No more questions as here you will learn why many TikTokers still add the #folow4follow hashtag to their videos or in the bio, and the notice “you are following too fast”. To date, the hashtag has over 9 billion views.

We will also explain the safe limits for following other accounts on TikTok asking to follow back, sometimes also referred to as mass following, and declare a verdict if the follow for follow is worth the associated risks.

Now, let us take you on a journey of the follow/unfollow method.

We will explain why you may be seeing the “following too fast” error message in detail since TikTok’s own support page leaves some important questions out

What is follow for follow?

If you are new to TikTok or haven’t tried this technique, you may not know what follow for follow means and how it works. 

As mentioned it is a method of following as many accounts on TikTok as possible and asking to follow back. Typically it comes hand in hand with further unfollowing, once the account has followed you back. That is not to say that 100% of those who follow you will unfollow, but practice shows that many of them will. Thus, it is also referred to as the follow/unfollow method.

To put it simply, it is a downplay of following for the sake of connection and has both plus and minus sides to it. The TikTok algorithm is aware of such manipulation techniques and limits the number of accounts you can follow in 1 day. 

The two things to keep in mind before getting into the follow/unfollow game are the initial number of followers on your profile and the safe limit of the following in 1 day.

TikTok is not the only platform where the mass following, the other term for follow/unfollow method, is used. It is also used on Instagram and Twitter. 

2 ways to use follow for follow on TikTok

The following on TikTok is the same as on other social media apps and can be done both manually and automatically. While the last method requires the least effort on your part, it is the riskiest for multiple reasons. You can jump right to the pros and cons of following too fast to learn why following is better done manually.

Method 1: Follow for follow on TikTok manually

The biggest pro of following manually is your consideration and not just the “button-clicking” which increases your chances of being followed back. 

STEP 1. Log in to your TikTok account (preferably from mobile).

STEP 2. Tap the Discover tab and enter the “follow4follow” into the search bar.

STEP 3. You will see the 5 tab filters labeled and the tap on one labeled “Hashtags”. 

STEP 4. The results will show all related hashtags that group videos from multiple creators.

STEP 5. Check only creator accounts whose content you liked and whose number of followers is not far different from yours.

Method 2: How to do follow for follow with automation tools

There are multiple websites promising to automate the process of follow for follow through connecting your TikTok account to the app and allowing a bot to complete actions on your behalf. Using the steps below you could try any of them at your own risk.

STEP 1. In most of them, you will be asked to create an account and then log in to your TikTok account connecting the two accounts.

STEP 2. Once you connect accounts you will be prompted to set the constraints for TikTok bot following on your behalf. Among the most common are the number of followers and following, an option to enable unfollowing, the speed of your following, and some also allow profile quality filters.  

STEP 3. Set as many filters as the app allows to narrow your focus to make actions done by the TikTok follower bot as organic as possible.

STEP 4. Customize the specific days and time for following, and if unfollow is enabled, the interval between following and unfollowing. 

STEP 5. Check back often to make sure the following script is run according to the filters and conditions you have established.

The pros and cons of the “Follow for Follow” method

As any trick aimed to game the algorithm and grow the number of followers faster and easier, the follow for follow method has both benefits and downsides.

On the one hand, the follow for follow method allows a creator to get as many as 60% or more of following back. The number is not universal and fluctuates from 10% to 60% depending on how well the accounts are chosen. 

Wasn’t the question of whether the follow-for-follow method works the primary question of this post? Bingo!

Selecting TikTok accounts within your niche and followers range will help you get 1 to 6 followers for every 10 you follow. It is also important that accounts are from a similar geographic location as you. Many creators would mention the country/state in the bio or use a regional hashtag in their video captions.

Another pro of follow for follow method is that by following the safety limits for you could shorten the time necessary to get your first 1000 TikTok followers. 

Furthermore, creators who use the same #follow4follow hashtag want the same as you – to get more TikTok followers. Thus, they are more likely to follow you back.

Additionally, both automatic and manual ways to follow accounts will require minimum time and effort compared to other ways to build your audience on TikTok. 

On the other hand, without exaggeration, the cons of the follow-for-follow method gone wrong could be dramatic. 

Starting from the connection of the TikTok account to the app, there is a risk of being locked out of your own account if the app owners change the TikTok password for personal gain.

This could be eliminated by first connecting a test account, although certain apps require that you have your own followers before participating in the follow-for-follow process.

Oftentimes, the apps would run on a freemium basis allowing you to create a free account and use basic features, but asking to upgrade to increase the followers limit, use certain filters, get follower growth statistics, etc.

Some automatic following apps employ a reward system that will require you to watch ads or fill out the survey before you set/change follow filters. 

What happens if you follow too fast on TikTok

You may be interested in what the “You are following too fast” notice on TikTok means and whether it may have a negative impact on your profile growth.

Remember we have previously mentioned that there is a daily limit to how many TikTok accounts you could follow? Expanding on the limitations, there are also restrictions for the number of accounts you could follow in one go and the safe intervals between following. 

If you happen to see the You are following too fast notice, know that you will be prevented from following other profiles until some time has passed. The restriction to follow could last for the whole day, and it is best to avoid getting flagged by the algorithm by following less than 15 accounts in one login and allowing 20 to 30 minutes to pass before your next round of follow for follow. 

“The limit is reached, you are unable to follow” is yet another notice you will see when the daily limit for following accounts of 200 is reached.

Failing to abide by the following rules, continuously reaching the limits you may get a shadowban when new videos are excluded from the promotion algorithm. Such videos will not be shown to TikTok users and have zero views on them. As there is no explicit explanation to how long a TikTok shadowban can last, it is best to avoid breaching the safety norms of following on TikTok.

Besides, creators could report you as a scammer which will result in account suspension or permanent ban.

For you to easily remember the suggested numbers of follow/unfollow you could refer to the infographic above when in doubt.

How to unfollow on TikTok fast

Just like with follow for follow, the fastest way to unfollow on TikTok is again through connecting it to the follow/unfollow automation app. The only thing you do is switch on the automatic unfollow feature and set the regular intervals and/or rate for unfollowing. 

We could not list the steps to how to use the unfollow feature as it is different in all apps, and sometimes only offered as a premium feature.

However, the manual unfollow could be as quick and efficient as automated. 

STEP 1. Log into your account and tap the Me icon to go to the profile page.

STEP 2. Once on the Profile page, tap the Following to see a list of profiles you follow.

STEP 3. Choose which TikTokers you want to unfollow and tap the “Following” button.

STEP 4. The activated button will turn pink with the “Follow” label on it. Follow down the list of the profiles you follow and you will see the number of “Following” quickly reduced*.

Note, just like with the established limits of unfollows per session, per hour, and per day as well as the suggested limits shown in the table below. 

You could see that the limitations for mass unfollowing are the same as those for mass following. 

Should you use follow for follow technique – the verdict 

Summing things up, the well-known follow for follow method still works on TikTok and could be a way to increase the number of followers on a profile. 

Still, there are both pros and cons of using this method, especially for new accounts which can easily get flagged by the TikTok algorithm. The same could happen once you continue to disobey the established limits of daily and hourly limits for following.

For safety reasons we have suggested that you not follow or unfollow more than 150 TikTok accounts a day and 20 accounts an hour with reasonable intervals between following sessions.

Read the post on how the TikTok algorithm works if you are interested in learning more about how TikTok ranks videos and the multiple factors influencing profile growth.

We have included 50 ways to increase the number of followers in this blog post – from very broad and generic like adding a trending sound or song to listing popular hashtags, creator tools, and describing how the TikTok algorithm works. 

The methods listed here will cover how to get followers for free by optimizing videos, using free TikTok generators, and “follow for follow” techniques. Also, you will learn if you can buy TikTok followers safely without being blacklisted by the algorithm or providing your password.

If you are looking for 2022 to jumpstart you to new heights on TikTok, this could be the only guide you will need to keep the number of followers growing. 

Our methods are in no particular order so you can choose whatever looks worth experimenting with. Let’s start counting from the fastest and easiest ways to more advanced ones that require a curious mindset. Assuming you are, every method could be ground-breaking.

Common Shortcuts to Get More TikTok Followers

#1 Growth agencies for TikTokers

There are many marketing agencies for TikTok influencers who will not only automate uploads but help you grow followers. Some of them are known to pay TikTok users from less developed countries to follow a creator and have hundreds of thousands of people as contractors. 

While growth agencies are one of the best ways to get more TikTok followers, oftentimes it is the most expensive and tricky. Because the users are paid only once when they follow or like someone, they are likely to unfollow as soon as the payment is received. 

