TikTok has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2023 according to https://backlinko.com/tiktok-users. The addictive short-form video app makes it easy to get sucked into endlessly scrolling and watching content. After posting your own video, it’s tempting to stick around to see if it gets any views or comments. But obsessively checking TikTok can become a major distraction. This article will explore the pros and cons of staying on TikTok after sharing your own content, and offer tips for developing a healthy relationship with the platform.
Why People Stay on TikTok After Posting
Many TikTok users choose to stay on the app after sharing new videos for a couple main reasons. First, staying on TikTok allows creators to monitor how much engagement the post gets, including views, likes, comments, and shares [1]. Watching those numbers tick up in real-time can be gratifying and exciting. Second, sticking around lets TikTokers read and respond to any comments on the video right away. Jumping into the comment section shows fans you care and builds community.
The Drawbacks of Sticking Around
While it can be tempting to stay on TikTok after posting a video to see how it performs, spending too much time on the app after sharing content can have some downsides.
One major potential drawback is getting distracted and wasting time. According to a 2021 survey, the average TikTok user spends almost an hour on the app per day[1]. It’s easy to lose track of time scrolling and watching other videos, diverting focus away from other tasks. Staying on the app after posting means more potential distractions.
Another disadvantage is the risk of seeing harmful comments. While most feedback is positive, negative or abusive comments can also occur. Remaining on TikTok after posting leaves creators more vulnerable to being impacted by mean-spirited remarks. This can take a toll mentally and emotionally[2].
Overall, while checking in briefly after sharing a video can be fine, sticking around for too long on TikTok after posting may lead to wasted time and unnecessary exposure to negativity. Creators should be mindful of balancing their time on the app.
When It’s Best to Stay
There are some situations where it can be beneficial to stick around on TikTok after posting a new video. If you have time and are looking to engage with viewers in the comments, staying on the app after uploading can help facilitate conversation. According to redditor u/HelpMePlsLeh on r/Tiktokhelp, interacting in the comments section soon after posting gives the algorithm a signal that your content is resonating. This can lead to more views.
Additionally, if your video starts to gain traction quickly, you may need to stay on to moderate comments or respond to viewers. Having the creator present shows an investment in the content. As tips from MakeUseOf explain, it’s best not to wait around endlessly refreshing your notifications. But engaging for 15-30 minutes after posting can help encourage interaction.
When to Walk Away
While it can be tempting to stay on TikTok after posting to monitor engagement, there are times when it’s healthier to step away from the app:
If you need to focus on work, school, or other priorities, it’s best to close the app so you’re not distracted. Constantly checking comments and notifications can disrupt your concentration. Give yourself permission to engage at designated times rather than letting TikTok eat up productive hours.
If the comments start to become overwhelming, especially if you receive negative feedback, consider logging off to get some emotional distance. It’s easy to get sucked into replying to critiques or trying to defend yourself, but walking away prevents you from reacting rashly. Come back once you feel calmer and more level-headed.
If you notice signs of TikTok addiction, like losing track of time or neglecting responsibilities, enforce strict limits on your usage. Quit the app after posting so you’re not endlessly sucked into the bottomless scroll. Disconnecting will help reinforce healthier habits and ensure TikTok doesn’t control your life.
How to Moderate Comments
One of the best ways to handle comments after posting on TikTok is to proactively moderate them. TikTok provides several tools to help you filter out unwanted comments and highlight positive engagement:
You can turn on notifications for comments that contain specific words or phrases. This allows you to keep tabs on certain topics. Go to Settings > Notifications > Comment Notifications and enter the keywords you want alerts for 1.
Blocking abusive or inappropriate users is another moderation option. Their comments on your videos will be hidden. Tap the three dots next to a comment, select Block, and confirm. You can also block users through their profile 2.
Hearting and pinning constructive feedback is a way to highlight positivity. Tap the heart icon on comments you want to showcase. Pinned comments will be displayed first under your videos.
