Everyone on TikTok wants the same thing: more views. It can feel confusing when you post a video you love, but it only gets a handful of views. You might be asking, "What am I doing wrong?"
The good news is that getting more views isn't about luck or magic. It’s about understanding how the TikTok platform works and using a few simple, powerful strategies. This guide will walk you through easy steps you can start using today to get your videos in front of more people.
First, Understand the TikTok "For You" Page (FYP)
Think of the "For You" page as TikTok’s main stage. It’s a personalized feed where TikTok shows videos it thinks each user will like. Your main goal is to get your videos on the FYP of people who don't already follow you.
TikTok’s algorithm (the computer program that decides what gets seen) loves three main things:
Engagement: How much people interact with your video (likes, comments, shares, and watching it all the way through).
Video Information: The details you add, like your captions, hashtags, and the sounds you use.
Device & Account Settings: This includes your language and country, but it’s less important for you to worry about.
Now, let’s use this knowledge to get you more views.
1. Hook Them in the First Three Seconds
On TikTok, you have no time to waste. People scroll very fast. If your video doesn’t grab their attention immediately, they will skip it. When TikTok sees people skipping your video quickly, it thinks your video is not interesting and will stop showing it to others.
How to create a strong hook:
Start with a question: "Do you ever wonder why your videos don't get views?"
Show the most exciting part first: If you’re baking a cake, start with the beautiful, finished product covered in frosting.
Use text on the screen: "You’re doing your laundry wrong." This makes people curious to keep watching.
Look straight at the camera with an expressive face. Emotion is a powerful hook.
2. Use Trending Sounds and Songs
Sound is half the TikTok experience. Trending sounds are like inside jokes – everyone is in on them, and using them makes your video feel current and relevant.
How to use sounds effectively:
Go to the "Discover" page and click on the "Trending" tab to find popular sounds.
When you see a sound used a lot on your FYP, click on the spinning record icon at the bottom of the video and "Add to Favorites" or "Use this sound."
You don’t have to dance! Even if a sound is from a dance trend, you can use it for a comedy skit, a cooking video, or just talking. The algorithm will connect your video to the larger trend.
3. Write Captions That Start Conversations
Your caption is the text that goes below your video. A good caption encourages people to comment, and comments are a strong form of engagement that tells TikTok your video is valuable.
How to write great captions:
Ask a question: "Which one would you choose?" or "What's your best tip for this?"
Ask for help: "Comment below if you can relate!"
Tell people to "Double-tap if you agree!" or "Share with a friend who needs to see this."
4. Be Smart with Hashtags
Hashtags help TikTok understand what your video is about and who might want to see it. But don’t just use a million random hashtags.
A simple hashtag strategy:
Use 3-5 relevant hashtags. Too many can look spammy.
Mix them up:
1 Niche Hashtag: A specific hashtag for your content (e.g., #EasyRecipes, #GardenTips, #CatComedy).
1 Broad Hashtag: A popular hashtag to get more reach (e.g., #fyp, #foryou, #viral).
1-2 Descriptive Hashtags: These describe exactly what is in the video (e.g., #ChocolateCake, #BeginnerGardening, #FunnyCats).
5. The Power of Consistency & Posting Time
Posting regularly tells TikTok that you are an active creator worth promoting. You don’t have to post 10 times a day, but try to find a schedule you can stick to, like once a day or 3-4 times a week.
When to post:
The best time to post is when your audience is most active. Generally, this is in the evenings and on weekends when people are relaxing and scrolling. However, you can check your TikTok "Analytics" (available on a Pro account) to see exactly when your followers are online. A Pro account is free and very useful!
6. Create "Binge-Worthy" Content Series
When you find a video you love on Netflix, you watch the next episode, right? You can do the same on TikTok. Create a series of videos around a single topic.
Examples of a series:
"3 Ways to Style One Jacket" (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
"My Plant Progress" (showing a plant growing every week)
"Learning a New Skill in 30 Days"
This makes people come back to your profile to watch the next part, which increases your overall views and helps you gain loyal followers.
7. Engage With Your Viewers and Other Creators
TikTok is a social network. Be social!
Reply to Comments: When people take the time to comment, reply to them! This builds a community and tells the algorithm your video is sparking conversation.
Do Duets and Stitches: These features allow you to interact directly with other people's videos. It’s a fantastic way to get your content seen by a new audience. Find a popular video in your niche and add your own funny or helpful twist to it.
Watch and comment on other videos in your niche. Be genuine, not just "Follow me!" This helps you become part of the community.
8. Quality Matters: But Keep it Simple
You don’t need a Hollywood camera. Your phone is perfect. But a few small improvements can make a big difference.
Clean Your Lens: A smudged camera lens makes videos blurry.
Good Lighting: Film in front of a window during the day for beautiful, soft, natural light. It’s free and very effective!
Clear Audio: Speak clearly and try to film in a quiet place. If you’re using a voiceover, you can use a simple microphone that plugs into your phone.
Use Subtitles: Many people watch videos with the sound off. Adding text or using TikTok’s auto-captions makes your content accessible to everyone.
Final Thoughts: Be Patient and Be You
Getting more views on TikTok is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t get discouraged if one video doesn't perform well. Try out these strategies, see what works for your audience, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Your unique personality is your biggest advantage. People connect with real, genuine creators. So share your passion, tell your story, and use these tips to help the world find you. Your next viral video is just one upload away.
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