#2 Try TikTok Ads 

The help right from the platform itself – TikTok Ads are specifically designed for creators with few followers and little engagement, to whom it is harder to get on the front page of TikTok. 

The Ads Manager allows you to target users from select countries, cities, and get insight reports. The app allows you to choose between in-Feed ads, full screen, and TopView ads, as well as hashtag challenges under the Discover tab. This method is commonly used by brands to get more TikTok followers quickly.

On the downside, no matter the type of ad, the minimum price could be as high as $10 000 – $25 000 a day.

#3 Buy TikTok followers

Out of many options to grow fast, buying followers for a TikTok profile is one of the cheapest, requiring less initial budget than growth agencies or ads. Many creators buy followers initially to unlock the Live recording option and let viewers know other users are following them. 

Yet, just as with everything else, purchasing 20k followers at once may result in account suspension or ban, and therefore, put accounts at risk. It is also important that you never provide an account password to avoid being locked out of it. If you want to buy TikTok followers but don’t know how to get started, FeedPixel assigns an agent to answer all your existing questions.

#4 Free TikTok generators and bots

As the number of TikTok agencies grows, so do TikTok generators, websites, and in-built systems promising followers for free. In reality, what happens is that fake profiles are created by bots and sent to the creator’s account upon completion of certain tasks.

Such tasks may include answering a survey, installing an app, or playing a mobile game for a couple of minutes. For these interactions, a website owner receives a fee from an advertiser and sends a few bots to follow you on TikTok. 

These bot practices are not only useless but may cause account suspension if the algorithm discovers unusual activity on your side. This is not the best way to get more TikTok followers but is still a common one according to the number of people searching for follower generators.

#5 Free follower apps

Much like TikTok follower generators, free follower apps are known to operate the same way. They first ask a user to register and follow a certain number of accounts, watch an ad or install another app on their device.

A great number of such apps are available on both Google Play and App Store. That said, according to reviews, many of them did not deliver despite the completion of tasks, and some stopped working completely.

Thus, it is a good idea to check the reviews and the dates of the release, and the last update before installing an app on your device. After all, your goal is to get more TikTok followers and not get scammed.

#6 Limited followers with free trial

Yet another attractive option for those looking to get more TikTok followers fast. Approximately one out of every 6-8 social media services would offer a free trial. Sometimes you will be asked to add your billing details so that once the trial is over you will be charged automatically. 

This method allows a user to test the quality of followers without spending a cent. The only minus is that the number of followers you receive is typically too low to get a surge in TikTok visibility and rankings, and then again sometimes there are quality issues. 

Our sister website, SMM Company has a free trial bonus of $2 added to new users’ wallets which allows them to get up to 150 TikTok fans for free.

#7 Follow for follow

A well-known and common tactic is when you follow 10-20-50 profiles a day asking, or simply waiting for them to follow you back. TikTok is not the only platform where a hashtag #follow4follow exists, as it is also common among Instagram and other social media users.

The downside of using the follow-for-follow method to get more TikTok followers is that many of those who follow you back will use the same technique and will soon unfollow you.

Read our recent post answering the question if follow for follow on TikTok still works.

#8 Followers to following ratio

What is your followers-to-following ratio on TikTok, and does it actually matter? 

It is natural for creators to get curious if the number of followers they have must correlate with the number of accounts they follow. 

On Instagram, for example, the average accounts would have twice as many followers as they follow (ratio 2:1), and creators above average have managed to get at least 5 followers for every account they are following (ratio 5:1). These numbers could be even more dramatic as TikTok is a viral platform with record-high downloads, content creation, and user engagement.

Below is the table with the least, most, and average followers/following ratio.

#9 Get more views first

If you are wondering how to get more TikTok followers, start with getting views first. The growing number of video views even without subscribing signifies a healthy overall growth. Better yet, get on TikTok’s front page, known as the For You page.

This could immediately guarantee you thousands of views, which is important to start gaining more followers. Also, there are views to followers ratio on TikTok of at least 10:1. Ideally, there should be more than 10 views per single follower. Simply put, if you have 100 followers, you should have at least 1 000 views on a video.

#10 Like for like to get more followers

Just like the follow for follow, like for like is a common technique to reach out to other creators and let them know that for every video they like you do the same for them.

There are quite a few apps offering cross liking. Upon registration, you start browsing accounts within your niche or geolocation and liking the videos, and your account gets suggested to them. Another way to promote like for like is by adding the same hashtag on every video you upload.

#11 Comment for comment?

Perhaps, the most controversial is the comment for comment technique. Not every blog post mentions it as a way to get more TikTok followers, right?

On the one hand, you are commenting on someone’s video in hope that the user does the same to you. The reason why we suggest that comment for comment is going to work is simple. It takes more than a simple tap of a finger and is usually appreciated more by any creator. The least you will earn a comment or a view back, but sometimes a follow.

#12 Get the minimum number of followers

To unlock your full creative potential, to go Live on TikTok, and earn audience credibility you need what we call the minimum number of followers. That is not a standard number of 100, 1000, or 5000 followers as it depends on how famous you are.

Generally, 1000 followers on TikTok is one of the requirements to go Live. That said, if you are a fashion icon, a local celebrity, or a YouTuber, your minimum number of followers is different.

As an example, the minimum number of followers when a creator becomes a nano influencer on Instagram is between 10k and 50k. Now imagine a popular Hollywood star Angelina Jolie hitting 10k. Would it be a minimum for her?

No surprise, she gained 4 million followers the first day she officially joined Instagram. We assume the same rules apply to any social media platform, and your job is to figure out what your minimum is once the 1000 followers mark has been reached.

Analytics and Insights for Growing Followers Count

#13 Get a TikTok Pro account

Okay, this is a rather indirect way to get more TikTok followers, but the one which lets you make important decisions. 

From the outside, a TikTok Pro account is no different than a regular account except for it allows adding a clickable link in your bio.

From the inside, the Pro account has in-build advanced Analytics which gathers important data on profile followers and viewers engagement, on the likes and followers growth, etc., and costs, not a cent!

We have a whole article dedicated to switching to a TikTok Pro account with step-by-step guidance. Check it if you are ready to crunch some numbers.

#14 Know your viewers’ geography

We bet you only know that 90% of all views come from your country of residence. That is true as the algorithm is wired to first serve videos by location and even when placed on the For You page. Yet as the algorithm develops and learns what videos you like most and what language you prefer, the content is likely to blend in geographies.

You can get the audience insights, including geographical data, by switching to a TikTok Pro account (if you haven’t already done so). There inside your Analytics dashboard, you will see followers data which gives you important insights on how to get more TikTok followers.

#15 Best time to post on TikTok

Much like on any other social media platform when your content is live is as important as what it is about.

Yet unlike the Instagram app, for example, the best time to post on TikTok varies from 2 AM to 11 AM in the morning and from 1 PM till 11 PM in the evening.

In other words, because TikTok has a much higher engagement rate than say, Instagram, and the average user accesses the app multiple times a day, the best time to post is sketched.

The best time to upload a TikTok video also depends on the day of the week, as on Tuesdays users are likely to interact only in the morning, reaching its peak at 9 AM, and much less in the evening or during a lunchtime break.

If you need more detailed information you can read our blog post on the best time to upload to TikTok.

#16 What’s Trending on TikTok

As for statistics, out of 66% of TikTok users who watch someone else’s videos, 55% upload their own videos. As a frequent user of the TikTok app, we assume you have already guessed what’s trending and how it can help you get more TikTok followers.

This may be a specific effect, a new filter, a sponsored hashtag challenge, or anything else that everyone is experimenting with. If you are unsure how this contributes to the growing number of followers on your profile, think of users like you consuming whatever is popping up on the For You page.

Meme videos, fan communities, and dance challenges – all that is the foundation to creating viral content and getting more TikTok followers.

#17 What songs are your fans’ favorites?

Music is not only fun to listen to but it also unites people. Analyzing what videos perform best for your audience also involves sounds and songs. Even though you probably used only trending and popular sounds, you should see that viewers prefer one over the other from the number of views it receives.

Though this may well depend on how popular the song is. As videos with Megan Thee Stallion’s original song “Savage” known as #savagechallenge on TikTok have received 1.5 billion views. In comparison, the song Laxed #laxedsirenbeat has around 280 million views. This may be about the views and not how to get more TikTok followers, but you’ve got the point.

