Ask a Gen Z: WTF is TikTok?
When it comes to TikTok, I completely understand the hesitation to join the app and the confusion about what the app is in general. I was like you once! The first couple of times I tried to log on, all I saw were thirteen-year-olds popping and locking, contouring their faces, and even painting full-on masterpieces better than I ever could. The video editing alone was intimidating (I’m ashamed at how long it took me to figure out how to add text to my videos!) — but add some seriously skilled young people into the mix? Intimidating AF!
After doing some research and letting my algorithm sort itself out, I fell totally in love with the app. It’s like Vine, but longer — and maybe even better? (Gen Z blasphemy, I know.) For me, TikTok has actually become a major source of content inspiration and a stellar resource for me as someone who’s in the business of keeping up with the latest in social media — I’m here to help you do the same!
Check out my answers to some TikTok FAQs!
WHAT IS THIS ALGORITHM EVERYONE KEEPS REFERENCING?
Much like Instagram, TikTok runs on an algorithm or formula that weeds through content on the platform to show you things it thinks you’ll like, and keep away things you don’t. And boy, does the algorithm work HARD. For example, I liked ONE video of Adam Driver on SNL, and the next three or four videos I saw were Adam Driver fan-edits. Not that I’m complaining, but the turn around is that quick!
@nbcsnl “Ok boomer” – Randy the Intern (jk, Kylo Ren)
https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js
The only way to hone your algorithm to fit your interests and to ensure you’ll see content that you like or that inspires you is to spend time on the app. If you see something you love, be sure to like it (tap the heart on the right of your screen – you’ll know you’ve liked it if the heart turns red) and then follow the person who created the video.
WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP SAYING “FYP”?
“FYP” stands for For You Page – aka, the main feed of videos that the algorithm finds for you. Think of it as your Explore Page on Instagram – when you click into a post on your explore page, Instagram automatically populates other posts that are similar for you to scroll through. The same goes for your #FYP!
I HATE THIS VIDEO. WHY IS IT ON MY “FOR YOU PAGE”?
The algorithm, the algorithm, the algorithm. While she is powerful, she’s not always on point (I like Adam Driver, but all these fan-edit videos are not really the content I came for.) Luckily, you can tell the algorithm when something comes up that you’re not a fan of.
Tap the arrow at the bottom right of your screen and tap the broken heart icon, which reads “Not Interested.”
If the video is offensive or inappropriate, you can also report it to TikTok by clicking the flag icon that reads “Report.”
HOW COME NO ONE IS LIKING MY VIDEOS?
Getting traction on this app is probably what keeps most influencers from even getting started. It takes a while to build up a following and likes in order for the algorithm to prioritize your videos. However, there are easy steps you can take to help yourself along.
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Add Tags! Just like you’d use a trending hashtag on an Instagram post, using a trending hashtag will help your video be seen by as many eyeballs as possible.
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Use a trending sound. You’ll notice when a sound is trending – it’ll be everywhere! With users picking and choosing how they put their own spin on it. Think of it as another type of trending hashtag you can add to your video.
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Share your TikTok videos on your other social media channels. Chances are your followers on one platform will want to follow you on another. You can also connect your Instagram to your TikTok.
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Pick a niche and stick with it – and make sure it’s something you can speak to! If you’re a travel blogger, make a supercut of some of your favorite videos from your last trip. If you’re into wellness and post workouts to your IGTV, repurpose them for your TikTok page! Once you consistently create content within that niche, TikTok will recognize that you’re an authority in that space, and reward you with traffic to your page.
WHICH BOOSTS YOUR PAGE MORE – LIKES OR FOLLOWERS?
Sort of both, kind of neither.
In a sense, likes matter more than followers. For example, one of your videos can go viral and get, let’s say, 15.5k likes. That specific video will get your page traffic, but it doesn’t necessarily mean every subsequent video that you post will perform that well. That said, a percentage of the people who liked your video will probably wind up following you as well, meaning they’ll see everything you post from here on out, and the algorithm will put your videos on their Following AND For You pages.
Overall, the most important thing you can do to boost your page is post consistent content that gets good engagement, the same as on any social platform!
IN CLOSE…
I hope these answers help you get your foot in the TikTok door! Be sure to follow our sisters from HollywoodLife and StyleCaster on TikTok — and let us know if you think it’s time to get #BlogHer in the TikTok game!
Do you have a burning ‘Tok question you think I missed? Want answers? Feel free to DM us on Instagram, @ us on Twitter, post in our BlogHer Creators Facebook group, or comment on this article.
