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Since its inception in 2016, TikTok has captured the world’s attention and made possible to present and share creativity, knowledge, and precious life moments, directly from the mobile phone. Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19, the popularity of this app has significantly increased.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Generation Z is obsessed with TikTok. With the pandemic forcing us all inside our homes and restricting outdoor movement, the app saw a sharp rise in traction and soon reached an astronomical number of users.
So, what is it about TikTok that people actually love? The type of content the application allows is definitely a plus as fast, dynamic, and creative videos are a huge hit. However, these aren’t the main reasons. The most attractive feature is that even though you may have a small number of followers, by picking up on a huge trend – or even creating one – you can go viral!
TikTok isn’t all rainbows and roses though. Because the number of videos are endless, with specific algorithms that provide you with content you like on your for you page, or FYP, it may lead to passive, addicted users with tunnel vision where everything is TikTok-focused.
Think of it like a domino effect. Do something the majority of people don’t like, and you won’t land on anyone’s FYP page. However, jump in on a trend when the whole world is riding that train, and you may become an overnight sensation.
Think of all the major trends on TikTok right now. Do you not think about the pranks being pulled, or the jokes on parents, or even Taylor Swift’s love story dance trend? All these, and more, contribute to increasing your follower base on the addictive application.
To ensure your videos reach a variety of users, you need to keep in mind 5 things that almost all famous TikTok videos have, which are: simplicity, unexpectedness, concrete content, emotional touch, and story-based content.
Another trick to get your videos noticed is the clever use of hashtags. For example, if you are showcasing a story that has a bad guy, use the hashtag #BadGuy which may get you noticed when people search for Billie Eilish’s song. Or if you are showing a love story on how your parents met, you can use the hashtag #LoveStory based on Taylor Swift’s song. Not only is that a popular song, but it’s also had a fair share of videos around the world due to the dance trend.
There are endless ways on how you can increase your fan-base on TikTok. But keep in mind that people look for authenticity in videos, especially in the current pandemic, which has accelerated the flow of content and information. Stay true to yourself, hop in on trends, and become the next internet sensation!
Antoine Boghos is Account Manager at Cicero & Bernay Public Relations, an independent PR agency headquartered in Dubai offering new-age public relations consultancy to the UAE and across the MENA region. | www.cbpr.me