How to... trend on TikTok
A little guide to making trending content in the digital world. Original content will still appeal to the human psyche, well past the fascination of AI. NO AI was used in the writing of this post
How to… go viral on TikTok
No AI was used in the writing of this post.
For the Easter break I thought I’d do something a little different and offer some practical advice and help.
I wrote this originally for scriptwriters and filmmakers, but suffice to say it goes for anyone who wants to make viral content!
If you’re thinking about TikTok to promote yourself, you’re already on the ball.
More people watch TikTok’s for news than the BBC or the New York Times!
Some creators have gone from just starting out to top 10 viewed in just a year.
So, how do you go from zero to viral, trending and most viewed?
ONE
Start with understanding the algorithm.
Think EIC! Engagement, Interest, and creation.
So many people are afraid of words like data and algorithm and think you need to be an expert to get your head around it. I’m here to tell you, you don’t!
TWO
TikTok recommend to more users as long as your content is watched start to finish, that gives it credibility and will show up in more feeds. Tips incoming below.
THREE
Engagement is the usual like, comment, subscribe and recommend. If you get the content right these things will happen naturally, so don’t try too hard.
FOUR
Creation, this includes hashtags, trending and catchy headlines and all the good SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) you would expect the algorithm to apply for someone looking for just your sort of content.
I cannot emphasise enough USE HASHTAGS (the symbol # before the word)
If you’re not sure which words to use, then search yourself for similar content – the best ones that pop up in your feed will be using the right hashtags.
If you use those then anyone interested in that will be interested in watching you too.
Now you understand the basic ways TikTok put content in front of users, and YouTube is similar, let’s get into the nitty gritty to what will make your content pop.
TIPS and TikTok treats!
Use Trending Music
This is a trick often forgotten by the novice.
If you use the trending music you can end up in streams you never would have appeared in any other way, (besides appropriate hashtags) because all the TikTok’s that used the same track appear in one big list, with one click for the user, again applies on YouTube too.
Not to mention a song that’s loved and enjoyed can ensure your TikTok is viewed all the way through, sometimes repeatedly as they leave it on to hear the tune and then you’re hitting your Engagement of your EIC!
Keep it Short and Engaging
You might know this because you’re reading Minding your own MEDIA business, that your content can’t be dull and it has to get to the point quick.
Alongside all that it has to be engaging and fun, use tasteful humour, because implied humour outside an inner circle is likely to get you backlash, and the TikTok algorithm will throw you to the “dark-side” when it comes to views.
If it’s not fun it has to be absorbing at least to keep your audience watching.
All the best film is.
A catchy headline, good hashtags and a great soundtrack will only get you so far.
Remember, the attention span of most people on social media is 24 seconds.
They don’t intend to be with you long unless you make them feel something, so make them laugh, teach them something they don’t know, introduce a dilemma.
TikTok is not really the place for film noir or contemplative cinema, but never say never in the world of social media.
Your audience is king, or queen
Remember, if you understand your audience, you’ll know what they want, what they like, what they’re thinking and what you should do next to thrive on TikTok and become top ten and viral.
The best way to do this is to always, always, always interact with your audience.
Don’t put content out there and take days to respond to comments.
The world of social media is a very demanding one, where people expect instant communication and responses to their comments on your videos.
Some people will adore you; some will vilify you and rip your content to pieces. Remember that is nothing to do with you, it’s easy to troll from behind a screen to a total stranger.
So remember that if this happens, and a personal piece of advice borrowed from Michelle Obama is that you should always go high.
This is your work out there, your reputation, don’t let some frumpy person make you react badly.
Monitor Your Competition!
Always see what your competitors are up to! This is a no brainer, so many things have gone viral after following a trend, or putting their own slant to someone else’s vibe.
Picasso said good artists copy, great artists steal… Obviously I’m not advocating ripping anyone off, you need to add your own twist to it!
No AI was used in the writing of this post.
I am a consultant on innovation and media, so follow this substack to learn about them, it would really help me to keep writing and offering this content if you were able to donate.
Hire me to consult, ask me to join you in a roundtable, book me for speaking event.
