How To Actually Go VIRAL On TikTok In 2024 (Trick The Algorithm)
Education
Introduction
In the last 60 days, our TikTok strategy has generated an impressive 2.4 million organic views. However, it wasn't always this easy. When I first started posting on TikTok, I spent countless hours editing videos, yet they barely gained any traction. This experience prompted me to delve into research about what makes certain accounts thrive on the platform. As the owner of a TikTok agency that has managed hundreds of accounts, I'm excited to share three simple steps for quickly growing your TikTok page.
Understanding TikTok's Algorithm
When you start posting on TikTok, think of it as sending small pieces of yourself out into the world. The algorithm's job is to determine who might resonate with your content. Initially, TikTok shows your videos to a small group of users—perhaps a few hundred to a thousand. The algorithm monitors how these users respond: Are they liking, commenting, and sharing? How long do they watch your video, and do they continue to view your other content? If your video performs well in these categories, it could potentially go viral.
Clarity in Targeting
The type of content you create matters significantly. If you’re targeting specific business owners, ensure your message is clear and consistent. Straying from your focus could attract unintended audiences, such as teenagers who won't align with your goals. If your target audience is business owners, stay dedicated to content that resonates with them.
Step 1: Hook Stretching
Let's discuss a technique I like to call "hook stretching." One of our content partners recently produced a video that amassed 2.8 million views, despite being 7 minutes long. How did this happen? The key was a broad initial hook that gradually narrowed down as the video progressed.
While it’s tempting to target your ideal clients exclusively, doing so may limit your reach. For instance, if a video aimed at your ideal clients gets 5,000 views and only 1,000 of those viewers are ideal customers (20%), consider this alternative: a broader hook that garners 200,000 views, enticing 5,000 of your ideal clients (just 5% of the viewership). In this scenario, you've opened the doors to 500% more potential customers. Even if most viewers don't convert, their engagement can enhance your reputation and visibility.
Step 2: Becoming Your Audience
If you desire to be an effective creator, it’s essential to understand your audience. Ask yourself: Who are they? What content do they enjoy? What are their characteristics? When you focus on making a genuine connection with people instead of trying to “beat the algorithm,” you'll discover more rewarding results.
Craft an avatar of your target audience and dive into the content they appreciate. If you’re creating fitness-related content, for example, watch other fitness videos, engage with them, and observe trends over time. Identifying successful styles and hooks will guide you in your content creation efforts.
Step 3: Continuous Improvement and Engagement
Once you've posted a range of videos, analyze their performance. If you don’t achieve the expected virality, conduct a side-by-side comparison with videos that inspired you. Look for discrepancies—shadows, scripts, hooks. Own the process, focus on improving, and create the best content possible.
I recommend brainstorming at least 10 unique hooks and approaches to engage viewers. Analyze which videos resonate most with your audience and adapt by creating variations of successful content. This strategy fosters a sense of community and keeps your audience engaged.
Building a Connection
Ultimately, building a strong relationship with your audience is paramount. Create content that invites engagement, making the viewers feel obligated to connect with what you've shared. Repeat the successful process while experimenting with new ideas, ensuring everything ties back to your original content to maximize engagement.
Conclusion
Creating content on TikTok is all about the connection between you and your audience. Master that relationship, and the views will naturally follow. If you're curious about the viral content strategy we've employed at our agency, check out my additional resources!
Keyword
TikTok, viral, algorithm, organic views, content creation, audience engagement, hook stretching, branding, target audience, content strategy.
FAQ
Q: How can I get more views on my TikTok videos?
A: Focus on creating engaging content with a strong initial hook that broadens your reach while keeping your messages clear for your target audience.
Q: What does "hook stretching" mean?
A: Hook stretching refers to initially casting a broad net with your content to attract a wider audience, then narrowing the focus as the video progresses, thus engaging both your ideal clients and a broader viewer base.
Q: How important is understanding my audience on TikTok?
A: Very important! Understanding your audience helps tailor content that resonates with them, improving engagement and visibility.
Q: What should I do if my videos aren't going viral?
A: Analyze your videos' performance compared to successful videos. Pay attention to aspects like lighting, hooks, and scripts, and focus on improving those elements.
Q: How often should I post on TikTok?
A: Consistency is key. Regularly post content to keep your audience engaged while experimenting with different video formats and ideas.