Why Likes Matter on TikTok
Likes are one of the most important signals of engagement on TikTok. According to the TikTok algorithm guide, likes indicate that a video resonates with viewers and is engaging [1]. The more likes a video receives, the more TikTok will show it to new users in the For You feed. Essentially, a high number of likes helps a video go viral on the platform.
When your video starts accumulating likes, it tells the TikTok algorithm that people enjoy your content. TikTok wants to surface the most relevant and interesting videos to each user, so it will begin recommending your liked video to more people. With enough likes, TikTok may even put your video on its trending pages. This visibility can lead to an influx of new followers.
In summary, likes are a strong indicator of engagement and interest to the TikTok algorithm. Focus on creating captivating videos that connect with viewers emotionally. Aim for content that elicits likes, which will signal to TikTok that your video deserves a larger audience. With strategic posting and some persistence, the algorithm will begin working in your favor.
Optimizing Your Profile
One of the first things you should do to get more likes on TikTok is to optimize your profile. This includes filling out your bio, adding an eye-catching profile photo, and using relevant hashtags in your bio. According to The Leap, you should choose a profile photo that reflects your brand and highlights your face. They recommend opting for a high-quality headshot if you plan to show your face in your videos. Your username should also clearly communicate what you do on TikTok.
Additionally, your TikTok bio itself is important real estate. You only get 150 characters, so make them count! AMPfluence recommends including your niche or content focus, a call-to-action, and branded hashtags that are relevant to your content. You can also link out to your other social media profiles or website to drive traffic. Just make sure to use the space to communicate your unique value proposition to potential followers.
Lastly, use those coveted bio hashtags strategically. Include a few that are closely related to your niche and content style to help the right users discover you in TikTok’s search and recommendation features.
Posting Interesting and Engaging Content
One of the best ways to get more likes on TikTok is to consistently post interesting and engaging content. According to Flixier, you should aim to post at least 1-3 times per day to stay relevant in viewers’ feeds.
When creating your TikTok videos, be sure to use popular sounds, effects, dances, or other trends. This increases the chances of your content being discovered by others looking for those specific trends. As noted by Social Sellinator, “Utilizing trending hashtags and sounds is key for being discoverable and can lead to your content going viral.”
Focus on creating entertaining or helpful videos based on your niche and interests. Funny, inspirational, or educational content tends to perform well on TikTok. Engage your personality and creativity to stand out from the crowd. Most importantly, aim to produce videos you would genuinely want to watch yourself.
Consistency and quality are key – it’s better to post one great TikTok per day than three mediocre ones. With compelling content optimized around trends and your unique personality, you can build an engaged audience that interacts with each video.
Using Hashtags Strategically
One of the best ways to get your TikTok videos seen by more people is to use relevant hashtags strategically. Hashtags allow users to search for and find videos about specific topics, so using niche hashtags related to your content can help get your videos in front of users interested in those subjects. According to Buffer, “Adding a hashtag to your TikTok video makes it searchable by other users and increases its chances of being discovered.”
Research and use relevant niche hashtags that are directly related to your content and audience. This helps target users most likely to be interested in your videos. However, you also want to mix in a few more general, popular hashtags like #fyp and #fortyou to reach a wider audience. As Sprout Social suggests, using a mix of niche and popular hashtags can help you increase visibility beyond just your current followers.
When it comes to how many hashtags to use, 5-10 is generally a good amount. You want enough to improve discoverability, but not so many that your caption looks spammy. Place your most important and relevant hashtags at the beginning of your caption so they are most visible.
Interacting with Other Users
One of the best ways to get more free likes and engagement on TikTok is by actively interacting with other users, especially those in your niche. Like and comment on others’ videos that are relevant to your niche to build community and encourage engagement. When other users see you engaging with their content, they’re more likely to check out your profile and videos in return. According to [1], building community and interacting with creators in your niche is a simple but effective way to boost engagement.
You can also try duetting or stitching popular videos related to your niche. This allows you to put your own spin on trending content while exposing your profile to the existing audience. The original video creator may even share your duet or stitch if they like it, further expanding your reach. According to [2], this engagement tactic can encourage more interaction with your own videos as well.
Additionally, consider hosting live streams on TikTok around topics your audience cares about. Live streaming allows for real-time interaction with viewers and can boost likes and follows. Make sure to promote your live streams ahead of time to draw in as many viewers as possible. Interacting with viewers in real time helps build an engaged community.
The key is to actively engage with others first. This helps expand your reach and positions you as a valuable member of your niche community. With time and persistence, these interactions can lead to increased visibility and engagement on your own videos and profile.
