TikTok is home to versatile creators you might miss on YouTube or other popular platforms. Furthermore, the TikTok algorithm is famous for being incredibly accurate and well-timed, with people seriously wondering whether the app is stalking them in real life. This robust algorithm works in your favor, displaying your content to people who will genuinely enjoy it and follow your account.
But how do you begin your TikTok career and prepare your posts for maximum success? Let’s see how that algorithm starts delivering your content to potential followers!
Does TikTok suit your style and needs?
Not every creator can make TikTok their primary social media handle. For many, especially those specializing in long-form videos, it will primarily work as a supplement to their earnings. TikTok users don’t come to this platform to watch 5- or 10-minute videos. Instead, they need instant gratification, meaning shorter videos do much better. Of course, this trend seems to be evolving, with some experts claiming 3-minute videos have the highest potential.
If you’re into deep-dive videos, consider posting on YouTube and using TikTok to share highlights and outreach for new followers. It could also become a more relaxed platform for engaging with your followers and encouraging them to duet on your videos!
Is it realistic to make money online?
Millions of people earn online, and TikTok is one of the most popular ways to generate additional income. You can find various statistics on how much you can gain, likely based on follower and view counts. These are the main variables, but TikTok creators can significantly increase their earnings by going live, partnering with brands, and releasing sponsored content.
Of course, the road to sweet sponsored deals, Creator Fund, LIVE Gifts, and Creator Rewards takes many videos. You’ll need to stay consistent and invest in better lighting or a camera to boost your chances. While TikTok is more lenient in its standards for video production value, it remains relevant. If you’re comfortable using multiple means for generating money online, an online earning app could help. Consider using services like Honeygain to share unused internet bandwidth and earn money. Furthermore, take advantage of your shopping by using tools like Fetch or Upside. Then, you can fund your digital career without using personal savings!
Preparations for a TikTok career
Here are some of the things to consider before starting your journey on TikTok:
- Changing your username later could cause issues, so choose a pseudonym you like.
- Pick a niche and (don’t) stick to it. Sometimes, people post slightly different content and get to go viral and score millions of views. However, such viral videos typically don’t lead to stable followers, as they come expecting similar content.
- TikTok is a more personal space than YouTube. So, don’t be formal or follow a rigorous posting plan. It helps to showcase your personality, which, in turn, enables you to build a personal brand. In a way, TikTok lets you record a video in your car and post it to your followers. YouTube creators typically do not have this luxury.
- Nobody likes labels, but sometimes you can choose a direction for posting. For example, you may have decided to be more expressive with your outfits and to use thrifted clothing pieces instead of buying new items. In that case, your TikTok profile could document your journey to discovering your style.
- Share your expertise, but you don’t need to be an expert. Sometimes, seeing people try, fail, and try again is inspiring. Why do you think people enjoy watching house-cleaning or organizing videos? They are motivational!
Content optimization basics
With an idea, account, and funding in place, it’s time to post your first videos. For this, don’t forget the following optimization strategies for helping the video become more popular and receive more views:
- Take advantage of the current trends for your videos.
- Prepare a solid content strategy that attracts views and builds a stable follower base.
- Don’t let your content exist in a vacuum, meaning it should provoke and inspire others. People should be motivated to like the post (by saving it for later) or comment on it to share their views.
- TikTok demands a rather strict posting schedule, with creators ideally posting 1-3 videos per day.
- Add appropriate hashtags to all your posts to help the algorithm identify them and show them to interested viewers.
- Use viral sounds, captions, or effects.
- Create engaging, optimized content that invites potential followers and convinces them to stay. As long as you’re authentic and continue to do things your way, new fans will follow.
Prepare content in advance
Social media altorighms typically prefer people who post a lot. However, persistent posts of poor-quality content could be treated as spam over time. So, we aim for regular posting, ensure each post is worthwhile and genuinely engaging.
Remember: seconds to impress
Think about the way you use TikTok. You endlessly scroll the For You feed, occasionally searching for something or checking if a specific creator posted anything. Creators have a few seconds to impress you, or they will be scrolled past, without having the patience to get to the good part.
Respond to comments and other attempts to engage
In the beginning, responding to every comment will be relatively easy. We strongly urge you to leave no comment unanswered. If people genuinely contact you via DMs (as in being creepy or attempting to scam you), take time to engage. Of course, once your account grows, it will become far too time-consuming to maintain the same standards.
Conclusion
TikTok is one of the most engaging and relaxing social media platforms. Besides watching random videos, people can quickly get news or learn about their preferred subjects. If you’re dreaming of a successful career on this platform, it’s essential to consider whether it’s suitable for your content. Short-form videos will perform better there, especially posts that are optimized and align with your unique content strategy. Until TikTok starts generating money, rely on a few other online earning opportunities to finance your adventure. After all, your production should match the competition and prevent viewers from scrolling away.
