How TikTok's Algorithm Picks Viral Videos
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Introduction
TikTok has become one of the most influential social media platforms, and a significant part of its success lies in its unique algorithm that determines which videos go viral. Here’s a detailed look at how TikTok's algorithm works and how it pushes content to become viral.
Location-Based Content Pushing
The algorithm's first step is highly location-based. Imagine you publish a video; TikTok will initially show it to users in your immediate vicinity. This allows for a more localized form of virality. If the content performs well within this small pocket, it moves onto a larger area, such as a state or province.
Gradual Expansion
If the video continues to gain traction, TikTok will expand its reach further to a nationwide audience. From there, if the video continues to rack up views and interactions, it can make the leap to a global audience. This tiered system ensures that only videos with a proven track record of engagement make it to a broad audience.
Re-Virality
Interestingly, TikTok's algorithm is also designed to give older content multiple chances to go viral. It’s not uncommon for a video that originally went viral six months ago to see a resurgence in views and engagement three to six months down the line. This ensures that good content has multiple opportunities to shine.
Conclusion
By starting small and gradually expanding the reach based on engagement, TikTok's algorithm effectively curates content that has the potential to captivate audiences over time. This method not only helps in discovering new viral content but also in rediscovering valuable videos that may have been overlooked initially.
Keyword
- TikTok
- Algorithm
- Viral videos
- Location-based
- Content pushing
- Gradual expansion
- Re-virality
- Engagement
- Social media
FAQ
Q: How does TikTok initially distribute new content?
A: TikTok’s algorithm first shows new content to users in the immediate location of the poster. If the content performs well locally, it gradually pushes the content to broader audiences.
Q: Can a video go viral more than once on TikTok?
A: Yes, TikTok’s algorithm can give older content a chance to go viral again, even months after its initial surge in popularity.
Q: How does TikTok ensure only high-engagement videos go viral?
A: TikTok employs a tiered distribution system. Content must perform well in smaller, localized pockets before being shown to a broader audience, ensuring only engaging videos go viral.