TikTok Viral Algorithm REVEALED! [Watch Me Go Viral LIVE!]
Education
Introduction
After two years of building up a YouTube channel to roughly 26-27,000 subscribers, I just built a TikTok following of 100,000 people in less than two months. As we are filming this live, you can see my very last video, put out an hour ago, is literally going viral right now. We're going to discuss why that's happening.
This is the first video I've ever made where I knew it was going to go viral while creating it. We'll talk about why that's the case and how TikTok's algorithm works—how you can go viral too. If we zoom in on my most recent video, it initially had about 42,000 views. After closing and reopening the app, it surged to 47,000 views, gaining 5,000 views in about two minutes. Let's delve into why that's happening.
How TikTok Works
When someone opens TikTok, they see the "For You" screen, where TikTok shows content it thinks you'll be most interested in. Going viral on TikTok means getting your videos shown on the "For You" page to a lot of people. The core indicator for TikTok's algorithm is watch time and watch percentage.
Watch Time and Watch Percentage
A prime example is one of my older videos, which has 2 million views. The video is 59 seconds long, the maximum allowed length on TikTok. The average watch time is 32 seconds, indicating that people are watching more than half of the video. Traffic source analytics show that 96% of views are from the "For You" page.
In contrast, a more recent video that did poorly had a 16-second average watch time for a 52-second video, showing people lost interest quickly. TikTok's algorithm judges such videos as not good enough for the "For You" page. Therefore, keeping viewers engaged is critical. Longer videos can do better if you can maintain viewer attention.
Creating Engaging Content
To make a video you know will go viral, start with a curiosity-designed hook. In the first five seconds, you need to make a compelling statement that makes viewers ask "how," "why," or "what."
Examples:
- "I'm going to show you a six-figure side hustle that no one is doing, requires no experience, and you can have set up by the end of today."
- "I'm going to show you how to write a kid's book, upload it to Amazon, and make money in your sleep for the next five years."
Other methods include:
- Showing the result first and then explaining how it was achieved.
- Action-Reaction: starting with an action that will clearly generate a reaction, compelling viewers to keep watching.
Importance of Music
TikTok originated from a platform called Musical.ly, so its algorithm is built around music. Adding relevant music to your videos is essential. Use trending sounds by checking recommended and viral lists on TikTok.
You can also follow TikTok accounts that post trending alerts, allowing you to jump on viral songs early.
Embrace Weirdness
TikTok thrives on quirky, unique, and creative content. The most viral TikTok videos are often simple but odd enough to catch attention. Examples include:
- Angry Reactions: A user who makes angry reaction videos.
- Comedy Skits: Short skits playing multiple characters with creative filters.
- Business Tips with a Twist: Conversations with oneself to teach serious topics in a fun way.
Mimic Successful Content
Follow and study top channels in your niche. Observe what works for them and apply similar techniques in your original style.
Keyword
- TikTok algorithm
- Viral video
- Watch time
- Watch percentage
- Curiosity hook
- Trending sounds
- Weird content
- TikTok growth tips
- Mimicking successful content
FAQ
Q: What is the "For You" page on TikTok? A: The "For You" page is where TikTok curates personalized content it believes you'll enjoy, based on your past interactions and preferences.
Q: Why is watch time important on TikTok? A: Watch time and watch percentage are critical indicators for TikTok's algorithm. Higher watch times signal to TikTok that your video is engaging and should be shown to more users.
Q: How can I create engaging TikTok content? A: Start with a curiosity-designed hook in the first five seconds, make use of trending music, and create unique, attention-grabbing content.
Q: Should I use music in my TikTok videos? A: Yes, TikTok's algorithm is heavily influenced by musical elements. Using trending or viral sounds can boost your video's performance.
Q: What types of content tend to go viral on TikTok? A: Content that is unique, quirky, and creatively engaging tends to perform well. Mimicking the success patterns of popular videos in your niche can also be beneficial.