The idea that TikTok gives a boost to a user’s very first post has become a popular theory among creators on the platform. Some TikTok users report noticing significantly higher than usual views, likes, comments, and shares on their inaugural video upload to the app. This supposed “first post boost” could have major implications for content creators’ strategies in approaching TikTok and trying to take advantage of the algorithm. If the first post gets preferential treatment, creators may put extra effort into ensuring their debut on the platform makes a big splash. Understanding whether this theory holds weight can help TikTok users maximize their chance at going viral right off the bat. This article will dive into the evidence around the notion of TikTok boosting first posts and provide tips for optimizing your inaugural TikTok.
What the TikTok Algorithm Looks For
The TikTok algorithm looks at a variety of factors to determine which videos to show to which users. According to experts, the main factors considered by the algorithm include engagement, watches, follows, comments, and more.
Engagement is one of the most important ranking factors, measuring how users interact with a video. Metrics like likes, shares, comments, saves, and time spent watching all contribute to engagement. Videos that receive high engagement quickly are more likely to go viral. As Buffer explains, “The more engagement a video gets, the more TikTok shares it to attract further engagement.” Source
Total watch time also carries significant weight, as TikTok wants to serve videos that keep users engaged on the platform. Videos that are watched for longer periods tend to be suggested to more users.
Gaining new followers and comments after posting a video can also give it a boost from the algorithm. This signals that the content is interesting and worth spreading to new audiences. As Later notes, “If a video starts getting more followers and comments, it’s a sign that it should be shown to more people.” Source
The Theory of the TikTok First Post Boost
Many TikTok users believe the app gives new accounts an initial boost on their very first video post in order to get them hooked on the platform. The theory is that when a new account posts their first video, the TikTok algorithm will push that video out to a wider audience to help the new user gain some initial traction and followers. This artificial boost is thought to decline quickly after the first post, requiring the user to employ better tactics to maintain growth.
As explained on Reddit, “TikTok will always push your first videos out to get you followers (or try to do so).” [1] The idea is that seeing some initial success from the first video post will encourage the new user to continue posting more content. According to TikTokOdds, “An author’s first video should receive more views than their second video (both because TikTok gives first videos a boost, and because the performance of your first video can influence the performance of subsequent videos).” [2]
Evidence Supporting the Theory
Much of the evidence supporting the theory that TikTok boosts a user’s first post comes from anecdotal experiences shared online. For example, some TikTok users on Reddit have reported getting an abnormally high number of views on their very first video, with the views dropping off sharply on subsequent posts [1]. These users frequently express surprise at the initial viral performance of their first TikTok compared to later posts.
In addition, some TikTok users have conducted informal experiments to test the first video boost theory. They create a new account and post an initial video using popular sounds/hashtags, finding the first video generates hundreds or thousands more views than later posts with the same strategy. However, these experiments are limited in scale and lack rigorous controls. The algorithm may be favoring factors besides the first video itself, like a new account receiving an initial boost. More systematic A/B testing would help confirm the effect.
Evidence Refuting the Theory
While some TikTok users swear by the first post boost theory, others have found inconsistent results that bring the theory into question. Some key points of evidence refuting the boost theory include:
Multiple experiments where data showed no clear boost for first posts. In one test by a TikTok creator, first posts saw an average of 15,000 views while later posts in the same day saw up to 80,000 views, refuting the theory (Source).
Many factors impact first post performance, including watch time, captions, hashtags, sound selection, and more. Focusing only on posting order ignores these other critical algorithm factors (Source).
The algorithm favors retention and engagement. Well-made content tailored to your audience is more likely to be promoted than arbitrary first posts (Source).
Overall the evidence shows inconsistent, unpredictable boosts. While posting great content upfront makes sense, data does not confirm preferential treatment for first posts.
Expert Opinions
According to a TikTok representative, “The algorithm looks at a wide range of factors when recommending content, but a user’s follower count or posting frequency do not give any specific advantage or disadvantage.” They noted that great content that engages users is most likely to receive more views and engagement.
