TikTok is one of the few platforms where you can grow popular without many followers. TikTok algorithms do not focus on the number of followers but on the quality and engagement of content. This means even a beginner can make a video that will get into recommendations and gain thousands (and sometimes millions) of views.
But how do we achieve this? In this article, let’s break down a step-by-step strategy for creating a trending video, even if you have few followers.
1. Choose the right topic: focus on trends
TikTok is a platform where new trends, challenges, sounds, and effects appear daily. If you want a video to become popular, use ideas that are already trending and adapt them to suit you.
Where to look for trends?
- Recommendations (‘For You’) section — browse and check out which videos are gaining millions of views right now.
- Trending sounds — Visit TikTok’s sound library and see what tracks are used most often.
- TikTok Trends в Google — TikTok algorithms promote videos with popular sounds. This means that if you’re making content with a trending track, you’re more likely to get a ‘For You’ feed.
- Popular bloggers — Follow the top Ticktockers in your niche and see what videos they’re making.
💡 Example: if you see everyone making videos with the same sound, do something similar but with your own ‘twist’.
2. Use trending sounds and effects
TikTok algorithms promote videos with popular sounds. This means that if you’re making content with a trending track, you’re more likely to get a ‘For You’ feed.
How to do it?
- Open TikTok and click ‘+’ to create a video.
- Go to the Sounds section.
- Pick one of the songs marked ‘On Trend’.
- Make a video with that sound.
💡 Example: Are you a fashion blogger? Then use a trending sound and make a ‘5 looks for the week’ video, and if you’re a freelancer, record responses to typical client questions with a funny audio track.
3. Keep the audience’s attention from the first seconds
Fact: TikTok measures view time (time spent watching a video). The longer people watch your video, the higher the chance it will be shown to other users.
So how do you keep the audience’s attention?
- An exciting start to the video: The first 2-3 seconds should hook the viewer. Start with intrigue, a question, or a surprise shot.
- Fast development: Avoid long introductions — get straight to the point.
- Dynamics: Use short video clips, change perspectives, and add text.
❌ Bad start: ‘Hi! Today I want to tell you how…’ (boring, the viewer has already stopped watching).
✅ Good start: ‘Here’s what I learned when I tried to make money on TikTok in 24 hours!’ (intrigue, want to watch till the end).
4. Add text and subtitles
Why is this important?
- Many people watch TikTok without sound and the text helps convey the meaning.
- The headlines in the video immediately let you know what the video is about and keep your attention.
How to do it?
- Add large text at the beginning of the video, such as: “How I gained 10K followers in a week”.
- Use subtitles or text inserts if you’re talking in the video.
Header Formulas:
- ‘What happens if…?’
- ‘You’ve been doing it wrong all this time!’
- ‘5 mistakes that keep you from getting followers.’
5. Use hashtags properly
How do hashtags work on TikTok?
- They help algorithms figure out what your video is about.
- Hashtags increase reach, but you don’t want to put tags that are too popular (like #fyp #viral) because millions of people use them.
How do you choose the right hashtags?
- 2-3 niche hashtags (#freelance #makeup #business)
- 1-2 trending hashtags (#trends2024 #newchallenge)
- 1-2 generalized hashtags (#tips #lifehacks)
💡 Example: If you are making a video about SMM, instead of #fyp, it is better to use #smm, #promotioninTikTok, and #TikToktips.
6. Take part in Challenges and Collaborations
TikTok loves Challenges — videos where users repeat particular actions or complete tasks.
Where do you look for the Challenges?
- On TikTok trends
- From popular bloggers
- In the Effects section (Challenges there are often tied to masks and filters)
How do you participate?
- Make videos by adding an original pitch.
- Tag popular bloggers and those who have run the challenge.
- Call subscribers to participate, and make it interactive.
💡 Example: a TikTok challenge with dancing to a trending sound can be converted into ‘How would my cat dance to this trend?’
7. Interact with other users
TikTok promotes content that generates comments, likes, and reposts.
How do you encourage follower engagement?
- Ask questions in the video: ‘Do you think it’s worth trying this?’
- Add a call to action: ‘If you enjoyed it, give it a like and subscribe!’
- Use Duets and Stitches: React to popular videos or give your point of view.
💡 Example: An SMM expert might record a reaction to a video of a blogger who says that ‘hashtags don’t work’ and explain their point of view.
Summary: The formula for a successful TikTok video
To get recommended, your video must meet the following criteria:
- Use trends (sounds, effects, challenges)
- Keep attention (catchy start, dynamics)
- Be comprehensible (add text and subtitles)
- Use proper hashtags (not too general, but not highly specialized either)
- Generate engagement (comments, likes, reposts)
