Why getting the first like matters
Getting that critical first like on TikTok is hugely important for setting your video’s momentum and future success. As this article explains, the number of likes directly relates to popularity and engagement on the platform. Your first like indicates that a real user took the time to watch and appreciate your content. This triggers TikTok’s algorithm to start recommending your video more broadly to other users who may be interested. According to this source, an author’s first video often receives more views than their second one, because of the initial boost TikTok provides. That first like also provides important social proof that your content is appealing. Additional viewers will be more inclined to hit the like button themselves once they see your video already has engagement. In summary, that first like sets momentum for your video to earn more likes, while prompting the algorithm to share it more widely.
Optimize your video
To get that coveted first like, it’s important to optimize your video by creating an appealing thumbnail, avoiding excessive text overlays, and having clear audio. An eye-catching thumbnail helps grab attention in the busy TikTok feed. According to Mixcord, thumbnails with close-up portraits or interesting scenes from your video tend to perform well. Avoid cluttering your thumbnail or video with too much text as that can be distracting. Lastly, clear audio is key for an engaging viewing experience. As noted by Nova A.I., background noise and muffled audio can cause viewers to scroll past your video quickly
Choose the right time to post
Posting at the right time is crucial for getting that coveted first like on TikTok. You’ll want to post when your target audience is most active on the platform. According to this source, the best times to post for engagement are Wednesday through Friday between 11am-1pm. Late afternoons between 5-7pm are also ideal.
Avoid posting during oversaturated times when lots of other users are also posting content. Early mornings and evenings tend to be more competitive. Check your TikTok analytics to see when your existing followers are most active and engaging with your content. This can provide great insights into the optimal times to post for your niche and audience.
Posting when your followers are actively scrolling TikTok gives your video the greatest chance of getting those all-important first likes quickly. Pay close attention to analytics and adjust your posting times accordingly.
Use relevant hashtags
Hashtags are crucial for getting your videos discovered on TikTok. You’ll want to include a mix of popular hashtags and niche hashtags relevant to your content.
Some best practices for using hashtags effectively include:
- Research trending and niche hashtags using sites like VidIQ. Look for hashtags with high views but lower competition.
- Include a mix of 5-10 popular hashtags and several niche hashtags. Too many hashtags looks spammy.
- Put your hashtags in the caption, not in a comment. This makes them more visible.
- Try using hashtag challenges like #LearnOnTiktok to tap into larger audiences.
- Use hashtags that are relevant to your content’s topic, tone, and purpose.
Following these tips can help the right users find your TikTok video organically through hashtag searches.
Interact with your followers
One of the best ways to get your first like on TikTok is to interact with your followers. When you take the time to engage with others on the platform, it shows that you care about building a sense of community. According to experts, you should make sure to like and comment on your followers’ videos. Leaving thoughtful comments on their content helps create a personal connection. You can also do duets and stitches with their videos as another way to interact. This shows them that you appreciate their content while getting exposure to their followers as well.
Building relationships within the TikTok community takes effort but can pay off tremendously. As you support others, they will be more inclined to support you back. One study found that users who liked and commented on others’ videos had a 5% higher engagement rate on their own content. So take some time to get involved with your target audience and engage with their content. This kind of meaningful interaction helps build a loyal following which will be there to provide that coveted first like.
Promote Your Video
One effective way to promote your video after posting it on TikTok is by sharing it on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube. This exposes your content to new audiences that may not be on TikTok. You can include a call-to-action in the caption directing people to check out your TikTok channel. According to TikTok’s guide, cross-promoting your videos can help them gain more views.
You can also run TikTok ads to increase visibility. TikTok provides an Ads Manager tool to target your promotions and track their performance. Setting up a campaign with a budget and strategic targeting can get your videos in front of more potential viewers.
Encouraging your current TikTok followers to share your new video is another promotional tactic. Engage with commenters and thank viewers for any shares. Make it easy for people to share by uploading natively to TikTok rather than linking to content hosted elsewhere. The more your video spreads through shares, the more likely it is to be discovered.
Follow trends strategically
One way to get more views and likes on your TikTok videos is to follow popular trends strategically. But it’s important not to just blindly jump on every trend that pops up.
Put your own creative spin on trending challenges, dances, sounds etc. This will help your content stand out while still tapping into what’s currently resonating with users. For example, you could take a trending dance and add some new moves or film it in a unique location.
Leveraging trending sounds in particular can be an effective tactic. TikTok’s algorithm often pushes videos using sounds that are going viral. You can make content around popular audios but present it in an original way. Just don’t use sounds in a way that goes against community guidelines.
Overall, keep in mind that following trends is not a shortcut to instant virality. Strategically choose which trends to participate in based on your brand voice and audience. Put thought into adding your unique touch. This careful balance will get you more authentic engagement. Blindly chasing trends often leads to forgettable content.
Source: Grow Your Brand On TikTok: How To Spot Trends & Leverage Them For Growth
Collaborate with influencers
One effective strategy to get your first like on TikTok is to collaborate with influencers in your niche. Look for micro-influencers with 5,000-100,000 followers who are active in posting content similar to yours. Reach out to them to propose collab ideas that offer value, such as sponsoring a giveaway or product trial in exchange for a shoutout. According to this source, influencer collaborations can be a game-changer in unlocking the power of TikTok for your brand.
Doing a duet with an influencer’s video is another great tactic to tap into their audience and get your first like. When an influencer agrees to a collab, politely ask if they would be open to filming a duet. This allows you to piggyback on their content while showcasing your own brand. Approach potential collab partners professionally and aim to build relationships based on mutual benefit rather than simple transactions, as recommended by this source.
Analyze your performance
It’s crucial to track important metrics like likes, comments, and shares to understand what is resonating with your audience. Analytics tools like Pentos and third party apps allow you to dive deep into performance data to see which videos are performing best. Review this data regularly to identify top videos, peak posting times, and topics your audience responds to. You can then double down on what works and pivot your approach where needed based on data-driven insights. Tweaking your strategy based on solid analytics will help you create more engaging content optimized for your followers.
Persist and experiment
Gaining traction on TikTok takes time and perseverance. Don’t get discouraged if your first few videos flop or don’t get any likes. It’s important to keep trying new ideas and video formats until you find what resonates with viewers.
Consistency pays off on TikTok. The more videos you post, the more chances you have of one going viral. According to research, it can take up to 5-10 videos before gaining traction. So keep posting quality content regularly.
Try out different trends, effects, sounds, captions, hashtags, etc. See what performs well and what doesn’t. TikTok is constantly changing so you need to evolve along with it. Analyze your metrics to identify opportunities.
As you persist, you’ll start figuring out your niche, style and audience. With enough experimentation, you can unlock the secret formula to getting your first like and many more after that. Don’t give up!
