It’s challenging to keep up with all the newest social media platforms and the ever-changing offerings and intricacies of each. TikTok has taken the world by storm and has grown to one billion users within the last two years, thanks to its “FYP” format. But what is FYP on TikTok, and how can you take advantage of it? Here’s what you need to know:
TikTok’s “For You Page” or FYP is a compilation of videos customized to each user based on an advanced algorithm. This algorithm chooses videos for users based on past interactions and general interests. This algorithm aims to get users to keep scrolling on the platform for long periods by providing entertaining and appealing content — and it works. On average, users spend approximately 24 hours per month watching content on TikTok.
If you want your TikTok to go viral on the FYP, here are five best practices you should implement:
Like other social media platforms, TikTok uses hashtags for searchability and relevancy. Users can go to the “Discover” page to view trending hashtags or search for specific topics. Putting the right hashtags on your TikTok video contributes to the algorithm and makes it easier for users to find your video when searching for specific hashtags.
But what are the “right” hashtags? It depends on the trending topics of the day as well as the actual content in your video. Your hashtags should be relevant to your brand, your content, and your target audience. You can find hashtags on TikTok by tapping “Discover” at the bottom of the screen. You can use this feature to search for specific hashtags and preview videos with that hashtag.
Writing captions on TikTok can be challenging since you only have 150 characters to work with. To encourage engagement with your videos through your captions, try asking questions, teasing information using on-screen text, and just being funny!
Timing is another important factor in successfully appearing on the TikTok FYP. You will want to post your content at the right time when your followers are the most active. If you have over 100 followers, you can sign up for a free TikTok Pro account which will provide you with valuable information about your followers — including when they’re online and active.
If you don’t yet have 100 followers and are still trying to grow your account using the FYP, here’s a list of the best times to post on TikTok based on general audiences:
Many TikTok users are excited about longer video capabilities of up to three minutes, but is this the best approach on a platform that’s largely based on short 15-second videos? When it comes to TikTok, shorterm more snackable clips are better. The more people that watch your entire video, the better the FYP algorithm will work in your favor. Users want to keep scrolling and are more likely to get bored during a longer three-minute video compared to a shorter 15-second clip.
Does this mean that you’re limited to only 15-second clips? Not at all. With the right content and approach, longer videos can be effective and popular — just make sure to mix in some shorter ones if you want more videos and better results.
Finally, you should prioritize quality when it comes to your TikTok content. Just because TikTok is an entertaining and more casual platform doesn’t mean that you can get away with sloppy content. With all the technology we have access to these days, it’s easier than ever to create high-quality content with just a smartphone. TikTok users also value clever editing with transitions, filters, closed captions, and text-to-voice applications, like Siri.
Now that you know about TikTok’s FYP and how to take advantage of the algorithm, here are three other tips that can help you make it big on this platform:
There are tons of different content areas to choose from on TikTok. For the best results, you need to find your niche and become a trusted authority in that niche. For example, there are fitness accounts, cooking accounts, interior design accounts, crafting accounts, parent accounts, and more. Your options here are pretty much endless, so it’s definitely possible to find something that works for you!
TikTok is all about the trends — between trending sounds, duets, dances, and more — it’s important to keep up with these trends if you want to earn views and followers on the platform. Check out the trending hashtags, sounds, and effects on the “Discover” tab and put your own spin on them.
If you’re not having success using the algorithm the old-fashioned way, you might want to consider using TikTok paid advertising. This allows you to get content in front of specific viewers based on who you want to target. For the best results, work with an experienced TikTok marketing agency like MuteSix that can get you the views and engagement you’ve been looking for.
Now that you’re a TikTok and FYP expert — it’s time to get started! At the same time, if you feel that you need more expertise and experience to take advantage of this burgeoning platform, reach out to the paid social experts at MuteSix for a complimentary marketing consultation.
Sources:
TikTok Reaches 1 Billion Monthly Users | CNBC
How to Get on the TikTok ‘For You’ Page | New York Magazine
The Secret Factors Influencing Your TikTok Feed Were Revealed | Business Insider