"I can't do TikTok... I can barely manage Instagram!"

I can't do TikTok... I can barely manage Instagram! | Beginner TikTok Tips!

Introduction

Hey beautiful people! It's Erin from Aaron on Demand, and today we’re diving into TikTok! I’ve actually never talked about TikTok on YouTube before, but here we go. I've been growing on TikTok and wanted to share some things I’ve learned as I acclimate to the platform. I am by no means a TikTok expert; I've mainly been having fun and posting random things that have gained traction. Let’s break some of those things down!

Getting Started

When I first joined TikTok, I felt completely lost and confused. Everyone said it was easy to go viral on TikTok, so I began repurposing my Instagram Reels. Instagram is my secondary platform after YouTube, which I use for more short-form, day-to-day content.

Frustrations with Instagram

I noticed that Instagram was becoming very repetitive and stuffy, with my engagement still being good but everything feeling like it was turning into short-form video content. I also noticed a lot of the popular content on Instagram Reels was being repurposed from TikTok. So, I decided to see what TikTok was all about.

Early Experiments

At first, I uploaded random Instagram Reels over a year, with little success. On February 9th, I started taking TikTok seriously and uploaded a video answering a common question for small business owners. Along with that, I uploaded an old time-lapse with a simple motivational quote. Surprisingly, the latter took off with over 20,000 views quickly.

Observations and Insights

Creating content on TikTok felt easier and more authentic. Unlike Instagram, which often feels curated and aesthetic-driven, TikTok rewards authenticity. Therefore, I noticed that my more genuine, off-the-cuff posts performed better. For example, discussing personal gadgets or sharing behind-the-scenes content was well-received.

TikTok’s Algorithm

TikTok's algorithm focuses on engagement rather than the number of followers. Good engagement can push your content to a broader audience quickly. For instance, it took me years to reach 10,000 followers on Instagram, but only a few months on TikTok.

Challenges and Recommendations

Juggling multiple platforms can feel overwhelming. I recommend creating content specifically for TikTok and repurposing it for Instagram if you lack the bandwidth. This approach generally works better than vice versa.

Encouragement

If you're overthinking your content creation process, I encourage you to try TikTok. The platform allows you to be more consistent because it's less about perfection and more about raw, genuine content. Try posting once a day for five days and see how it goes.

Conclusion

I hope you found this helpful. My focus has shifted more toward TikTok and YouTube, and less on Instagram. Give TikTok a try and explore different platforms like Pinterest and LinkedIn to see what works best for you. If you have questions or thoughts, feel free to comment.

Love you all and happy creating!

Keywords

TikTok
Instagram
Engagement
Authenticity
Content Creation
Algorithm
Followers
Social Media Strategy

FAQ

Q: Is it easier to go viral on TikTok compared to Instagram?

A: Yes, TikTok's algorithm focuses on engagement rather than the number of followers, making it easier to reach a broader audience quickly.

Q: Can I repurpose Instagram Reels for TikTok?

A: While you can repurpose content, creating content specifically for TikTok often works better. TikTok rewards more authentic, raw content.

Q: How long does it take to grow on TikTok?

A: Growth on TikTok can be faster compared to Instagram. For instance, reaching 10,000 followers on TikTok took me only a few months.

Q: What type of content performs well on TikTok?

A: Authentic, off-the-cuff content tends to perform better on TikTok. The platform rewards genuine, less polished content.

Q: Should I focus on multiple social media platforms?

A: It depends on your bandwidth. If managing multiple platforms is overwhelming, focus on creating content for TikTok and repurpose it for other platforms like Instagram.

Q: Is there a time limit for TikTok videos?

A: Yes, TikTok videos can be up to three minutes long, giving you a decent amount of time to share valuable content.