Table of contents

    Have you ever wondered why some videos on TikTok get millions of views, while others barely exceed a few hundred? The answer lies in the advanced algorithm that drives this popular short video platform. In this article, we’ll delve into the workings of the mysterious algorithm and understand why it’s a key element of this app’s success.

    What elements does the platform’s algorithm take into account?”

    Personalization and machine learning

    Central to TikTok’s algorithm is content personalization. The app uses advanced machine learning technologies to analyze user behavior. Based on likes, shares, comments and time spent on a given video, the algorithm determines each user’s preferences. This ensures that your feed on TikTok is tailored to your individual interests.

    In addition, the system is able to analyze each video uploaded. The company ByteDance, which is responsible for TikTok, argues that the application is able to understand the text, sound and the entire context of the video – all thanks to artificial intelligence.

    Time spent watching

    Not all views are equal in the eyes of TikTok’s algorithm. What matters is not only the number of plays, but also the amount of time users spend on a video. The longer you watch a video, the greater the chances that the algorithm will consider it in your personalized feed. That’s why content creators try to publish content that grabs the viewer’s attention from the first seconds.

    As for the impressions themselves, it’s worth remembering one thing – while a video is likely to receive more views if published by an account that has more followers, by virtue of the fact that this profile has built a larger follower base, neither the number of followers nor whether an account has previously had high-performing videos are direct factors in the recommendation system.

    User interactions

    A key factor affecting a video’s visibility on TikTok is user interactions. Likes, shares, comments – all these actions make a video considered interesting and valuable. The algorithm bonuses such content by placing it higher in other users’ feeds. In addition, the interactions of people who seem to have the same interests matter. For example, if user A likes videos 1, 2 and 3, and user B likes videos 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the recommendation system can predict that user A will also like videos 4 and 5.

    TikTok is famous for responding quickly to current trends and challenges. The algorithm closely tracks which content is becoming popular at any given time. Creators who want to gain popularity try to adapt to the trends. The algorithm rewards creativity and innovation, ensuring that TikTok is always full of fresh, interesting content.

    Remember that trends can also include songs and sound effects. TikTok was a pioneer among apps when it came to placing so much emphasis on what sound is used in video. The platform’s solution was inspired by Instagram, which currently uses it in its Reels.

    Location and language

    TikTok’s algorithm also takes into account the user’s location and language. This means that content is tailored to the region you are in and the language you speak in the app. This makes TikTok a global platform, while offering locally tailored content.

    How do I get out of TikTok?

    Achieving success often requires understanding how the platform works. Here are some valuable tips that may allow you to reach a wider audience:

    • start by defining your niche – focus on a specific theme or style that will characterize your videos. Creating consistent content can attract a loyal audience,
    • Be on top of trends – make videos that relate to current challenges and trends. However, remember to bring something unique even to such content – this will help you stand out from others,
    • take advantage of popular hashtags – if chosen well, they can significantly increase the viewership of your videos. Of course, choose those that are relevant to the video content so that TikTok doesn’t consider it spam. The recommended number of hashtags is 3-5 with each video,
    • Develop collaborations with other creators – participate in joint projects, and create TikToks that respond to other users’ material,
    • optimize descriptions – introduce relevant keywords related to the content, while encouraging interaction. You can add up to 2200 characters in your video description.

    Summary

    As you can see, the TikTok algorithm is a complex tool that takes many factors into account. Personalization, viewing time, user interactions, trends and location all work together to create a unique system that makes TikTok extremely popular and engaging. For content creators, it’s a challenge, but at the same time an opportunity to gain a huge audience by understanding and adapting to the changing rules of this dynamic algorithm.

    Let's talk!

    Anna Rogozińska
    Anna Rogozińska