EXPOSING my TikTok growth strategy for 2023 (it’s already working!)

For most of 2022, my TikTok growth was totally stagnant, but in the last three weeks, I've gained over 6,000 new followers by implementing one simple strategy. TikTok has evolved a lot since its initial boom in early 2020, and the way creators grow on the platform has changed as well. Throughout 2022, I was stuck around the 14k follower mark, trying various tactics like following trends, using viral audios, and making more casual videos. Despite a few videos gaining some traction, my growth remained stagnant.

However, by the end of 2022, I tried something new and finally restarted my follower growth, coming into 2023 with over 20,000 followers. In this article, I want to share the TikTok growth strategy that has worked for me and how you can use it to achieve similar growth.

The Strategy

The strategy is to treat TikTok like YouTube. TikTok has matured as a platform, much like YouTube did, evolving from dance and lip-sync videos to more sophisticated content that includes explainer videos, video essays, vlogs, and tutorials. With the increase in video length and the diversification of its user base, TikTok is starting to resemble YouTube more closely.

One important point is that while TikTok resembles YouTube in content style, the approach to creating content is different. On YouTube, the goal is to get people to click on your video using a compelling title and thumbnail. On TikTok, the goal is to keep viewers engaged right from the start because users don't choose the content; it's presented to them.

Making Effective TikToks

Here’s a practical example: I made a YouTube video called “Why No One Is Watching Your Vlogs and How to Fix It,” explaining the "but therefore" rule of storytelling. This concept was useful, but my YouTube video performed average. I decided to share this idea on TikTok by filming a new video on my phone, starting with a compelling hook: “If you’re not getting views on YouTube, this might be why.”

To turn strong YouTube concepts into effective TikToks, remember:

Have a compelling hook.
Film fresh content rather than repurposing old videos.
Edit with lots of visuals, b-roll, graphics, and captions to keep engagement high.

Editing Strategy

Adding extra visuals is crucial. I brought my footage onto my computer, added b-roll, graphics, and text, and then sent it back to my phone to upload on TikTok. Although you can edit directly on TikTok, using external editing software can make your videos more engaging.

My viral TikTok, explaining the "but therefore" rule, performed exceptionally well because it was valuable, engaging, and encouraged viewers to follow for more.

Content Creation Workflow

List Ideas: Draw ideas from your YouTube content.
Write Scripts: Short content like TikToks needs precise scripts.
Batch Filming: Film multiple TikToks in one session.
Batch Editing: Edit several TikToks together, adding vital visual elements.
Publish: Schedule your posts throughout the week.

Analyzing Your Performance

Using tools like Dash Hudson can be incredibly useful for tracking your performance across platforms. Dash Hudson offers customizable, visual analytics dashboards, campaign reporting features, and integration with Google Analytics.

By applying these principles, you can grow your TikTok following by treating it similarly to YouTube, focusing on value, engagement, and effective storytelling.

Keywords

TikTok growth
YouTube strategy
engagement
TikTok for You
content creation
editing strategies
Dash Hudson

FAQ

What is the key strategy for growing on TikTok in 2023?

The key strategy is to treat TikTok like YouTube, applying YouTube growth principles to create engaging and valuable content specific to the TikTok platform.

How do you create a compelling TikTok video?

Start with a strong hook, make fresh and engaging content, and use lots of visuals, b-roll, graphics, and captions to maintain viewer interest.

Can I repurpose old YouTube videos for TikTok?

It's better to create fresh content based on YouTube concepts rather than just repurposing old videos. This approach engages the audience more effectively.

How often should I post on TikTok?

It's recommended to publish several times a week, ensuring consistent content flow and maintaining audience engagement.

How important is editing in TikTok videos?

Editing is crucial. Adding b-roll, graphics, text, and captions can significantly enhance engagement and keep viewers interested throughout the video.