How to: TikTok Famous
You can control your discoverability
Social media is like the weather. It is always changing and no matter what we predict it will do next, no one can quite pinpoint it. Apps come and go, trends can last a couple hours or several months to years, prominent people cycle, and the next big hit is never what you expect. We have somehow gone from messaging each other with AIM and updating MySpace profiles to Snapchatting each other and scrolling on TikTok.
TikTok’s Debut
TikTok launched in 2016 and quickly made its way to being one of the most used apps over its 6 years running. In September 2021, the app announced that one billion users are on TikTok each month. This gives good reason as to why so many other social media apps are trying to update and create similarities to the ever-popular app. Instagram added Reels, Snapchat added Spotlight, and the list goes on. Regardless of if you use TikTok or not, it will consume your life as you can find the videos on just about every other social app there is.
With this app blowing up across the digital universe, it’s the place to go if you want to be noticed. Whether you’re trying to get your company more airtime, want to establish a brand for yourself, or just like attention, TikTok has everything you need to get there. Climbing the ladder of success doesn’t always come by chance. Some videos would like you to think that way, but there are plenty of things to keep in mind and steps to take to get one or many of your videos the popularity you’re seeking.
Know the App
You’ll need to begin by learning about the app if you haven’t already. You have options to view your For You Page (fyp), your following, search, make your own videos, view your inbox, and see your profile, all accessible by the bottom toolbar on the app. The plus button at the center of the toolbar allows you to record videos. You can choose to do it in segments, add filters or sound, use timers, or do a one and done take. Afterwards, you choose any edits to make, a caption and cover to add, and extra settings about posting. This is your creation center and where you mainly want to focus on the app.
There are many popular TikTokers and most of them went viral for all kinds of reasons. When jumping into this, it is important to remember that some things will stick, and others won’t. Content does not always blow up immediately. If your first few attempts fall flat, don’t stop there. Continue to post because one of them is bound to make an impression. Along with that, there are quite a few things to keep in mind when posting. If you follow along below and put these ideas to the test, success will come your way.
The FYP
To begin, your other main focus should be on your For You Page (fyp). If you have not spent any time on your account, get scrolling. Follow creators, like, comment, and use the “Not Interested” button to get the algorithm working and show you the real content out there rather than the highest followed creators and random recommendations TikTok has. Then, pay attention to what you’re seeing. What sounds are popular? Are there challenges going around? What creators are continually showing up? Is there a filter a lot of people are using? What hashtags do creators keep using? Finding those answers will aid in what you create. If any of these are working for a ton of users, then they can work for you. Once you’ve done the research of the fyp, just follow some simple steps.
Helpful Steps to Success
-
As discussed previously, many videos go viral for many reasons. Think about what kind of videos you’d like to do to get your viewers’ attention. You could film something out of the ordinary like Lexis Trechak’s post of her brother creating a rideable rollercoaster during Covid. From art to music to dances to humor, there are so many pathways to choose from.n text goes here
-
Know who you’re targeting with your content (Nahai). This applies to everyone, not just companies trying to market. If you’re aiming towards high schoolers, consider how they would relate to your content, whether it’s something about homework, teachers, graduating, etc. Also, be sure to post at times they would be on the app. 4:00pm when they’re out of school is a better option than 11:00am while they’re in class.
-
If it’s trending, it’s what you should be doing, too. You cannot guarantee that your new sound choice or first exposure of a topic will be a hit, but you have a better chance when jumping on the bandwagon. Some popular topics have been cute or funny animals, wholesome family content, side hustles, kitchen restocks, and hot takes set to jazz music (hey, don’t ask me, I don’t choose what’s viral).
-
Yes, sometimes these can be cringey or annoying. However, most videos actually use special effects or filters without us realizing. They have a wide variety compared to your average Instagram photo filters. From “What bagel are you?” to a buffering screen, there are many to choose from to enhance your content.
-
Ride on the high of others. If you see a video that’s insanely popular or continues to show up on your fyp, duet or stitch it. Content continues to cycle even based off the original video.
-
This is where the algorithm comes into play. Keywords that relate to your audience and or your content will be your best friend. It is shown that these keep users connected to different jokes/stories/creators/etc. Your hashtags and SEO will allow your video to be found by others who are looking for or enjoy similar content.
-
Don’t let fate determine if your video will reach even a few people. Send it to your friends and family, link it on your other social media, whatever it is, get the word out there. In previous blog articles, you can see below (“(Other)” being links sent out) that they were read more when they were sent out into the world. Do everything in your power to get your video seen; don’t sit around hoping someone will stumble upon it.
TL;DR
The TikTok app is one of the most popular today, so whether you want more brand awareness for your company, to spread your personal business around, or just like attention, this app is the place to go. To get that TikTok fame, be sure to watch your fyp for research, create with the knowledge you gained from researching, use hashtags and SEO in your captions, and spread the word about your content, among other things. Whatever you do, though, don’t stop posting. Continue to find what sticks, then ride the high of what does stick. Who knows, maybe you’ll even end up being a verified user.
Happy TikToking!