How Does The TikTok Algorithm Work?

Have you ever wondered how the Tiktok algorithm works? 

We are here to tell you all the essential information, as well as what you can do to make sure your videos appear on as many For You Pages as possible! 

What Is The TikTok Algorithm? 

The TikTok algorithm is a complex network created to offer users content straight on the app’s homepage – known as the For You Page. Similarly to Instagram’s Explore feature, the FYP is an everlasting feed of selectively picked videos which the system believes will be of interest for viewers. 

Tiktok’s algorithm works to curate content tailored specifically for you. It identifies preferences such as videos you have interacted with in the past, accounts and hashtags you follow, your locations and language settings, and even the kind of content you create yourself. 

This means that unlike a regular feed, which is populated by people you know, your FYP is full of recommended videos from creators who may be unfamiliar – making every FYP unique! 

How Does it Work?

The workings of TikTok’s algorithm are determined by a variety of factors. Key components include user activity, video content, location and language settings, audio elements, and “Not Interested” feedback. 

In order to better understand how these elements interact with each other to influence the app’s content delivery system, let’s go through them one by one.

1.Users Activity

This is an important factor in determining what videos get served up to users. Engagement such as 

• Views

• Likes

• Shares 

• Comments 

Will increase the visibility of a given video piece – giving it greater reach across the platform. 

2.Subject Matter 

When it comes to reaching potential viewers on Tiktok the content of a video is key. TikTok determines subject matter from: 

• Sounds

• Hashtags 

• Effects

• Caption Keywords

• Content (transcriptions)

3.Location & Language 

The algorithm takes into account users’ device settings when making its calculations, This includes both geographical area and native tongue which can hugely impact who sees your material. This also includes: 

• Posting Location

• Language Preferences

• Type of Mobile Device 

4.Audio 

Harnessing popular sounds is a wonderful way to expand your viewership. The algorithm will recognise the trending audio in your video, then use that information to categorise it and display it to users who have recently interacted with related content. 

Taking advantage of up-to-the-minute trends can really help grow your audience! 

5.“Not Interested” Feedback 

TikTok’s algorithm brings users videos they are likely to be interested in, based on their past activities. This includes what content they’ve marked as “Not Interested”, the users they have hidden, and the videos they rapidly skip through. Different indicators are given more relevance than others by the platform’s recommendation system, creating a customised experience for each user on the For You page.

Factors That Do Not Influence the TikTok Algorithm 

Do not be discouraged by the fact that you have a limited amount of followers or have never posted anything on TikTok before. That does not play a role in determining how well your video will be ranked on the algorithm of the platform! It is absolutely possible for people with no prior experience to gain viral success – hooray! 

Another factor which doesn’t influence whether your video will receive traction is whether you’ve had previous well-performing videos. 

Types of Content The Algorithm Won’t Recommend 

To help create the best experience on TikTok there are a few rules and regulations that must be followed in order to make the most of the algorithm. 

Such content includes: 

• Minor safety

• Overtly sexualised content

• Dangerous sports & stunts 

• Tobacco & alcohol products 

• Violent & graphic content

• Spam, inauthentic, misleading content 

• Unoriginal & low-quality content 

It is essential to keep up with the app’s community guidelines to ensure that your content is not identified as unacceptable by the algorithm. Abiding by these rules will help you stay away from any potential issues.

Now you know how to get your TikTok’s on the FYP – Check out how to structure your TikTok videos!