Moderating comments takes effort, but it helps foster a welcoming environment on your page. Set aside time after posting to manage interactions using TikTok’s built-in tools.
Handling Negative Feedback
Receiving negative or critical comments on your TikTok videos can be upsetting. It’s important not to take it personally. Trolls and haters often leave nasty remarks just to provoke a reaction. The best approach is to either ignore or respond politely.
If a comment seems abusive, offensive, or intended to harass you, don’t engage further. Simply report it to TikTok by tapping the comment and selecting “Report.” TikTok has community guidelines against bullying, harassment, hate speech and threats. Reporting abusive comments helps keep the platform safe and positive.
For criticism that seems well-intentioned, try responding politely by thanking the commenter for their feedback. You could explain your reasoning behind something they criticized or acknowledge valid points. This shows maturity and confidence, turning negativity into a constructive conversation.
According to one Reddit user, “Absolutely not! Comments help you and are considered engagement according to the algorithm, regardless of whether they’re negative or positive.” Source Deleting or arguing with critical comments often makes the situation worse. The healthiest approach is to ignore bullies, report abuse, and engage thoughtfully with valid critiques.
Balancing TikTok and Real Life
It’s easy to get sucked into the TikTok vortex, spending hours mindlessly scrolling and watching videos. But staying glued to the app can take a toll on your real life responsibilities and relationships. Here are some tips for balancing your TikTok habit with the rest of your life:
Set time limits for how much time you spend on TikTok each day. You can set a timer or use one of TikTok’s built-in time management tools to limit your daily usage. Taking breaks between sessions can also help you avoid falling into the endless scroll trap.
Turn off notifications so you aren’t constantly interrupted by pings telling you to check the app. Only check TikTok during your designated TikTok time slots.
Take regular breaks from the app throughout the day, even if just stepping away for 5-10 minutes at a time. This gives your brain a reset.
Be mindful of when TikTok use becomes mindless scrolling versus intentional watching. Mindless usage tends to be more time-wasting.
Prioritize real life activities and responsibilities first before checking TikTok. Don’t let TikTok keep you from things that matter more.
Spend time off your phone engaging in real life hobbies and social activities to keep your life balanced.
If TikTok ever starts feeling addictive or hard to control, take a break from the app for a few days to reset your habits.
With some self-discipline and boundaries, you can enjoy TikTok as entertaining social media without letting it take over your life.
Signs You’re Addicted to TikTok
Losing track of time while scrolling through TikTok can be one major sign of addiction. People often intend to spend just a few minutes on the app, but before they know it, hours have gone by. This time sink can cause people to neglect other responsibilities like work, school, relationships, and even personal hygiene and meals. According to Samhsa’s National Helpline (source), addiction involves not being able to stop using something even when it causes harm. Constantly checking TikTok and feeling unable to refrain from doing so is another red flag.
Choosing Therapy outlines other symptoms of TikTok addiction, like experiencing mood swings, agitation, or depression when attempting to reduce use. Prioritizing the app over real-life activities can also signal a problem. Making TikTok a reward or coping mechanism are unhealthy dependencies. Recognizing these signs of addiction is the first step towards balancing social media and real life in a healthier way.
Conclusion
Posting on TikTok can be thrilling but also nerve-wracking. While it’s tempting to stay on the app and constantly check for likes and comments, this can quickly become unhealthy. It’s best to post thoughtfully, then step away so you don’t get sucked into an endless scroll.
If you start to feel anxious waiting for feedback, take a break. Go for a walk, call a friend, or engage in activities away from your phone. Save checking notifications for later so TikTok doesn’t take over your whole day.
Approach TikTok as a creative outlet, not a popularity contest. Focus on making content you feel proud of and cultivating healthy habits around the app. Remember, likes don’t determine your worth. By posting mindfully then disengaging, you can enjoy TikTok while maintaining balance in your life.