#18 The WOW captions formula

We bet you think some random caption like “me relaxing” or ‘just chilling’ would help you get more TikTok followers and likes. If you are trying the third time in a row but see no difference, we suggest you try a different approach without forgetting to watch the Analytics.

Good captions are not only relevant but emotional with emojis and some words IN CAPS. You should also include a closely matching hashtag or two, which could be location or city, for example. Almost every TikToker tries to do #FYP hashtag which does not mean the algorithm would place your video on its front page right away. 

Also, keep in mind that although the character limit is 150, the users are likely to see the first 100 or less. Thus, placing the most interesting part, in the beginning, is key to engagement and followers.

#19 Seriously, how long is your video?

As for its most recent update in July 2021, TikTok has allowed creators to upload videos of up to 3 minutes long. It first allowed 60-second videos, which are now three times that. 

It is logical to assume that the longer a video is the better engagement and following it generates. After all, there is more content to properly express yourself and evoke a reaction in a viewer. However, research shows that because of the specific fast-paced culture of the app, videos between 16 and 25 seconds perform better than those up to 3 minutes.

Therefore, the ideal length for a TikTok video to get more interactions and views is between 16 and 25 seconds. This is also true for increasing the number of followers.

Optimizing Videos for the TikTok Algorithm

#20 Research the TikTok algorithm

It is one of the most elusive suggestions to make, but knowing how the algorithm behind TikTok promotion works will add clarity to what you do first. While the WOW captions we mentioned above will attract potential viewers, this only is useful when they see it, right?

Unless the algorithm suggests your videos to users, there is no worth in great captions. The first thing you need to know when uploading content is that geographic location is one of the factors influencing the algorithm suggestions. For good reason, more influencers are now tagging the places and cities they have been to as this helps the algorithm pitch it to the right audience which could get more TikTok followers.

Do you want to learn more about how videos are processed by the TikTok algorithm once released? Read FeedPixel’s blog post on How TikTok Algorithm Works.

#21 Popular sounds and songs

Did you know that the algorithm on TikTok first promotes videos that have trending sounds and songs?

Looking into statistics, it is easy to see why, as much as 88% of users may automatically swipe up if the video sound is unpleasant. 

This particularly is true for brands running TikTok Ads as users are more likely to stop swiping and watch a video with catchy tunes.

#22 Trending hashtags for more views

Finally, to get more TikTok followers fast you have to use trending hashtags. Recently, hashtags play a more significant role than they used a few years back. Today, trending TikTok hashtags are not only for challenges but subculture and TikTok communities with billions of views and raging fans.

Hashtags are also shown as trending when a great number of videos are using them, or when platform users agree to promote a certain idea or cause. It is visibly seen during the lockdown when users started the #stayathome(30.4 billion views) or #wearamask(5.7 billion views) hashtags. 

#23 Post at peak times

A little earlier we suggested you know when is the best time to post on TikTok, right? Yet, the best time is a standard one as times tend to vary depending on the day of a week, timezone, and country. The universal consensus is to publish a video at peak times when the majority of viewers are online.

As your video gets distributed, there is a higher chance to get on the For You page to more users and get seen. Because the algorithm does a job matching with content within a video’s niche and location, users who see it are likely to visit your profile and even follow.

#24 Add keywords into captions

Not everyone knows that TikTok has released the auto-captions, which are now in beta and will be available in American English and Japanese. Yet, because the keywords are part of the TikTok algorithm and until the feature is fully developed, it would be best if you write your own captions.

Adding the keywords helps the algorithm discovery system better understand the context of the video, and serve to viewers who may be interested, all this having a direct impact whether you get more TikTok followers.

#25 How many videos are too much?

Because everyone around is sending 20 videos into the TikTok pipeline, does not mean more is best. However, analyzing how influencers post, you can see that the optimum number is between 3 and 5. 

In truth, unless you are copy-pasting your old content or someone else’s, there is no such number that gets you penalized. That said, artificially high video production can be a factor for account investigation. Plus, you won’t be able to keep up with 15-20 interesting videos a day unless TikTok is the only thing you do day in and day out.

Also, you can actually lose followers instead of getting more as every time you post notifications will be sent to every one of them. This will not be welcomed by the algorithm that wants to keep users engaged.

Interact and Collaborate to Get More TikTok Followers

#26 UGC (for companies and brands)

UGC stands for “user-generated content”, and is one of the best ways how a brand could get more TikTok followers. In the age of social media, the “user culture” is a force to reckon with, and brands know this.

To grow their business accounts on TikTok, brands often sponsor influencers to mention, tag, or take part in branded hashtag challenges. As the video gets distributed to followers of the influencer, some decide to upload a reaction video or join the challenge which contributes to the overall brand awareness and credibility, and gives a rise to profile subscriptions.

Bigger brands like Taco Bell or Guess employ multiple creators inviting their followers to create their own videos and win awards. During these campaigns massive amounts of videos are created by users, letting a brand stand out.

#27 Take part in TikTok challenges 

That is what we have just mentioned discussing brand campaigns with sponsored influencers on TikTok. There are potential benefits of a TikTok challenge not only to get more TikTok followers but also to popularity.

If a TikToker earns commissions for endorsing a brand during the campaign, other creators who join the trend increase their chances to get on TikTok’s front page as more viewers search for trending videos. 

Advertisers, on the other hand, improve credibility and spreads the word about their brand while encouraging users to share the content they create.

#28 Duet with most followed accounts

TikTok duet is a feature that allows you to record your video while another video is playing side by side. It is one of the most popular features, and many creators have discovered and followed fans for making hilarious duets. 

On the one hand, it is surprising how a silly copycat gets more followers. On the other hand, being unique and creative is key. There are Duets where one video features a person and another – a pet with a similar facial expression. Typically, those have not just a ton of video views, but followers and likes.

Read our detailed explanation on How to duet on TikTok.

#29 Cross-promote on Insta and YouTube

Are you elsewhere on social media? Do you have profile followers? If the answer is yes, you should be spending some time cross-promoting your TikToks on Instagram or YouTube.

This way you could not only let followers see additional content but let them know why they should be following you across multiple platforms. Also, if you are a YouTuber who meets monetization requirements, you could upload TikTok compilations, including your own videos as well. 

Most of them are so popular that they get millions of views. Cross-promoting TikTok videos, going Live, and sharing advice on how to get famous on TikTok is a proven way to get more TikTok followers.

#30 Be responsive with fans and viewers

To not only gain some followers on TikTok but keep growing continuously and consistently, feedback and encouragement is important. As the app downloads keep growing and the number of available content increases by the minute, every TikToker should stay responsive to viewers’ suggestions and cheers.

Commenting on other creators’ posts, answering emails and collab offers, timely responding to questions in comments and DMs can prove fruitful in the wrong run.

 #31 Subculture communities and more

Communities on TikTok? Heck, yes!

TikTok communities are centered around a certain hashtag like #WitchTok for witchcraft or #Booktok – for ultimate book videos. Through a specific subculture it is not only easier to connect to your followers and fellow creators, but easier to get more TikTok followers who are more than just a number on your profile.

Just like subreddits, TikTok communities are tight-knit communities with high engagement and a welcoming attitude. There are communities for every taste and need, for cosplay enthusiasts, gamers, gardeners, progressive thinkers, etc. Why not join?  

Optimize TikTok Videos for Viewer Engagement

#32 Screen effect experiments

TikTok effects and filters are the first things every user considers when posting a video. There are dozens of effects grouped into Portrait, Vibe, Landscape, Food, etc., but it also allows you to combine multiple effects in one.

Besides the regular effects just like Instagram presets, there are also Interactive effects like Inverted Effect which reveals how other users see them, a Time Warp Scan used for image distortions, or Green Screen Effect that lets you use a custom background. A simple look at popular content hints that creators know interesting effects could get more TikTok followers than the standard filters.

We suggest you try all of them, especially Trending effects if you haven’t already.

#33 All TikTok video types to get famous

There are 5 types of TikTok videos to experiment with: lip-syncing videos, reaction videos, duet videos, dance videos, hashtag challenges, Live videos. None is better than the other, and blending all is a sure way to get more followers on TikTok.

For example, a lip-sync video may use a popular sound combined with dance moves. And who doesn’t like good entertainment? Hashtag challenges are usually brand-sponsored ad campaigns that feature a popular creator doing fun stuff, and Live videos are revealing Q&As or “behind the scenes” that show a more intimate side of the creator or brand. 

If the goal of TikTok is to get more TikTok followers, being different is your best bet.

#34 Interesting content with twist

It is surprising how often creators forget to film the best quality they can. Then, again the cookie-cutter approach would also lower the chance of subscription. After all, before a user gets to follow, you must offer original content. 

