TikTok's quick rise in popularity has been impressive over the past few years. The app has been downloaded more than 850 million times and continues to grow in popularity. Users love the catchy dances and trending audio as well as the ability to increase their following pretty quickly.
To "get big" on most other apps, users need a strict plan, time, and lots of patience, but TikTok gives people the chance to expedite the process. This phenomenon has left many people wondering how to build a successful following.
If you're looking to get in on the action (or just want to know what all the fuss is about), this guide is for you. In it, we'll teach you how to use TikTok like a pro. So read on and let us help you through your first few months on your TikTok journey.
Take advantage of trends Creativity is key, but sometimes it is OK to take inspiration from other creators. If you aren’t partaking in the top trends on TikTok, you are missing out on incredible growth opportunities.
When your video is connected to a trending hashtag or sound, anyone searching within that hashtag or sound can find not only that specific video but your page in general.
If you aren’t sure how to find trends you connect with, try scrolling through your "for you" page. If a trend catches your attention, think of how you can tweak it to fit your niche and unique audience.
You can also search through relevant hashtags to see what other creators related to your niche are doing!
Duet it out One of the most popular features on TikTok is the duet option. Duets are a way to make the app feel more interactive, and some creators get incredibly clever with the content they choose to duet.
Basically, if a user duets a video, it will be a split screen where half is the original creator and half is the "duet-er." People use this feature for reactions, commentaries, and creative skits.
If you have never done a duet, just follow the steps below:
Go to a user's account and click on one of their videos. Click on the Share button in the right column. If this person allows duets, the duet option will appear. A square video split in two will be created. In the right half, you will see the other person's video, and in the left half, you will see whatever it is you decide to record. Record your content, and your video will be next to the other person's video. We've said it before and we will definitely say it again, if you do a duet, just take time to find content that fits your niche and audience. You don't want to be creating content that has nothing to do with your brand.
Much like trending audio, duets are a great way to increase discoverability.
We love duets, so we highly recommend!
#Hashtags You’re probably familiar with the concept of hashtags from other social media platforms. Hashtags are a way to connect your content to all other posts using the same #hashtag. TikTok is no different. Adding hashtags links you to a community of users likely to enjoy your content.
Different sources will give you varying answers on how many hashtags you should use per post. Typically, people will say to stick around 3–5. Play with what works for you.
When choosing what hashtags you will use, think of niche-related and trending options. You want several of your hashtags to be directly related to your niche so that your content is discoverable by people already interested in your content.
You also may want to consider using a couple of trending hashtags. These can be found with a little bit of research. Make sure you have a good balance between niche-related and trending #hashtags for optimal discoverability.
Promote on your other social accounts Wanna grow your following on TikTok? Already have a following on Instagram or YouTube? Well, take advantage of cross-promotion! Upload your TikToks to your Instagram Story or your YouTube Shorts.
If you have a following elsewhere, tap into it! We often forget that the easiest audience to reach is the one we already have.
If you do decide to cross-promote, you may consider keeping some content native to TikTok to give viewers a reason to follow you.
You don’t want to give away all your secrets.
Upload previously recorded videos TikTok was designed to be a one-stop video-making shop. You can record, edit, and upload a video in minutes. But did you know you can pre-record your content as well? This feature can be particularly useful if you are creating a longer-form video concept.
To do this, you simply have to use the Upload section when you go to create a video to enter the gallery.
Click on the + button to create a new video. To the right of the screen, there is an upload button. Click on it. Now just choose the videos or images you want to upload. From there, you can edit and upload as usual!
Pro tip: By making TikTok from pre-recorded videos, you can batch-create content to upload at later times! As a content creator, batch content is your best friend. It can help you gain clarity for your upcoming posts as well as save you major time.
Learn the "Handsfree Record" If you need to film content but also need your hands, have no fear, hands-free recording is here.
Follow these steps if you need to learn how this is done:
Press the + icon to create a new video. Click on the clock icon. From here, you will see a countdown option. In the time bar, choose how long you want the video to last, and then click on start recording . A countdown will start. After it is up, your video will automatically start recording for the time you set. This may seem basic, but all the great TikTokers have mastered it. We want you right up there with the best of them, so make sure you take the time to learn it.
Use your QR Code to quickly share your profile
In 2022, we like easy and quick. So TikTok created a QR system where you can share your profile through a scan, similar to Snapchat. To find your QR Code, follow the steps below:
Go to your profile, and click on the three dots at the top right. Open Privacy and Settings , and from there click on the TikCode icon . To read a QR code, enter the search section by clicking on the magnifying glass icon , and then click on the square icon with a dash in the middle at the top right. You will enter the "Scan QR Code" function. With this, you can read someone else's code! Next time a random new acquaintance finds out you're on TikTok, whip out that QR code instead of telling them your handle.
Mastering TikTok So what are you waiting for? Get started on TikTok today with our easy tips and tricks. And don’t forget to download our ebook, How To Go Viral On TikTok to help you earn exponential growth and take your account to the next level. With a little effort, you could see the same success as some of the top users on the platform. What have you got to lose?
