TikTok 101
Welcome to TikTok Academy, Class is in Session
Photo courtesy of Hello I’m Nik.
Let’s talk about TikTok. The platform has made a splash as the most downloaded app in the Apple App Store, grossing over 33 million (yep, that’s right, million) downloads in a single quarter. It seems like every person in the world is on TikTok so, if you’re a company or a brand that wants to tap into this market, here’s a few tips to succeed on the platform.
Before you say “Isn’t TikTok just for teenagers?!” think again! According to Statista, 22.4% of users are between the ages of 20-29, 21.7% of users are aged 30-39, and 20.3% of users are aged 40-49. So chances are, no matter what your product is, your audience is on TikTok.
TikTok Tips
Partake in Trends
TikTok is all about taking a trend and putting your own spin on it. Luckily this means you’ll have endless video ideas at your fingertips. Just head to the “For You” Page and scroll until you find an idea that is relevant to your niche. Don’t be afraid to get creative! TikTok is all about authenticity. Throw formalities out the window when creating content.
Tip: A great way to lighten your load is to find other businesses in your niche, and see what they’re doing! You never want to copy someone word for word, but getting a little inspiration never hurt anyone!
Trending Sounds
One of the best things about TikTok is the extensive sound library. With new sounds being created and uploaded every day, you’ll never get bored. Whether it’s a funny audio, or a Harry Styles/Lizzo mashup song, there’s an amazing sound for any mood!
Photo courtesy of Yan Berthemy.
Although sound is one of the most fun parts about TikTok, be sure to also use added text or captions to help keep your audience engaged. It’s important to remember that lots of people scroll through TikTok without audio, so you want to make sure you’re engaging those users as well. Think about how many people are just scrolling aimlessly while they’re watching a Netflix show at night, or maybe they’re just waiting in line at the DMV. The point is, you don’t want to miss out on a whole group of people just because you didn’t take the time to add closed captioning.
Hot Tip: to get the best results, you need to be posting at least once per day. It seems like a lot (and it is), but remember, you don’t have to make perfectly manicured masterpieces, just be authentic!
Use Different Hashtags
One way to stand out amongst the crowd is by tagging your video with a variety of hashtags. In order to game the algorithm, you’ll want a mix of small, medium and large reach hashtags. It’s easier to gain traction in smaller hashtags where there is less activity, but you need to include large hashtags (1 million+ tags) in order to maximize the exposure. After all, the bigger the hashtag means the more people that have eyes on it.
Set Realistic Expectations
So many brands think that TikTok is this magical platform where they’ll get a million followers overnight. Be sure that they have realistic expectations and understand that they probably won’t get 100,000 followers overnight. (Never say never, but you get the idea)
Photo courtesy of Amanda Vick.
What Makes A Good Video?
Although you might not get 100,000 followers overnight, you sure can try! Here’s a checklist of things you can do to ensure you’re on the right track to your first viral video:
- Use Trending Sounds
- Be Authentic
- Use a Mix of Hashtags
Build Your TikTok Marketing Plan
Ready to go viral or are you looking for a bit more help to get started? Meerkat Media Group has a vast range of experience with everything from daily content creation to complete brand marketing. If you’re looking for guidance on how to effectively convey your message, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can use TikTok to help grow your business!
