TikTok's 'FYP' page — Pursue & Persuade

By: Caitlin Jefferson

The rise of the popular social media app, TikTok, has drawn in users for a multitude of reasons, one likely being its For You Page feature. The For You Page, or FYP for short, is similar to Instagram’s Explore Page. It is curated to show users specific videos based on content they have previously interacted with or searched for. The FYP pops up immediately upon opening the TikTok app and users are met with an endless chain of content to scroll through.

The TikTok FYP is unique because it is a measurement of success on the application. The algorithm will pick up and play curated content for viewers who have interacted with similar videos. For those creating content, this means that their TikToks have an opportunity to be shown to the masses if their videos are appealing. The more your content is shown on the FYP of others, the higher your chances are for getting more views, likes, comments, and shares. So, consider it a compliment if your video has been shown on the For You Pages of others! It means TikTok recognized your content as something that might be appealing for other viewers.

Hashtags

Hashtags are also an important factor in the FYP. Participating in hashtag challenges, mixing popular hashtags with less popular hashtags, and using trending hashtags are all great ways to boost your content. Finding relevant hashtags can be tricky, but it is essential for garnering views and likes. Upon typing the ‘#’ symbol when captioning a TikTok, the most popular hashtags will pop up first. Click one of these hashtags to add to your TikTok, it may make a big difference in how often it pops up on the FYP of others. Take a look at the hashtags that your competitors and other popular creators are using to get some inspiration. Overall, it is important to note that there is not just one correct way to use hashtags. Through some experimentation, users can find which hashtags work best for their content.

Captions and video length

Furthermore, captions and the length of TikToks are critical factors in keeping up engagement and being shown on the FYP. Engaging, yet short captions are the way to go when it comes to TikTok. With limited character space, curating something concise and specific is essential to let other users know what your video is all about. Not only should your caption be short, but your video should be somewhat short as well. The shorter the video, the more likely it will be watched all the way through by other users. Creators with longer content generally have a harder time keeping up their engagement, as viewers usually to prefer to scroll through their FYP quickly.

Monetization of TikTok

When TikTok first launched, a large portion of the content swirling around the app was lip-syncing and dancing videos. Now, there is an incentive for brands, influencers, and celebrities to optimize their content for the FYP. This is because there is an opportunity to promote people, brands, and products. The monetization of this online content is reason enough to create TikToks worth interacting with. As your amount of followers grows, so do your chances of making money from the TikTok Creator Fund and different brands. When your content starts getting pushed out more and more, the chances of paid sponsorships or increased sales for your business get bigger. The free exposure that the FYP feature gives to users is critical for a wider audience reach.

How to get on the FYP

Perhaps you are now thinking about how to get on the FYP. How can I utilize these tips to create content that is worth watching? Start by thinking about your personal goals. What type of brand do I want to curate? Who is my target audience? How can I create original content? Providing high-quality videos is a start. By uploading non-blurry, well-edited, and catchy content, you boost your chances of others interacting with your TikToks. Keeping your TikToks short and adding in trending audio is another way to rank higher on the algorithm. Make sure your audio is clear and relevant to your video. Interact with other users on a daily basis to boost your own exposure and be sure to respond to comments left on your videos!

Check out trending accounts and hashtags for inspiration here:

https://www.tiktok.com/discover?lang=en

Conclusion

While these are just some ways to find yourself featured on the FYP, there is no one formula for success on TikTok. By using the tips mentioned in this blog, making sure your bio is filled out, having a profile photo, and posting frequently, you will be on the path to success. Through experimentation and patience, you might be surprised at who you can reach with your content.