I Rigged the TikTok Algorithm To Make Me Go Viral

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of social media, TikTok stands out as a platform driven by a singular, powerful algorithm that shapes the content users consume. Understanding this algorithm is crucial for anyone seeking to achieve viral fame. Recently, I undertook an experiment to uncover the secrets behind TikTok’s algorithm and leverage it to gain instant popularity.

The Experiment

I started with zero followers and aimed to reach 100,000 in just seven days. By analyzing my previous results and gathering insights from fellow TikTok creators, I formed a strategy that involved posting a total of 20 TikToks throughout the week, gradually shifting from technology-themed content to algorithm-centric material. The goal? To secretly reveal that my audience was part of an ongoing experiment.

Daily Posting Strategy

To systematically test my theories, I decided to implement a control and experimental approach for each day's posts:

1. Control Video: The first TikTok of the day would be a simple video without hashtags or music, serving as a baseline for comparison.
2. Experiment Videos: The second TikTok would utilize trending hashtags—specifically #fyp and #foryou—while the third would incorporate a popular sound but remain inaudible (volume turned to zero). This was designed to see if the addition of popular sounds helped boost engagement.

From the outset, I observed the impact of each strategy on my follower growth and engagement rates.

Results and Discoveries

By the fourth day of my experiment, I had garnered over 71,000 followers and received 1.3 million likes. The standout performer in terms of views was a video discussing Apple’s new direction, which surprisingly garnered 2.8 million views, mainly due to the popular sound trick used in the background.

Through this process, I quickly confirmed that hashtags appeared to be less significant in looping viewers in, as videos without hashtags performed similarly to those with them. The key factor was indeed the famous sounds; videos using this trick achieved an astonishing average of 237,100 likes compared to 840 likes for those without.

However, the experiment wasn't without its hiccups. Uploading at an unprecedented rate led to TikTok temporarily flagging my account for suspicious activity, causing a brief pause in my posting ability.

Insights Gained

As the experiment drew to a close, I recognized that the TikTok audience operated differently than my established audience on YouTube; while I leveraged aggressive growth strategies, educational content about algorithms did not resonate well with TikTok users, most of whom preferred lighthearted or controversial material.

Through deeper dives into viewers' engagement, it also became clear that uniqueness reigns supreme. Rather than following trends, my approach of producing original content differentiated my brand. TikTok’s algorithm thrives on fresh content, seeking to entertain its billions of users by providing them with something new.

Analyzing the Data

Upon analyzing 10,000 TikTok videos, I discovered that 79.2% of videos on the For You Page utilized hashtags. Interestingly, videos without hashtags averaged 718,423 likes while those using them averaged slightly lower at 547,252 likes. This further substantiated the notion that while hashtags might not negatively impact engagement, they don't inherently boost it either.

Conclusion

In my week-long journey, I learned that creativity, originality, and leveraging trending audio can dramatically influence success on TikTok. As I completed my challenge with just under 100,000 followers, the real lesson remained clear: the algorithm prefers unique, engaging content that keeps users wanting more.

Keyword

• TikTok
• Algorithm
• Viral Fame
• Hashtags
• Sound Theory
• Content Creation
• Engagement
• Followers

FAQ

Q: How did you gain 100,000 followers on TikTok in seven days?
A: I implemented a posting strategy involving a mix of content types, including control videos, hashtag-driven posts, and videos with popular sounds, all aimed at testing the algorithm.

Q: Did hashtags make a significant difference in your video performance?
A: No, my analysis showed little significant difference in engagement between videos with hashtags and those without.

Q: What type of content works best on TikTok?
A: Engaging, original content that is different from trending posts does well. Educational content may not resonate with TikTok's largely younger demographic.

Q: How important are popular sounds in TikTok videos?
A: Popular sounds can enhance engagement, and using them effectively, even on low volume, appeared to significantly boost likes and views.

Q: What was the overall outcome of the experiment?
A: The experiment was successful in demonstrating the impact of innovative content creation on follower growth and engagement, with nearly 100,000 followers gained in just one week.