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What is the TikTok algorithm? - or behind tiktok's algorithm
The TikTok algorithm is a proprietary formula that determines which account TikTok videos to recommend to each user.
No two TikTok users will see the same combination of videos on their For You page: this feed is indeed unique and extremely personalized. In fact, the type of content you see on this page changes over time, as the algorithm readjusts based on your changing viewing preferences.
Other data from the video itself is taken into account in the TikTok algorithm, such as the description, filters, sounds, hashtags and even special effects. It is important for a content creator to closely monitor these elements, in order to analyze which ones are popular and thus, gradually adjust their strategies to increase their visibility.
Here’s how TikTok defines the For You page algorithm:
“A stream of videos tailored to your interests, making it easy to find the content and creators you like… powered by a recommendation system that offers each user content likely to interest them."
How does the TikTok algorithm work?
Most social media companies don't like to reveal exactly how their algorithm works. What could be worse than a spammer or a scammer using this information to post a sure-fire viral video?
But in the interest of transparency, some platforms have started sharing some brief information (here's what we know about the Facebook algorithm, for example).
All this to say that TikTok finally published a post in 2020 to explain several essential ranking signals for its algorithm. While there is no doubt that the TikTok algorithm has evolved over the past four years, TikTok has not released any new details about it since this post (they are so mysterious!). We must therefore work with the information we have, even if it turns out to be quite limited.
TikTok Algorithm Ranking Signals
The main factors that influence the TikTok algorithm are: user interactions, information associated with videos, and device and account settings.
1. User interactions
Like the Instagram algorithm, the TikTok algorithm is based on user interactions with the content of the application to generate its recommendations. Every time you give as apprentice it a hint about what type of content you like or don't like, TikTok's algorithm records that data. Likewise, every time you follow or hide an account, TikTok takes note.
The For You page recommends content based on several factors, such as:
- Videos you liked or shared on the app
- Videos you have added to your favorites
- Videos you marked as “Not Interested”
- Videos you've flagged as inappropriate
- Interests you have shown by interacting with organic content and ads
- The accounts you follow
- Comments you have posted
- The creators or sounds you have chosen to hide
- Longer videos you watched until the end
- Content you create on your own account
The first two seconds of the video are essential, because they define whether users will stay on the content or not. A video deemed relevant, according to the algorithm, is one that has retained attention until the end. Thus, it is certain that a good video quality, with a captivating visual, will more influence a person to stay for a long time.
Video content also plays a crucial role in visibility. In 2024, people are looking to see unique, creative content that stirs emotions or reactions. Authenticity is a key factor behind tiktok's algorithm in establishing trust and connection with the user. This ensures that it is faithful to the published content and therefore encourages the maintenance of visibility.
(to be continued)
