Have you ever experienced the frustration of posting a video on TikTok, only to have it start off strong with hundreds of views and then suddenly come to a halt? You’re not alone. Many TikTok users wonder if the algorithm is working against them or if they have been shadowbanned. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and discuss strategies to ensure that your TikTok views don’t die out.
The TikTok algorithm consists of two phases: the testing phase and the traffic phase.
During the testing phase, your video is shown to a sample audience of around 200 people.
The algorithm tries its best to match this audience with your content, but it may not necessarily be your ideal viewers, especially if you are a new creator.
If your video performs well in this test phase, it moves on to the traffic phase
Where TikTok starts pushing your video to more and more people, potentially leading to viral success.
So, what determines whether your video performs well in the test phase? TikTok is looking for specific things, such as whether people are swiping away from your video and how much of the video they are actually watching. If a high percentage of the 200 viewers in your sample audience are not stopping to watch your video, it is unlikely to go viral. In this test phase, TikTok is essentially comparing your video’s performance with that of another creator in the same space who creates similar content. It’s a competition, and the winner goes viral.
To consistently win in the test phase and increase your chances of going viral, here are 7 strategies you can implement:
1. Focus on one topic:
By posting about one specific topic, the algorithm can better understand your content and show it to more of your ideal viewers in the test phase.
2. Do your research:
Look at other creators in your space and analyze what videos are working for them. Look for patterns and create your own version of what’s already successful.
3. Increase your posting frequency:
Post between one to three times a day to learn more and improve faster.
4. Timing matters:
Create content that is recent and relevant to increase your chances of going viral.
5. Use trends:
Take advantage of trending sounds and formats to get an extra push from the algorithm.
6. Stop the scroll:
Grab viewers’ attention in the first three seconds of your video with a hook or something interesting.
7. Focus on retention:
Keep viewers engaged by eliminating fluff and making your videos shorter.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of winning in the test phase and entering the traffic phase. However, entering the traffic phase does not guarantee viral success. TikTok will continue to test your content and monitor its performance.
If they notice a decrease in performance, such as more people swiping away or a decrease in view duration, your views will stop. Therefore, it is important to study your videos and look for patterns. Double down on what’s working and consider reposting or remaking your viral videos. If you suspect that you have been shadowbanned, check your video analytics to see if your video is ineligible for the For You feed.
However, most of the time, you are not actually shadowbanned, so creating a new account won’t solve your problems. Instead, focus on improving your content and following the strategies mentioned above.
Conclusion
going viral on TikTok requires understanding the mechanics of the algorithm and implementing effective strategies. By focusing on one topic, doing your research, increasing your posting frequency, timing your content well, using trends, stopping the scroll, and focusing on retention, you can increase your chances of going viral. Remember to analyze your videos, double down on what works, and create high-quality content that wins in the test phase.