Let’s take the two videos from the song we already know, Laxed. The first creator with around 1.2 million subscribers takes the same cookie-cutter approach and simply throws a few dance moves getting 190k likes. Another creator invites a partner to shake the same moves with a twist. There are other couples with significantly more likes, but they also have a million followers. Only this with just under 300k followers earns around 120k likes.

Could this be the best way to get more TikTok followers? Absolutely.

#35 Repurpose Instagram posts and videos

Nothing is as boring as repeating yourself, right? If you are struggling to get an idea for a TikTok video, repurpose your old Instagram content. As on any other social media platform, the content on Instagram tends to age quickly. Thus, for an active Instagram creator, the users may not see posts uploaded months ago.

Yet, repurposing does not mean copy-pasting. If you are to get more TikTok followers, mixing and matching is the way to go. You could do a fun comparison video putting the new and old look together. Or even try to use the Time Wrap effect together with some older IGTV videos.

#36 TikTok compilations on YouTube

Better yet, repurposing TikTok videos for other video-sharing platforms. YouTube is perhaps the major one.

You could take a popular hashtag and then, using TikTok downloaders, save several videos to your device. Then, edit and montage, write a terrific description and title, and publish on YouTube.

TikTok Hype, Pink Peacee, and Azure are YouTube channels focused on daily uploads of fan-favorite TikTok compilations. The least number of subscribers on these channels is 87k, and the videos are easily gaining 20-30k in a matter of days. Although we didn’t research if those accounts are also on TikTok, it is clear that if they are they know how to get more TikTok followers.

#37 Have you gone Live on TikTok?

Seasoned creators say that the best way to get more TikTok followers is to go Live. Streaming live is a highly supported feature with the app placing the trusted creators on their front page. It is also important for another reason. 

Your existing followers get notified when you go Live, and their followers will be suggested to tune in once they join your stream. Simply put, the suggestion algorithm is like a net trying to engage more viewers. Multiple studies have shown that over 80% of TikTok users will join suggested live streams, and 20% of them will turn into followers. Yes, it looks like the well-known Pareto principle applies to live streaming on TikTok as well.

#38 Staying motivated and consistent

You’ve heard multiple times that consistency is key in gaining more followers, likes, and views on TikTok. How could something as simple as uploading a video every day for 30 days is going to help you get more TikTok followers?

To understand that you should take another perspective. How much would you like to follow a creator who uploads daily compared to another one with no particular schedule? If you are wondering what is the ideal number of videos to upload on TikTok daily, studies show that it is between 3 and 5 every day. That said once a day is also better than jumping from 10 to 0 and back again.

#39 Allow downloads, DMs and duets

It is interesting to know that some TikTok creators do not allow users to download, duet, or stitch their content. While this eliminates the copyright issue, it ultimately lowers the chances to get more TikTok followers. 

On the one hand, duets done by other creators extend the original video’s popularity as TikTok shows the duet video to followers of both creators. On the other hand, by allowing duets and stitching you befriend your viewers.

#40 Uppen your engagement on TikTok

The best way to get more TikTok followers is to grow engagement through regular uploads, duets with other creators, and shooting non-typical videos. By engagement, we mean achieving the highest number of likes and comments for the times your content got viewed.

There are quite a few tools that calculate engagement rate based on your recent activity and viewers’ reactions. 

Generally, the good TikTok engagement rate is between 19% and 23% which means that out of 100 users who watched your video at least 19 have liked or commented on it.

You can read more about what the TikTok engagement formula is and why it matters for video rankings in our new post.

#41 Cover image with text

This could be an old dog trick but adding text to the cover image not only improves the engagement rate but helps you get more TikTok followers down the road. 

Here at FeedPixel, we have done a little experiment and split 100 random videos on TikTok equally into the groups having a text on the cover and not having it. Then, running our TikTok calculator we calculated the engagement rate. As it turns out there is a 17% difference between them, meaning that covers with text received 17% more views, likes, and comments than those without. This could be explained by viewers being incentivized by the message.

#42 Start a challenge or trend

Yes, most brands and mega-influencers who partner with them start a certain challenge or trend. But in reality, any creator could, and your viewers are catching the tunes, this could turn you into becoming one of the most followed accounts overnight. Need some proof?

Bella Poarch, one of the most popular TikTok influencers, had been on TikTok for just 4 months when her “M to the B” lip-sync video came out. It immediately catapulted her to the very top of TikTok stars and generated hundreds of similar videos. Needless to say, the M to the B trend helped Bella get more TikTok followers than she could have imagined.

Psychological tricks to get more TikTok followers

#43 Followers want to see your eyes

That’s a little psychology trick that relates more to the followers you already have than the potential ones. The goal is not only to get more TikTok followers but ultimately retain them. Something as simple as keeping eye contact while recording is what builds the connection between the audience and a creator.

Moreover, it is easier to show your character and emotions. Simply staring into the camera won’t help. Chrissy CRNA, a nurse anesthetist as her bio says, is a good example of how to make TikToks not only engaging but educational while knowing how to get more TikTok followers and likes. With just 146k followers, Chrissy gets as many as 2.9 million likes.

#44 Don’t mind For You page

Isn’t this counter-intuitive when creators are actually pre-programmed to want to get on the front page of TikTok? Turns out you have to focus more on TikTok ideas and how the majority of viewers would react rather than trying to please the algorithm. 

This advice comes from one of our trusted sources Tyrie Brooks, an influencer with millions of followers who first puts the content but doesn’t miss on the #fyp hashtag as well. Unsurprisingly, she knows how to get more TikTok followers in a week than you would spend months.

#45 Be your best self

Whether you are a good singer or dance, or a makeup artist, TikTok is a place to put your talents on display. If you are just chatty and bookish, that’s also fine as there is a whole community called EduTok where TikTokers share advice and tips.

Even being blind, has not stopped Lucy Edwards from becoming a TikTok influencer as she managed to get more TikTok followers than a Hollywood star Jennifer Garner (who has 1 million TikTok followers)! Most of her videos have the #edutok hashtag and show how she manages her daily routine while being her unique self.

#46 Get help from BFFs

Do you have a friend who is as fun-loving and creative as you? You could keep a shared account where you both upload. Better yet if you have a tween. A few years back the tween thing became a big trend on TikTok, around the same time the Ribka Tweens got popular.

Tweens aside, 80% of all prank videos on TikTok feature BFFs and romantic partners. Getting other people involved is like doubling your chances to get more TikTok followers.

#47 Include call to action

Without trying to be a YouTuber, who asks for subscriptions, in the beginning, give your followers a choice by offering a cause to follow you and you will get more TikTok followers.

Just like the creator @bismapar is doing in her recent TikTok explaining how ordinary folks can help oppressed Palestinians through sharing videos with others. On the other hand, @f4f.fun’s example shows that the worst way to ask to follow is by asking directly instead of having a context.

#48 Change scenery often

This does not downplay the idea of having a context but enhances it. As TikTokers are used to a high-paced video type, practice shows that videos that flip scenes have higher engagement. Guess what, the green screen effect has been used to make flipping easy and fun. 

Besides hilarious greenscreen before/after type videos, #mirrormoves, one of the most popular TikTok memes of 2020 allows for the maximum switch as you run through the mirrors. Not only the background but your boots, outings, and makeup. We can’t see why this won’t get more TikTok followers than you already have.  

#49 Know your competitors

As one of the TikTok influencers once shared, the difference between a popular creator and a regular one is in how much “brain-wrinkling time” they want to spend on TikTok. She surely meant learning how to get more TikTok followers and not idling around.

Thus, Tanya’s best approach is to watch as many TikToks as she can within her niche, which is lifehacks/ Before she gets out her daily advice she makes sure no popular creator has shown it in detail as this lowers the chances of the “newness effect”. Not surprisingly for her meticulous approach she is rewarded with a ton of likes and gets more TikTok followers and likes than competitors in her niche.

#50 Advocate for a social cause

We could refer to the previous example of @bismar who is advocating for justice for oppressed Palestinians or list another one. The point is that green living, fitness/sports, outdoors, weight loss, etc. generate billions of views and attract fans. 

Besides being moral, social topics are often the reasons that bond users together and let them find and get more TikTok followers. 

To Wrap It All

If you have been following this post, you should have a good idea of how to get more TikTok followers.  

As much as the TikTok algorithm matters, we have seen that there are multiple factors influencing subscriptions and the overall profile growth.