Social media expert Neil Patel stated, “Just because it’s your first video on TikTok doesn’t mean you’ll instantly go viral. You still have to capture audience attention with compelling content.” He added that while the algorithm may test your first videos, doing well still requires creativity and understanding your niche.
Industry analyst Debra Williamson commented, “There’s no hard evidence of an intentional boost for first posts. However, new accounts see high engagement as TikTok evaluates them. Maintaining that momentum requires consistently solid content.” She emphasized focusing on long-term audience building over any temporary algorithm gifts.
Other Factors Impacting First Post Performance
While the algorithm may give a slight boost to first posts, there are several other factors that likely have a bigger influence on how a TikTok performs, regardless of whether it’s your first post or hundredth.
Some key factors include:
- Account Quality – An established account with a history of high engagement and followers is more likely to get strong visibility. First posts from a brand new account may struggle.
- Watch Time – Videos that keep viewers watching to the end tend to rank better. Using hooks and pacing content well helps.
- Captions – Clear, engaging captions improve watch time. Hashtags in captions can help with discoverability.
- Hashtags – Using a mix of popular and niche hashtags can help the right audience find your content.
- Followers – Having an existing audience that engages with your posts boosts new content.
Optimizing these factors, rather than relying on an algorithm boost, is key to making any post a success on TikTok. Quality over novelty tends to win out according to social media experts (source).
Tips to Optimize Your First TikTok
When posting your very first TikTok, it’s important to optimize it for maximum engagement, views and follows. Here are some tips:
- Hook viewers right away – Start your video with something eye-catching or surprising to grab attention immediately. This could be showing an interesting prop, asking a question, or doing something unexpected.
- Use relevant hashtags – Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags so your video shows up both in general feeds and to people interested in your specific topic. But don’t overdo it with too many unrelated tags.
- Interact quickly – Be ready to like, comment and follow back anyone who engages with your post. This shows you’re an active member of the TikTok community.
- Encourage shares – Ask viewers to duet, stitch or reshare your video if they enjoyed it. This can help expose your content to their followers.
- Optimize your profile – Fill out your bio, add a profile photo and link to other social accounts so viewers can learn more about you.
With preparation and strategy, you can set your first TikTok up for success and start gaining a loyal following on the platform.
Case Studies
There are some notable examples of TikTok accounts that had very successful first posts and ended up going viral. Here are a few case studies:
@420doggface208 had one of the most viral first TikToks ever, with his video “Morning vibes #fleetwoodmac” garnering over 46 million views and 10 million likes. In the video, he casually sings along to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” while skateboarding and drinking cranberry juice. The laidback vibe was perfectly suited for TikTok, and it kicked off his account in a huge way.1
@charlidamelio was relatively unknown when she posted her first TikTok dancing to “Obsessed” by Addison Rae. That video alone got her 1 million followers in under 3 months. She capitalized on her momentum by consistently posting dance videos, and now has over 142 million followers, becoming one of the biggest stars on the platform.2
@little.blooming.women posted a viral “Day in the Life” morning routine video as their first TikTok, showing their sustainable lifestyle. It reached over 1.2 million views quickly. They leveraged the initial viral boost by continuing to post aesthetic and informational content within that niche.
Conclusion
After reviewing the available evidence, there is no definitive proof that TikTok intentionally boosts a user’s first post. While some users have experienced a high amount of views on their initial video, this can often be attributed to factors like compelling content, use of popular audios, trends and hashtags, and random luck rather than an intentional “boost” from TikTok’s algorithm.
Some studies have shown a slight increase in impressions for first posts, but the effect is quite small. Other analyses found no meaningful difference between a first and second post. Anecdotal experiences also vary wildly. Overall, TikTok’s algorithm remains opaque and appears to reward factors like engagement and video quality more consistently than account age or number of posts.
While a small new account boost is plausible, perhaps to help retain new users, the evidence is currently inconclusive. For new creators, it is better to focus efforts on producing captivating content and using best practices, rather than relying on a “first post boost” that may or may not occur. In summary, the existence of an intentional debut video boost on TikTok is unproven based on available data.
