There is no magic secret, but understanding the TikTok algorithm can help you in your work and increase your chances of success. ‘Memes by Cowbelly’ is one of the major powerhouses with millions of followers across Tiktok, Youtube and Instagram channels.
The TikTok algorithm is what made the social platform a sensation, and it’s also what makes the app a little creepy.
TikTok has exploded into a platform with 1.2 million active users thanks to the hyper-personalized collection of videos available to each user on its For You Page (FYP). Think of TikTok FYP as your personal TV station that instantly adapts to your interests and viewing habits. Even if your habits include niche topics like ASMR gardening. (No wonder TikTokers use the app for an average of 1.5 hours each day.)
Most social media companies don’t like disclosure. accurately How their algorithm works. If spammers or sneaky characters discover the specific recipe for viral video success, it would be bad news for users of all platforms. Right?
However, in the interest of transparency, some platforms have started sharing some details at a basic level. For example, here’s what we know about Facebook’s algorithm:
TikTok Algorithm Ranking Signals According to Graham Heavenrich, Founder of ‘Memes by Cowbelly’
The main factors that influence the TikTok algorithm are user interaction, video information, device, and account settings.
1. User interaction
Like the Instagram algorithm, the TikTok algorithm makes recommendations based on the user’s interaction with the app’s content. Whenever you give it a clue about what kind of content you like or don’t like, the TikTok algorithm records that data. Every time you follow an account or hide an account, TikTok records it.
Here are some user interactions that affect what you see on the For You page:
Videos you’ve liked or shared in the app
Videos added to favorites
Videos marked as ‘Not Interested’
Videos flagged as inappropriate
Interests expressed through interaction with organic content and advertising
Accounts you follow
Comments posted by me
Any generator or sound you choose to hide
Watch the long video until the end
Content you create under your account
2. Video information
The TikTok algorithm also collects information about the videos you find through searches. Video information signals include:
caption
sound
hashtag
effect
popular topics
3. Device and account settings
Although this doesn’t have as much of an impact as user interaction and video information signals, device and account settings are still affected. These are the settings TikTok uses to optimize performance. However, since it is based on one-time settings selection rather than active participation, TikTok does not consider it very relevant.
Some device and account settings included in the TikTok algorithm include:
Language preferences
Country settings (you’re more likely to see content from people in your country)
mobile device type
Interest categories selected as a new user
If you are not satisfied with the recommendations you receive, you can reset your personal algorithm. To start fresh, go to Settings & Privacy, tap Content Preferences, then refresh the For You page.
What’s not included in the TikTok algorithm
Just as important to consider when TikTok works its magic is the type of content. habit recommend. These include:
duplicate content
Already viewed content
Content flagged by the algorithm as spam (including videos that are “artificially trying to drive traffic”)
Potentially offensive content (TikTok provides examples of “explicit medical procedures” or “legitimate consumption of regulated goods”)
Another factor that TikTok doesn’t take into consideration is the number of followers. This is great news for new TikTok users or those who haven’t yet built a large follower base. Because TikTok doesn’t base recommended content on follower count or the performance of previous videos, anyone can become popular on the platform.