Such factors include the video quality, uploading schedule, the TikTok engagement rate, and urge for experimentation.

To increase the count and establish profile authority, followers are also purchased from TikTok services or ordered from generator apps.

We suggest you look into related posts listed for learning the basics of the TikTok app, the algorithm behind it, and its features like live streaming or making duets. 

If you go to TikTok and write the #FYP hashtag you find out that there are 14178.6B views as of the time of writing this article. 

By the time this article gets indexed and ranked, you will probably see a totally different number.

So the question remains all the same: what is TikTok FYP and how to get on FYP?

To the question of what is TikTok FYP, we will answer right away quickly and give you an example. 

Tiktok #FYP is a hashtag that shows the latest trends on the platform.TikTok FYP algorithm works in such a way that shows the videos that each individual will likely be interested in.

In that, feed on the TikTok FYP page is different and dependent on the history and the engagement of each individual person. Simply put, For You page videos are different for every user.

Now let us talk about how to get on FYP and the hashtags to get on the FYP, with some tips so that you could maximize your chances of getting views and likes. 

How to get on FYP

Getting on TikTok For You Page is not an easy task if you are a new TikTokker.  There are many things you need to do and follow a strict diet of strategies and tactics. 

If you are someone with at least 1k followers, things get easier and the likelihood of you showing up on the FYP page is far greater. 

However, despite that,  we will teach how the TikTok FYP algorithm works, and some TikTok FYP hashtags to help you get there, regardless of the number of followers you have. 

How does TikTok FYP algorithm work 

Let’s explain this seemingly mythical and magical feature that many social media platforms have today. 

The algorithm follows a set of codes and works in a predictable way. Yet for some people, it seems otherwise. 

On the one hand, some people think understanding the algorithm will help them get on the TikTok FYP page easier, while on the other hand, this is not really the case. 

As one needs to know and understand more than just the algorithm to get on the TikTok FYP page and focus on far more important aspects than the TikTok FYP algorithm. 

However, if you are interested and want to find out how does TikTok FYP algorithm work, this is how:

The very second your video is posted on TikTok it gets shown for two types of people. 

This might seem a bit overwhelming or hard to understand but we will go through each step and box in detail and explain to you how the Tik Tok algorithm works.

Before we move on, it is important to mention that there will be a chapter on TikTok FYP hashtags, and how to make the best of them. 

If you are just interested in learning about the hashtags part, click here. 

It seems a lot has been happening since the moment your video was posted, right? 

First, let go down the “followers route” to explain how this side has the power to make your video go viral. And, for the sake of simplicity, we will just name the next chapter accordingly.

TikTok followers 

Did you ever notice that when you open the app on your phone the first page you are on is actually a “For You” page? 

Unlike many other platforms, especially Instagram, TikTok wants the creators to be discovered and be able to do that far quicker. 

That is the reason why, For You page is the default, whereas on Instagram you would only see the posts from those you follow.

This helps the new creators to be discovered and explored if they have good content and are picked by the algorithm we have just drawn up top. 

That also means the engagement and the views along with the duration from the new users matter just a bit more than the followers. 

On the contrary, if you constantly make good videos, and you get the same person to view, comment, like, share, etc. more than once with your video. 

This is a great sign that the person likes your channel and the algorithm will be automatically showing your videos first to that particular person.

The more the user engages the more you will be on top and on their FYP page. So, this goes hand in hand with the new users.  

If you have good content and you gain traction from the new users, your clips will be shown to more new people which in turn will gain even more traction. 

So, it is all related and the core, the root cause is your content. 

It is no wonder every blog post you read, or every other YouTuber keeps telling you to work on your content. 

You can’t imagine how important the content is on social media platforms these days. 

Tiktok FYP algorithm 

Considering that your videos are first shown to the general public, it is also important to get some reactions from not just the followers but first-time visitors.  

This goes to prove the same point again, that your content is really important and if you are looking to be liked by the algorithm that is what you should pay attention to. 

Once your video is shown whether to your followers or new people, there are three things that matter the most (in no particular order): 

• Engagement 
• Views 
• Watch time 

These factors are important regardless of the person watching the video. If you focus on increasing the metrics of your video. You are going to be viral in no time. 

There are, however, secondary factors that the TikTok algorithm takes into account as a whole. 

Yet these three are taken into consideration when placing your video on the FYP page. 

That is the reason why we called this chapter the TikTok FYP algorithm, even though there is just one algorithm on TikTok. 

The secondary factors are captions, sounds, hashtags, location, and user history. 

The user history plays a big role if your video is being shown to that user for the first time. In fact, your video arrives at a certain screen depending on the user’s interactions and history.

For example, if your video is DIY videos, and the user has watched a bunch of those, you are likely to show up no matter what. 

However, his reaction and engagement determine how many like-minded people are going to see your video. 

The more engagement and views you gather from a certain type of people, the more followers and the more often you will be popping up. 

All things considered 

Apart from the second we have quickly touched on the importance of engagement be it from your followers or new viewers. 

Those are the bread and butter of the TikTok algorithm, meaning that is what they pay attention the most to. 

So, now let us assume you have excellent content that gets a lot of attention. The way it goes viral is if you have many people engage with it, and engage with it from the moment that is posted. 

The more your subscribers engage the more it will be shown to people of that interest. The more those people engage, the more it will keep being shown to various different types of people with all kinds of interests and hobbies. 

So, assuming that your video was shown to group one and the video received positive reinforcement, it will be automatically shown to the next group, so on and on.

Interests of users matter 

Now how does the algorithm decide to show your video to people with different interests?

Now let us look at this pie chart below and imagine this is the report of your viewers’ interests. 

Your video was shown initially to your followers who have other interests like gaming and the next wave was shown to a number of new visitors with the same interest. 

According to their reaction, the video keeps being shown to the next, group and next group, whosoever has the most engagement, your video will be popular among them. 

This is why you might hear many gurus talking about niche selection and how targeting a select few is important. And they are right. Even from the point of algorithm and the potential to be on TikTok FYP.

But it is not just the group with the same interest, the more views and engagement it gathers, the video continues being shown to all kinds of other people as well. 

As we mentioned, even the location will be an important factor for when the video is distributed.

Algorithmic hell or heaven?

We have examined how your video gets shown to people of one type then, depending on their engagement and views, to the next, and next, and so on. 

But what if you are just starting out and it is your first video?

You have no followers, and you have vaguely selected your niche which could change depending on the reactions. 

Let us assume this scenario and discuss how you make TikTok FYP heaven that delivers the views to your doorsteps or the hell which drives the traffic elsewhere, somewhere out where your videos don’t exist. 

Let’s go back to the point we have made two times already, and it is that content is the most important aspect of any algorithm. 

However, we won’t be talking about how to make the best content on TikTok or any other platform for that matter (we can’t stress enough its importance).

So when you think about the two scenarios of your video being shown to people. When you are new you won’t have the basic audience.  

Thus, if you have bad content, and no one likes, or comments, or views it. That video is doomed.

Of course, the TikTok algorithm is nice enough that it will keep recommending your video to different people even after the negative reactions. But that won’t happen eternally. 

The most effective waves are the first four, then it will be categorized as a less interesting video where it will be shown to the group that hasn’t viewed it until there are no more new groups of people left.

That is your responsibility to find out and make the best content you possibly can make. 

When you can make the best content there are a few things to make sure your video will be sent to TikTok FYP algorithm heaven rather than otherwise.

A few things to send your video to “algorithmic heaven” 

If you google anything relating to the type of video you should make you end up reading all kinds of stuff with nothing useful. 

There are many sites now that list all kinds of stuff without really explaining the fundamentals of the video streaming platforms. 

No matter how many niches they write up or list on their blogs. There really are only three categories regardless of what platform you are in. 

You could be making videos for YouTube or TikTok. The main reason many people turn to these platforms is either for entertainment or education or perhaps, occasional inspiration. 

TikTok especially with the introduction of the new 3-minute video feature has attracted more people for all other purposes than just entertainment. 

Sure, the TikTok platform as a whole started as being one that promotes creativity and fun video. But as the platform grew, so did the creators and viewers of those other topics. 

So, those three topics are the ones you need to understand, and to choose one of them as a category for your TikTok niche. 

We say category on purpose as this is the third of the whole platform’s possible topics. And with that being said, there are many other subcategories or topics within those three. 

For example, if you dance, sing, or make funny videos you are in the entertainment category. However, if you try to teach something, then obviously you are in the educational category. 

It may seem like there are many more categories than just these three, but, in fact, there really are not. Those are just the big categories within those three. 

