending Topics
• Hashtags
• Effects

Device and Account Settings

While not directly related to recommending your preferred content, the Device and Account setting plays a crucial role in optimizing your account. Its work is small yet essential and is based on the following factors:

• Device type
• Country setting
• Language preference

Tips for making the TikTok algorithm work for you!

The algorithm system has proven to be quite beneficial for TikTok in terms of its growth and success. However, do you know that this same algorithm can work in your favor too? If you are looking for ways to make this system work for your benefit and growth, follow the simple tips below.

Hook your audience within the first few seconds!

People nowadays aren't patient enough to stick through videos if it doesn't intrigue them from the start. Hence, making your video exciting and making sure you hook your viewer's interest within the first few seconds is very important. The generated interest will ensure that they stick through till the end. This type of user engagement would help the algorithm notice that people are enjoying the content you create, and hence it would ultimately start viewing to more people.

Make shorter videos...

TikTok started with a 15-second video limit, which has now progressed to a good ten minutes. However, we know that majority of the time, people don't sit through the whole video if it is incredibly long. Hence, we advise you to create shorter videos that hook your user's interest till the end. The short video content would keep users hooked to watch it through, which will ultimately become a positive signal, making the algorithm believe that the content you make is worth the watch.

Engage with other TikTok users!

Users instantly like accounts that show engagement with their followers and other TikTokers. Hence, you need to keep a solid interaction with your followers in the comments and make duets with other TikTokers to gain recognition within their follower community as well.

Find the Best Time to Post!

Understanding the best time to post is essential for any app, but it is crucial for TikTok. The best time to post on the short-form video creation app is different for everyone and solely depends on when the people who follow you are most active. Posting to keep your audience's availability in mind would help them view your content quickly and for you to interact with them in the comments too.

Don't delete old content!

If you feel like one of your old videos is of top quality, and you find it amazing, never make the mistake of deleting it. This is because TikTok videos can go viral months after posting them. So, who knows when one of your old videos might blow up and bring a greater audience directly to your account?

Final thoughts...

The TikTok algorithm is constantly adapting and can be confusing. However, while you can't outdo it, you can understand its functioning and work accordingly to reap your benefits. We hope this article was sufficient enough to help you understand tips through which you can make this algorithm favor you. Use RADAAR to schedule and publish your TikTok videos!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know about managing your TikTok profile...

If you have any more questions about how to use TikTok more effectively and how to go viral, check the FAQs!
Go to your profile page by tapping the Me icon. Select Edit profile and click the Name. Finally type in your new name. But remember, you can only change your TikTok username once a month.
If you have 'ratioed' on TikTok, it means that your comment has more replies than it has likes. This usually implies that there are more people disagreeing with your comment than there are people agreeing with it.
All you have to do is open the app and visit your profile. Tap the video that you want to delete and you will see three little dots in the bottom-right corner. Click the Delete button and you delete it.
First, tap the create icon to access the LIVE screen. Swipe to LIVE in the navigation, pick an image, and write a title for your stream. Once you're all done, press Go LIVE to start your stream.
Go to your profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner, which should open the Settings and privacy screen. And there, you should go to Manage account and then Delete account.
Here's a few tips: Add hashtags to your videos, keep your videos short, follow the trends and use trending sound effects, find your specific audience, dabble in some duets, promote your TikTok content on your other social channels and do not forget to find best time to post your content.
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