Nowadays, it seems that everyone wants to go viral on TikTok, but the truth is, anyone can!
Most viral videos, or videos with a large number of views and engagement, aren’t typically produced with big budgets or expensive equipment. Viral content is typically lighthearted, short videos that effectively capture attention, making users stop scrolling and watch the entire video.
Whether you’re looking to promote a brand, share your creativity, or just have fun, posting effectively on TikTok is key to gaining visibility and engagement.
In this blog, we’ll discuss our top tips to help you make the most of your TikTok experience.
Know your audience
Before creating any content, it’s important to gain an understanding of your audience. Take a bit of time and browse through the app to gain insights into what your target demographic is engaging with. Look at trending hashtags, challenges, and popular sounds within your niche. This research will guide you in tailoring your content to the interests and preferences of your viewers.
Post at the right times
No matter what platform you use, there are always the best and worst times to post.
According to Sprout Social, the best times to post on TikTok are the following:
- Tuesdays from 4 – 6 pm
- Wednesdays from 9 – 11 am., noon, and 2 – 6 pm
- Thursdays from 9 – 11 am and 2 – 6 pm
- Fridays from 4 – 6 pm
Posting at the right time can make a world of difference whether your content fails or succeeds.
As an extra little tip, try to avoid posting on a Sunday.
Keep It short and sweet
Although the maximum length that you can upload a video is 60 minutes, TikTok recommends that uploads should be between 21-34 seconds. The shorter your videos are, the easier it is for users to digest your content, ultimately increasing the chances of it being watched repeatedly or shared.
When creating videos, always remember to deliver your message concisely and make it impactful.
You have seconds to impress
Imagine you are scrolling through TikTok. What would make you stop scrolling to watch and engage with a video? Now, think about your audience.
The first few seconds of your video are crucial. If you don’t capture the attention of your viewers, they’ll likely scroll past. Try using a hook at the beginning of your videos to draw viewers in. This can be eye-catching visuals, a surprising action or an intriguing statement.
Include captions and text
Adding text to your videos not only enhances viewer engagement and understanding but also makes your content accessible to a wider audience, including those who are hard of hearing or those who are watching without sound.
Try strategically highlighting key points within your video to add humour and context.
If you want to add captions, TikTok offers an auto caption feature. To access this, all you need to do is:
- When uploading your video, select the Captions button located on the right side of the screen
- Let TikTok generate your captions and review them before confirming. If you notice a mistake, you can simply edit it
- Click “Save” once you are happy that everything looks good
Make use of the green screen effect
The green screen effect allows you to superimpose yourself onto any background, opening up endless creative possibilities.
Whether you want to create a more dynamic storytelling experience, transport yourself to a different location or showcase a product, mastering the green screen effect can help you elevate your TikTok content.
To access the effect, all you need to do is:
- Click “+” to create a video
- Tap on “Effects”
- Click on the magnifying icon and search “Green screen”
- Choose your photo or video and hit record
Engage with your audience
The more popular your videos get, the higher the chance you will receive comments. Make sure to respond to them.
Remember, engagement on TikTok isn’t just likes and shares. The more you interact with your community, the more likely the algorithm will favour your content.
Respond to comments via video
Following on from our previous tip, when you receive comments on your videos, respond to them by creating a video. To do this, all you need to do is:
- Choose a comment that you want to respond to
- Click “Reply”
- Record your response
The comment that you are responding to will appear on your response video. You can move it around, make it bigger and smaller and set how long you want it to be visible.
To learn more about responding to comments by video, check out this breakdown from TikTok here.
Use the power of music
It’s no secret that music is at the heart of TikTok. The right soundtrack can set the mood of your video and make it more memorable. Choose songs that complement your content, and consider using trending tracks to boost discoverability.
Within TikTok’s commercial music library, they offer over 600,000 tracks pre-cleared for royalty-free use in branded content and ads.
You can visit TikTok’s commercial music library here.
Utilise hashtags
Hashtags are crucial for getting your videos in front of a wider audience. Make sure to use a mix of trending and niche-specific hashtags to maximise your reach.
It’s important that you don’t use too many hashtags and overload your content. We recommend using between 3 – 5. To help you identify the trending hashtags, take a look through the Discover page and also browse through the trending tabs.
Stitch other videos
Stitching is a tool that allows you to combine a video on TikTok with the one you’re creating. It’s a fantastic way to collaborate with other users and expand your reach.
Try stitching trending videos and videos within your niche. When you have found a video, you only need to tap on the share icon and then click on the Stitch tool.
Capitalise on the latest trends
Participating in the latest TikTok trends can skyrocket your visibility. Creating your content around popular challenges, using trending sounds, or hopping on viral hashtags can help your content get discovered.
It’s important to note that before you take part in any trends, it should align with your brand and the message you are trying to convey.
Advertising
With TikTok having 1.56 billion users worldwide, why not try advertising to help grow your account?
Advertising not only allows you to get new followers and views, but it also helps you to create lasting relationships and foster engagement.
If you need help getting started with advertising on TikTok, check out our blog below.
Create a posting schedule
Regular posting helps keep your audience engaged and your profile active. Aim for a consistent posting schedule, whether daily or a few times a week. Consistency also signals to the TikTok algorithm that your content is reliable, which can improve your chances of being featured on the For You page.
Conclusion
Mastering TikTok is all about understanding your audience, staying consistent, and keeping up with the latest trends. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating content that resonates with viewers.
Start creating and your next viral video might be just one post away!