Either way, mastering to amuse,  teach, or motivate audiences will be one of the best skills that may come in handy in your TikTok FYP journey. 

Value proposition 

On the topic of TikTok FYP and how to get there. We have discussed the algorithm and the big categories to really give you an idea on the video’s consumption culture. 

Now that you know, you need to be either entertaining, teaching, or inspiring people. You may come to understand what that actually means. 

What it really means is that you need to provide some real value. Be it in the form of entertainment or amusement. The viewer must get something. 

That is why the next big thing after the content is the value you provide. Of course, you might look at some chicks like D’amelio or Addison Rae, and think how come they are not providing any value?

This is a valid question, the answer to which is none, except some vaguely philosophical assumptions and accusations of the concurrent culture and the tastes of the audience. 

Yet, our postulating on the weaknesses of the culture will not bear any meaningful answer but instigate it even further. Especially if we were to take the popular presumption that they have quite a body. 

Whatever it is, if you really want to get on top of the TikTok FYP game, accept it the way it is and understand that life is not fair.

However, when it comes to algorithms, they are as fair as they get. Because it is just a set of codes running in the background that follows whatever the coder puts in. 

So, you understand how the algorithm works, and how important the content is while getting some insights into what the value proposition is. 

Why it is important is simple. It is important to keep the viewers on your videos and give them something to come back to. 

That makes 

very important!

Those few things 

Although we promised to go over a few things to send your video to heaven, that time has only come. Because before we give out a few good things, you have to understand why you need those.

Not just why, but how understanding the basics of algorithms, especially the TikTok FYP algorithm will help you get your content featured.

Because when you are doing those few things we will talk about next, you will always have to keep in mind what we have taught you above.

Now, finally for the moment of truth, what are they? 

• Optimizing the keywords/ hashtags 
• Engaging captions 
• Interesting content 
• Being unique and creative

Let us go over each in a bit more detail and teach you some practical things you can do right now to send your video to TikTok For You Page.

Optimizing the keywords and hashtags 

We are not going to hide the fact that you probably heard similar things somewhere else and we are writing about nothing new. 

Yet, we also want to reiterate the fact that those are truly the only things you have control over. So, why not make the things you can control great and to the best of your ability?

Because that way you get to control the destiny of your account and the possibility of going viral on TikTok.

Although just a few, these things do really matter and truly help your videos go viral. Let us get to it. 

Hashtag optimization

Tiktok is a platform that heavily relies on hashtags and keywords for its search algorithm to work. That is good news for the theTikTokers. 

Because in order for your videos to go to TikTok heaven all you need to do is follow a few rules, which we will talk about soon. 

Before we move on, there is just one thing we need to clarify. If you have heard that #FYP is important and is able to get your videos viral. That is BS. 

There is no one magical hashtag that gets your videos viral. It just doesn’t exist. 

The hashtags you use must be able to add value to the already great content you ended up with. How? 

Well, by explaining what the video is truly about. This means in most cases, you won’t even be using the FYP hashtag. 

Even if you were to use it, that just doesn’t guarantee you any positive results, let alone taking you up to the top of the TikTok FYP page. 

For example, you have a video where you make jokes. Thus, using hashtags #jokes #funny would be a far better fit than just FYP. Plus, you could specify it even further by adding what your joke is about. 

Continuing the example, if it is a your-mama joke, include #yourmama.

By narrowing down the hashtag not only are you clearly telling the algorithm what the clip is about but the viewers as well. 

If anyone ever lands on your page and sees your captions and hashtags, which they usually don’t, but if ever they inspect they should have a clear idea of what the video is about. 

The paradox is that you are actually doing this more for the algorithm than people. But the algorithm wants you to make viewer-tailored videos. Anyway, that is a win-win situation.

Keyword optimization 

Keywords are managed in much the same way as hashtags. Except you can include keywords where you cannot include a hashtag. 

Technically you can. But it is not ideal to be including hashtags everywhere you can. But the opposite is true with keywords but in moderation. 

Include keywords like the best your mama joke, funniest your mama joke, or something like that if you are in that same niche. 

Of course, keywords will be different, but you get the idea. 

There is a school of thought that puts keywords higher on the priority than the videos, thus first they make the keywords research before making any video on it, then move with the clip. 

So, if you want to be sure that there is an audience for your clips, you could adapt that strategy. 

This strategy is widely used on YouTube, but even with TikTok and under the goal of TikTok FYP, you could make use of it, and still gain something valuable from it. 

However, whether you choose to go with that tactic or not, don’t forget to include keywords in your captions, descriptions, and sometimes, as the first comment on the clip.

On the topic of captions, let us talk more about them. 

TikTok captions 

Another important warning before we move on. 

Tiktok has introduced auto-captions. 

Although many people are turning to auto-captions and think it is very comfortable, we are totally against it. We understand how the algorithm behind it works and know that auto captions are far too young to really understand what your video is about. 

So, stay away from automatic captions.

Now for the captions, and what you need to do to be on TikTok FYP.

Do you remember the three big categories of video consumption? 

You can go back and refresh your memory if you don’t, the idea is that your captions should literally tell you what your video is about. 

Additionally, it should attract the viewers by : 

• Intriguing; 
• Asking a question;
• Telling a fact;
• Depicting a story;
• Shocking with quote; 

Whatever else you can come up with. You may be familiar with the cliche of clickbait.

The idea is not to click but to really come close and at the edge of truthful depictions that it lures the mind of a viewer.

Above are just some of the ways, where there are way more and more unique/creative ways. You will have to come up with some yourself. 

Don’t be afraid to be bold and outspoken.  You can also learn it from other people in your niche and model it somewhat similar but different. 

Interesting content 

We were constantly saying that content is important and there is no choice but to reiterate that again. 

However, what makes good content then? 

Good content has three main characteristics: 

• It is interesting;
• It solves a problem;
• It is actionable;

This applies mainly to content within inspiration and educational categories. But you can twist it or mold it to fit into the entertainment. 

Also, when it comes to entertainment, it doesn’t have to be actionable. But can you change that part to be creative or unique? 

That just depends on what you prefer but there is also another important idea you need to understand. 

It is also one that we mentioned a bit earlier, but also one that is equally important. And it is the value proposition. 

We won’t go deep in detail because we already did. But you should take that concept and apply it to your content. 

Best of all, advice and recommendations will always be that you should be unique and yourself. Yet, keep in mind that you being you is not enough and requires you to work harder. 

To wrap up 

In wrapping up the TikTok FYP, let us recap what we have learned and what are some of the things we debunked and list the tips we mentioned.  

The TikTok algorithm gives each of your videos a fair chance and sends it across various groups of people with various interests, and gathers information of their reactions. 

  You can learn more about the insights shown in TikTok Analytics in our TikTok For Business post. Note, post insights are only available for Pro accounts, and switching to a TikTok Pro account will not cost you anything.

Depending on how positive or negative the reactions were, TikTok will circle your video around another group of people with different interests, sending it to the previous group who engaged with the most first, and if they keep liking and engaging it is sure to be a hit among them. 

After gathering the data from all the groups, the algorithm sends it again to groups of various people with various interests, including those who did act very positively.  

Your video goes from one group to another until there is no group left that has either viewed, liked, or ignored it totally. 

If your video received those positive reactions from the time it was posted, it is likely to go viral sooner whereas if it did not, it might just slowly disappear into the abyss of TikTok FYP hell.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you google “TikTok FYP”, there are some questions that pop up on the side as well, and those are usually the questions we answer within the article. 

However, with this term, there were only two questions and were not the kind that would have automatically been answered. 

What does FYP mean on TikTok?

FYP means “For You Page”, a personalized Feed, as it is referred to on TikTok. 

Either way, understanding this is just a hashtag that shows the latest trends and popular clips for each individual based on the TikTok algorithm. 

Can I use FYP on Tik Tok?

Yes, you can! And you should. But it is important to understand that using this hashtag won’t solve all your TikTok FYP problems.

Using the FYP hashtag on TikTok may just increase your chances a little bit, but it is likely that your video will be lost in the sea of millions of other videos that are also using that very hashtag.

If you are not on TikTok yet, you’ve been missing on a huge part of Zoomers (and boomers) identity.
A social network of tech-savvy enthusiasts, TikTok is an ever-growing video-sharing superpower platform where everyone gets a chance to go viral, aka get famous. Knowing the TikTok game rules, of course.

A quick question for you to kick off your TikTok popularity course.
What @rybkatwinsofficial and @wengie have in common?

