The Tiktok Algorithm Has 5 Phases (New Research)

Introduction

Over the last few months, we've seen numerous TikTok accounts explode in popularity, with hundreds of thousands of followers gained in just 90 days. Conversely, many creators continue to struggle with growing their audience and monetizing their content on the platform. However, there’s no need to despair! Understanding the five phases that TikTok uses to evaluate content can provide valuable insights for creators looking to increase their visibility and engagement on the app.

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Understanding Content Authority

When you post a video on TikTok, the first factor the algorithm assesses is whether your account is an authority in your niche. Authority refers to the consistent traction that your content receives. Think about it like this: a well-established website like YouTube has significantly more authority than a local blog due to the volume of traffic and engagement it receives.

For example, look at creators like Zacharific, who consistently pull millions of views on their videos. They’ve built authority through quality content, rather than merely focusing on daily posts. The more watch time and engagement your videos garner, the more authority your account will have.

However, if you're not already recognized as an authority in your niche, your content will then move to the next evaluation phase.

The Impact of Breaking News and Cultural Drama

TikTok has emerged as a platform where users discuss breaking news and trending topics, somewhat akin to Twitter or Reddit. If your content tackles current events or cultural drama, it is much more likely to garner attention.

For instance, if you create a video addressing a trending issue like a high-profile conflict or a major news story, you’ll tap into widespread search interest, thus receiving a baseline amount of views. This strategy is crucial if you’re seeking to gain traction without established authority.

If your content isn't categorized as breaking news, TikTok evaluates whether your video references trending slang or topics. Incorporating viral phrases and themes into your videos increases the likelihood of gaining immediate views.

Consider popular trends, like "thought husband" or "blue nail theory." If you use or explain these trending terms, you can boost your engagement. This means staying current with TikTok trends and utilizing them in your videos.

Hacking Engagement Metrics

The next phase involves determining if your video promotes engagement metrics and fosters community discussion. While not every video will achieve immediate viral status, videos that hack engagement, garner significant watch time, or encourage community conversations have potential for long-term growth.

For instance, if your video elicits numerous comments or shares, this engagement signals to the algorithm that the content is valuable, leading to increased visibility weeks after posting.

Identifiable Audience Engagement

Finally, the fifth phase assesses whether your video resonates with a specific, identifiable audience. If a subset of users commonly enjoys your content, the algorithm will push it out to that audience. Evergreen content can suddenly gain traction months after posting if it aligns with current trends.

As seen with videos discussing the Titanic post a relevant incident, your content can ride the wave of renewed interest if it captures a topic preferred by a specific audience.

In conclusion, recognizing and leveraging these five phases of the TikTok algorithm can encourage better engagement and growth on the platform. Always aim to create quality content that resonates with users while keeping an eye on trending topics that might boost your discoverability.

Keywords

TikTok Algorithm
Authority
Breaking News
Cultural Drama
Trending Slang
Engagement Metrics
Identifiable Audience
Evergreen Content

FAQ

Q: What are the five phases of TikTok’s algorithm?
A: The five phases are: 1) Assessing content authority, 2) Evaluating breaking news or drama, 3) Checking for trending slang, 4) Measuring engagement metrics, and 5) Determining identifiable audience interest.

Q: How can I increase my authority on TikTok?
A: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that consistently garners watch time and interactions over quantity of posts.

Q: What type of content will perform best on TikTok?
A: Content that addresses breaking news, trending topics, or engages users in community discussions typically performs well.

Q: What is the significance of trending slang on TikTok?
A: Incorporating popular slang and trending phrases can help attract immediate views and engagement, enhancing your video’s visibility.

Q: How does TikTok gauge audience interests?
A: TikTok analyzes viewer interactions to identify distinctive audience segments that find your content appealing, promoting it accordingly.