[1] https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/guide-to-tiktok-engagement
[2] https://keyhole.co/blog/how-to-increase-tiktok-engagement/
Promoting Your Content
One of the most effective ways to get more likes on TikTok is to promote your content across other platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and elsewhere. This cross-promotion helps expose your content to new audiences who may not be on TikTok yet. According to The Art of TikTok Cross-Promotion: How Brands and Influencers Can Grow Together, cross-promoting TikTok videos on other platforms can significantly expand your reach.
You can also consider running TikTok ads if your budget allows. TikTok provides robust advertising options to promote your videos to targeted demographics. Carefully targeted TikTok ads can generate more views and engagement for your existing content.
Additionally, collaborating with influencers in your niche is an excellent cross-promotion technique. Ask relevant TikTok influencers you’ve worked with to share your content with their own audiences on TikTok or other platforms. According to this article, influencer partnerships and cross-promotion can significantly expand your reach and visibility.
Following Trends and Newsjacking
One effective technique for getting more likes and views on TikTok is to capitalize on trends and viral moments by newsjacking. Newsjacking refers to inserting your brand, product, or message into a breaking news story or current event in order to ride the wave of attention [1]. On TikTok, this means quickly creating content related to a trending meme, challenge, sound, news event, etc. Some tips for effective newsjacking on TikTok include:
– Stay constantly up-to-date on the latest viral trends, memes, sounds, and news stories popular among TikTok users. Follow trending hashtags and check out TikTok’s trending feeds daily.
– Put your own creative spin on a trending meme, song, or challenge. Don’t just copy what’s already popular. Add your own style, humor, or message.
– Be timely. Capitalize quickly when a new meme or trend emerges. But don’t be too late to the party.
– Tailor trends specifically to your niche, brand voice, and audience. Choose trends that authentically fit.
– Use trending audio and songs in an innovative way. Don’t just recreate what’s already been done.
– Comment upon trending news and events from your unique perspective. Offer analysis, opinion, or humor.
Newsjacking on TikTok when done right allows you to insert your own creative voice into the conversation around a viral trend. This helps get your content viewed, liked, and shared by the masses already engaged with that trend.[1]
[1] “How to Leverage Newsjacking for Your Content (+Examples).” Semrush, 23 Aug. 2021, https://www.semrush.com/blog/how-to-leverage-newsjacking/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2023.
Posting at Optimal Times
An important strategy for getting more likes for free on TikTok is to post content when your target audience is most active on the app. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, the best times to post on TikTok in the USA are: https://influencermarketinghub.com/best-times-to-post-on-tiktok/
- Monday: 12 PM, 4 PM
- Tuesday: 4 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM
- Wednesday: 1 PM, 2 PM
- Thursday: 5 AM, 3 PM, 6 PM
The key is to post when your followers are most likely to be online and scrolling through their feeds. For example, early morning or during lunch breaks on weekdays tend to be peak times. You’ll want to test out different posting schedules yourself to see what days and times get you the most engagement. Analyze the performance of your videos posted at different times to determine the optimal schedule for your account and target demographic.
Paying for Likes/Followers
Though it may seem tempting to pay for likes or followers in order to quickly boost your profile, this practice is generally not recommended. Buying engagement on TikTok directly violates the platform’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended if detected (Source).
Likes and followers purchased from third-party sites or apps often come from fake accounts or bots, not real users genuinely interested in your content (Source). This inorganic engagement looks suspicious to TikTok’s algorithms and can actually hurt your account’s visibility. It’s better to grow your following organically through creative content, engagement with others, strategic hashtagging, etc.
While buying likes or followers may provide a short-term vanity boost, it cannot substitute for real community-building on TikTok. Focus on delighting viewers and participating actively in the platform. With time and effort, you will attract an authentic audience that truly cares about your content.
Being Patient and Persistent
Gaining an organic following on TikTok takes time and consistency. Don’t get discouraged if your views or likes are low at first. As you continue creating and posting quality content, your audience will gradually grow. Focus on creating value for your viewers and building a sense of community, rather than obsessing over view counts.
As one experienced TikToker advises, “Patience is key. Don’t expect overnight fame and viral videos instantly. It takes time to build an audience, so keep grinding daily and stay consistent with uploading videos” (Source).
Stay motivated and keep experimenting to find what resonates with your niche. The more value you provide, the more your account will grow organically over time. Avoid trying to take shortcuts like buying views or followers, as genuine engagement is what matters most.