With the exception of millions of fans glued to their smartphones for hours, binge-watching every single shoot of famous TikTokers, these Internet sensations are completely diverse characters.

With the exception of millions of fans glued to their smartphones for hours, binge-watching every single shoot of famous TikTokers, these Internet sensations are completely diverse characters.

Getting TikTok famous

In this illustrated guide to fame. We will dive into why some Tiktok profiles go viral. What you can learn from rising-stars on TikTok.

And when it is time to leave the highly addictive and fun app. You will be able to clearly see where the fame gets you and what are the ways to rank super high on the platform in 2021.

If interested, stick around to get the all-inclusive recipe for TikTok fame updated 2021.

No doubt the world’s most popular dynamic social video app rules the global Millennials and Gen Zs. Making it even more appealing for fans to get noticed by millions and go viral on TikTok. Available in 155 countries around the world, a platform is known for its lip-syncing, backflipping, hashtag challenges, and rocking duets.

“With TikTok life’s more fun when you live in the moment and go beyond to explore”, as the app description in the Google app store states.

Let’s now see in what ways the two most popular TikTok accounts are similar. And what they do differently to get TikTok famous

Differences and similarities

Different: Perth native, Teagan, and Sam Rybka are twin acrobats and dancers who once competed on “Australia’s Got Talent”. Once a regular corporate employee working 9 to 5 Chinese Australian, Wendy Ayche is one of the app’s biggest musers today.

Similar: Both have a successful YouTube presence with just under 6 million and around 13 million channel subscribers.

Different: Enthusiastic dancers since the age of six, Rybka tweens largely focus on jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip-hop and countless other dance expressions. Wendy, however, is a beauty and lifestyle vlogger keeping a fancy fashionista image.

Similar: Both won (or better, earned) a TikTok jackpot with 7.8M and 4.6M for @rybkatweensofficial and @wengie, featuring all-time favorites – lip-syncing, copycat memes, and cringe compilations.

Get TikTok famous: What’s in it for you?

No matter whether you work shifts or 9 to 5, proficient in acrobatics or make-up, passion and drive are what truly define your TikTok image. The biggest mistake you could make is to give up, and the worst feeling to have is fear.

WHAT’S ON YOUR TO-DO LIST TO SKYROCKET YOUR TIKTOK FAN BASE?

Now as you know your chances of going viral on TikTok, here are the exact actionable tips to let you grow your following fast in 2021.

Let’s jump right in!

Tip #1 Pick a catchy name for your TikTok account

Nope, your @junkiebenny2898 doesn’t work! Your username is your actual fame instrument to have thousands follow you.

The best is to tap the way your real name unless it’s something you are sick of.

To get TikTok famous, it can also be your favorite film character. An iconic phrase (beware of choosing long ones though), a meaningful word in a foreign language (make sure it’s not in any way offensive in other languages!), or just a hobby you were doing since the age of two or so.

Keep it under 20 characters so that it’s easy for your fans-to-be to keep in mind. Let your creative juices to flow, it can be quite fun. The coolest thing is you are making a story of your TikTok quest!

Who does it best

All the Millenials-GenZennials on TikTok.

Take a look at platform A-listers: @lisandlena (who now deleted their account), @lorengray, @babyariel, @kristenhancher, and the rest. Don’t go overboard.

Tip #2 Have one-of-a-kind account photo

85% of Tiktok users never paid attention to what pictures they have on their accounts. Surprised why to bother then? Well, that’s the first thing your fans ever notice when they see your account! Surely you don’t wanna spoil all the hard work (and fun work!) you put into while shooting.

Who does it best

@dreaknowsbest has a pretty much explanatory profile picture (we love her simple nature-friendly shoot). Once TikToker of the year (11^th annual shorty awards), Pen state grad has grown her TikTok account to 3M+ fans through her sketch comedies.

Another great example of a picture-perfect profile is @vincentmarcus with his 900k+ fans. A Hollywood smile and raising eyebrows… All of a sudden it hits you up, this guy definitely has a sense of humor.

Tip #3 Write a terrific TikTok profile bio

Wish to up your fame game? Take a step further by writing a mind-blowing brainy and beamy profile bio for a fun-loving and care-free personality, a playful chic, or the most down-to-earth rising star.

A bio is just another shot to spice up your awesome video content and let others see another facet of you. Something like “When in doubt, laugh it out.” can go a long way. Do you still wish to skip?

Who does it best

A few really know about this. Hence, not a great number has anything as a bio on their TikTok accounts except for their Instagram, YouTube, and/or email address.

And even those who do tend to overdo it a bit. @gabe, a popular creator on TikTok (1.6M) is a perfect example with his bio reading “ex-Viner now just toking while ticking”.                                     

Tip #4 Stay connected to get TikTok famous

Did you know that a simple act of adding your Instagram, YouTube or both links may well be effective (of course if a reported 54% in engagement spike speaks to you) in increasing the number of followers across all your social media channels, TikTok included?

This is actually that famous “Cross” Effect that builds your personal brand.

But here’s a thing.

Remember we talked about your TikTok username? So make sure you have the same username on whatever social media you are in. It really helps potential fans to locate you easily and cross-follow you.

And by the way, you probably guessed it already, leave a link to your TikTok channel on your Instagram page, Snapchat account, Facebook profile… You got the game!

Who does it best

Look around! Do you see all the million-follower accounts? Check them out, friend – you’ll see that each has at least their Instagram @heyyouitsme.

Here are some TikTok profiles to play a copycat: @kaleymaurer, @zoelaverne, @lilhuddy, @noeneubanks, @whoelseyouthink (a joke).

Tip #5 To get TikTok famous, stick to your niche

Hey, you’ve officially refreshed your account, so what’s next?

A truly diverse character can’t be limited by any bounds, right? Wrong!

Sticking around with some sort of a niche, whether it’s sports, fashion, technology, gaming, dancing, traveling, drinks, motorsports or lifestyle, lets would-be-fans watch not a shoot, or two, but several.

More, in case you plan to earn some pocket change (or bigger bucks), picking a certain niche makes it easy for brands within your niche to approach you for a lucrative deal-of-the-day.

Who does it best

@glitterandlazers (3M) post quite a bit on fashion and make-up, while the dancing sisters @wilkingsisters (1M) feed us their choreography tricks; @lifeofasassystew(280K) skits portray life as a full-time air stewardess, and @trimbleandtwitch features a pair of doggos(!) with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (poor things ). A long list goes on and on…

Tip #6 A never-ending story of the Content King

Guess what? The two most important buttons for you on TikTok are Create (+) and Post. From what we’ve learned from a couple of hundred Tiktok profiles we swiped through over the past 7 weeks?

All of them have unique voices and …Post regularly to get TikTok famous.

From a couple of shots per week to a tenth a day. To state, between 45 and 60% of app users will upload a video once logging in.

Imagine a huge number of eclectic content discharged every second you breathe. What is says? Post at least 3 times a week to keep up with the Joneses. Period.

Who does it best

@ameliagething (7.3M followers), @hollyh (16M), @zephanclak (2.8M), @itsselmo (2.8M), @jannat_zubair29 (19.8M), and a hell lot more are keeping their accounts up and running by keeping existing fans happy by feeding them new posts daily.

Tip #7 Prey on your buddies

Whooh, that sound’s scary! Keep calm, no one is going to slay – just see what your look-alikes are doing and do the same. Just 10X better.

Remember, before we’ve said the content is the King?

Create flashy and whoopee, or punchy and creepy Tiktok videos to hit the soft spot of your fans. Just anything spicy and juicy is a sure shot you don’t wanna miss out.

The comedy-style lip-syncing, gripping slow-mo effect, or energy dance moves?

The answer – experiment with all!

Who does it best

@peytoncoffee (a daughter of a former Vine-today’s TikTok star Jason Coffee, yea, he is!) had no choice but to turn an app sensation with 5M fans and over 180M likes.

Her goofy comedic posts blow up everyone’s mind, a growing number of fans every moment she posts an update. @jadencroes is yet another comedic celeb with 18M+ fans from around the world watching his every move.

Tip # 8 Go live to get TikTok famous

What’s the coolest thing about your Live videos? The jump in the number of fans on your account.

A platform’s smart algorithm rewards the bravest among their midst by notifying fans of every shoot going live that particular moment, doubling and tripling your chances of getting an enormous amount of likes (TikTok hearts) and comments on your account, which in turn gets you a couple of million new fans.

Reading this makes you cringe?

I bet that’s because you only have a few hundreds of fans, and can’t go live. As for the record, you only can make live videos if you have at least 1000 TikTok followers.

