So, you’ve created a TikTok account, and you’ve started making videos—but how do you get more views? Creating videos is of course the first step in building a TikTok presence, but now you need people to actually watch your videos too!
TikTok is a powerful tool for increasing brand awareness and the marketing statistics speak for themselves. To date, TikTok has been downloaded more than 2 billion times worldwide. TikTok also currently ranks as the 7th most used social network in the world.
In this blog, you’ll learn ways that you can optimize your content to ultimately increase your TikTok views.
What is a “view” on TikTok?
Social media platforms measure “views” in different ways, but on TikTok, the second your video starts to play, it’s considered a view. If a viewer watches your video multiple times, all of those count as new views.
When it comes to the TikTok algorithm, TikTok counts every view as a “view” based on what feeds you’re subscribed to and who you follow.
Note: Watching your own videos won’t be counted.
Ways to increase your TikTok views
In order to get more eyes on your videos, you need to start by creating engaging content that will entice your viewers and make them want to come back for more. By incorporating the following key tips into your marketing strategy, you will be well on your way to increasing your TikTok views.
Optimize content for the “For You” Page
The secret to going viral on TikTok is to get featured on the For You Page (FYP). Influencer Marketing Hub says it best, “To many people, having your content appear on people’s “For You” page is the holy grail of TikTok success.”
Basically, this means that TikTok recognizes the quality of your content over other videos that people have uploaded. It’s not only a great way to gain recognition, but it will also ensure that your videos are viewed by a wider audience.
You can also optimize your content by using trending hashtags, posting at optimal times, and aiming for shorter videos (30 seconds or less is recommended).
Use trending sound effects
Have fun when making your TikTok videos—this is the time to get creative! You can spice up your videos by using visual effects and TikTok sounds. Need some inspo? Spotify has even created a playlist of the trending TikTok songs that have gone viral in 2021.
Some TikTokers claim that when you add a trending sound or song to your video, it will trick the algorithm, and show your content to more people.
You can also discover trending sounds from within the TikTok app by simply tapping the “Create (+)” button, and then tapping “Add Sound.” Then you’ll be able to see the most popular current audio clips.
Collaborate with others
Try collaborating with other TikTok creators in your niche. This is a great way to reach your target audience and get more views on TikTok.
When you engage regularly with other users in your niche, you’ll start to build a support network for your brand. This will lead to more likes, comments, and shares for your videos, and ultimately, secure more views of your content.
You can also collaborate with your friends by posting content together. That will double your chance of getting more viewers to your TikTok account.
Cross-promote your videos on other social media platforms
This is a great way (and probably the easiest way) to increase your video views on TikTok. Simply share your videos across your other social media accounts where you have the largest following.
One great place to share your videos is on Instagram because you can post your TikTok videos to both your “Feed” and your “Stories.” This will increase the number of people who watch your videos, and more than likely get you additional followers too.
Add hashtags to your videos
This sounds pretty straightforward, but it can actually greatly improve your viewership results. Simply add relevant and valuable hashtags to your posts that will tell your audience about your video genre. This way, when a user clicks on a particular hashtag, they will be able to see your video content directly—ultimately giving your post a boost!
Post consistently
When you post consistently (I recommend at least once daily), it will show users that you are active on the app. By actively engaging, users will feel more connected, and your follower size and numbers of views will incrementally increase.
Interact with users
One of the best ways to establish a presence on TikTok and grow your views is to be as involved as possible with other TikTok users. When you actively write comments, users identify you as “active,” and are more likely to visit your profile again and watch more of your content. Who better than other users to help share and promote your videos?
Post valuable content
This tip may seem like a “no brainer,” but without a shred of a doubt, creating compelling and entertaining content is one of the most effective ways to get views on TikTok.
For example, “How-to” videos and educational content are both known for performing quite well. That’s because they provide users with useful information that they can apply to their daily lives.
Team up with an influencer
Once you’ve established a following on TikTok, teaming up with an influencer is another great way to boost your views. You may want to consider partnering up with another like-minded brand in your niche for a cross-promotion opportunity. This is a great platform for you to share audiences and access new users.
Keep videos short and sweet
Although TikTok videos can now be up to three minutes long, the videos that are under 30 seconds are the ones more likely to end up featured on the For You Page. It’s also much more likely that someone would rewatch a video that is short and easily digestible.
Add captions
There are only 150 characters to work within your TikTok caption, so be sure to make them count! Your caption is key because it tells viewers what your video is about and why they should watch it. It’s also a great way to get conversations started in the comments.
Set up a TikTok Creator or TikTok Business account
When you set up a Creator or Business account, you’ll have access to metrics and insights that will help you better analyze your audience and gauge the trends. All you have to do is simply go to “Manage Account” and select “Switch to Business Account.” From there, choose the best category for your niche, and then you’ll be off and running!
Buy TikTok views
Buying TikTok views is another option, but in my opinion, it’s somewhat less gratifying than earning views organically on your own accord. If you decide to go this route, there are a number of different recommended sites for buying views.
However, keep in mind that, your credibility could be hurt if it becomes widely known that you purchased views. If you have a high view or follower account, but low engagement, it could raise red flags with the algorithm as well, leading to possible suspension. However, I wanted to include it in this article because technically, it is a thing you can do. (Read here for other reasons it’s better to grow your social media following organically.
How to achieve a completion rate
The final piece of the puzzle when it comes to getting more views on TikTok is getting viewers to watch your videos to completion. Keep in mind that you only have a few seconds to entice the audience and keep them watching. The following pointers can help:
- Make the first few seconds of your video the most intriguing.
- Use titles that are enticing and will draw viewers in such as “Wait for it.”
- Create videos that can quickly and easily be played repeatedly.
- Find a way to create suspense, so that the viewer doesn’t know what’s coming next.
- Tell the story in several sections so that users will want to come back to see what happens in parts 2, 3, and so on.
Final thoughts
If you’re ready to take your TikTok game to the next level, the occasional video share just won’t cut it in this day and age. So, in order to get more views on TikTok, you must apply all of the tips (except for maybe the buying views tip).
See who is viewing your videos so that you’ll have a clear idea of your audience and be sure to pick your niche right. It’s all about creating great content, knowing your demographics, following a consistent schedule, and collaborating with others.
By following the advice in this blog, you can make the most of your TikTok presence and undoubtedly earn more views. And who knows—maybe one of your videos will go viral!
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[Header image by Jared Sluyter on Unsplash]