That’s alright. There are shortcuts to getting a thousand TikTok fans, a bunch of hearts/likes and million views, or more.

A lot many articles online discourage you from buying any promotion services for your social media accounts, or to get TikTok famous. The question “to buy TikTok Followers or not to buy” never leaves the table when great content deserves to be seen by millions.

Yes, and it will on its own shoot up, someday around your first decade on the platform(?).

No, we are not pushing you to spend a few bucks and order your TikTok fans, views or likes. Just know sometimes the end justifies the means (whoever said that).

Who does it best

Every Tom, Dick, and Harry! Go over your besties profiles. You’ll see they’ve gone Live at least once over the last months on the platform.

“Live streaming creates a sense of community and a support system with our fans – the major reason behind the jump in engagement,” says @caleontweens boasting their 3. 3M fans on the app.

Why lag behind when you have to tell your Live audience so much?

Check out an easy and fast 3.0 TikTok Money Calculator to see how much you can earn as an influencer on TikTok once you become famous.
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Tip #9 Interact with your audience to get TikTok famous

Speaking of engagement, it is an absolute survival hack to reply to funny comments, take notice of what haters say, and make use of every new TikToker who made time to post a comment.

The worst thing that might happen is you’ll lose a potential follower; the most likely scenario, however, is that you’ll gain a couple of excited critics who would like your creative mastery as long as you engage with them.

On top of that, there are rumors that the platform algorithm boosts videos flooded with comments and hearts.

To mention, never turn off or delete comments!

No matter good or bad they will help you make it big on TikTok if you learn from how others see your content.

An account with 100% positive talks may also look fake. After all, we all have both pluses and minuses and you are not a happy exception.

The next time you post expect a hater to bark on it.

Who does it best

Look at all those grand profiles – @gilmhercroes (21.7M), @riyaz.14 (22.5M), etc. Initially, they’ve spent significant time making comments both on their own shoots and others.

Responding to fans over the first few hours of posting reportedly shoots your audience engagement at least by half, says @ondreazlopez (1.6M), another big name on the list.

Tip #10 Take a role in sultry TikTok challenges

You’ve been over a month on the platform, got the dynamics of its fortune wheel, and today is time to make it big.

How you do that?

“Getting involved in the TikTok challenges in really good and creative ways helps that content be seen and go viral,” says @rhia.official, one of the #Rocketman Challenge winners (3.8M fans).

Well, actually what the heck the challenge really is?

Imagine hundreds of guys mocking one move/action under the same/similar music vibes.

See 2020 @tshinnn’s Wipe it Down Challenge, April 2019 #OldTownRoad dancing challenge, 2018 #StairShuffle challenge, or a spicy Latino move #Loco challenge, and you’ll get the gist.

Who does it best

The winners for sure! Just search for #OldTownRoad challenge, #AllStarTalent challenge, #BigMac (yes, that’s your big Mac bro), #HappyBeautifulYear, or #BottleCapCallenge on TikTok. Pick the one which gets steamy with the most hearts and views, and learn its essence. From start to finish, to really get TikTok famous.

Learn more TikTok tips and check out one of the recent posts on how to make money on TikTok.

Tip #11 Hashtag, buddy, but don’t over-hashtag!

You might have mastered already the ever-elusive art of hashtags.

If so, just skip this part while we rumble on why and how to hashtag the right way, and who does it best.

At its core, viral hashtagging helps fans across the platform locate the clips that might interest them. There’s also a view that #foryoupage gets you featured on it, letting you grow your audience the fastest.

What we have found though after spending nearly half of a year on TikTok, goes the other way round.

No, having #foryoupage on every single post won’t harm you, but that won’t be as helpful as you might think.

The abundance of #foryoupage holds no magic today since slick TikTokers tend to abuse the hashtag, placing it on all of their 60-second creations (up to 40ish a day(!) at times).

Still, the most relevant hashtags do a great deal.

Efficient by a whole of 39% they helped brand new TikTokers get their cakes, and eat those too (consider views and fans).

Anything more than 5-10 is a little overdoing.

Who does it best

Have you actually noticed that most of the hugely popular TikTok profiles stroke a perfect balance of hashtag and no-hashtag videos?

@camerondallas (17.8M), @jakobsartorius (21.1M), @luvanthony (3.3M), and even TikTok goddesses like @babyariel (29.8M) and real-life Barbie @lorengray (34.4M) are all the best examples that viral hashtagging does help you just a bit. What they do instead is actually a handful of handpicked witty sayings closely related to the shoot, or a pair of cute emoji – a win-win combination.

Tip #12 Team up with a big wig

Ever heard the word duet? It’s definitely your thing when going to TikTok.

An estimated 43% of TikTok users have uploaded duet videos spiking engagement among their fans. And there’s a logic behind. Your fans see another cool persona to follow.

And the other star’s followers do just the same with your profile, exploring what kind of content you post, or rather how awesome you are.

Besides, your girlfriend/boyfriend or sister may also like the whole idea of cringe. Most of the time that gives a fresher look to your duet records, inviting new TikTokers to track your moves.

Interested in creating a duet, but wonder where to start?

Making a duet is as easy as ABC.

Just pick the video you want to make a duet with (from the videos suggested to you, or from the people you follow), open it in full-screen, tap the share button on your right, choose Duet from the popup screen, record a video, press Next and Post.

No more than that to get TikTok famous

Who does it best

Pepperony pizza lover, @payton (5M) is a multiple duets participant featuring his fellow social stars @kingtino (460K), @avany (5.2M), and @jadenhossler. The verdict – hanging out with a big-league is both fun and functional for the next TikTok star-to-be.

Tip #13 Tag in whoever is with you

Lines above we talked about hashtagging, right?

Tagging your band is a pretty good idea too.

Tagging a person sends a strong signal of collaboration, and makes it likely for him to comment on the video you tagged him in (a person will be automatically notified the moment you tagged him).

The goal of tagging is to draw a person’s attention to a specific TikTok video inviting to give feedback, or simply watch it. Or maybe you want them to know they are the true inspiration behind (of course if the recording is yours).

Okay, how you tag another TikTok user in?

You find a video you want to comment on and tap the comment button on your right, as the section with all the comments pops up, you’ll see the Add a comment, or Say something nice option at the bottom of it. Press @ and add anyone from your Following list. The red paper plane icon will close up the tagging process. It’s that simple!

Who does it best

Let’s say who does it the wrong way!

Everyone who tags more than two people at once, and on whatever Tiktok video they post.

Tagging only works when it’s relevant. Mentioning a bunch of unrelated people on someone’s creation is a proven way to get blocked by the crowd. A rule of thumb is to tag your buddies on videos you (or they) posted. No room for strangers, or VIP unless you want to get blocked by them as a pest!

Tip #14 Spy on viral postings and hijack their fame

Why not recreate popular videos?

Make a parody for a viral video, and leave a comment on it. You’ll see how it triggers your following and liking.

That said, it would be wise not to offend a popular creator you are mocking; keep the video lighthearted even when you are joking.

Genuine light-hearted humor is what gets you TikTok famous.

Making remarks on others’ videos you’ll steal attention only if the comment is relevant, humorous, and/or witty.

Keep in mind no begging for Follow me has ever made its way to fans’ hearts.

Who does it best

Anyone who has 10k+ followers. Yes, we mean it. Reaching 10k in the following is quite hard but certainly is attainable without digging deep into how the fame instrument works.

But even with 10 000, or 100 000, it takes more than an out-of-the-box approach. Not surprisingly, TikTok is a numbers game. More fans equal more likes, more views, and comments. The rest is history.

Tip #15 The right soundtrack can go a long way

“Music is the strongest form of magic”, Marilyn Manson once said.

Picking the right soundtrack is vital to increasing the following on TikTok.

There are thousands to choose from and millions of how to pick the one, yet bear in mind it’s pretty much intuitive.

The best way to find the right fit is to think of your mood while recording. Were you deliriously happy, or depressingly said? The next stop is motions – snappy or sluggish? There are no hard or fast rules about what the best soundtrack is.

Who does it best

As for statistics, most viewed TikTok videos in 2020 included diverse soundtracks like Don’t Lose Ur Head by Six feats. Christina Modesto (2 310 209 views), Shaun feat. Conor Maynard’s Way Back Home (37 826 390 views), Lizzo, Boys (21 017 777 views), The Git Up by Blanco Brown (7 214 205 views), Shot Clock by Ella Mai (62 857 095 views), and Sean Kingston’s Beautiful Girls (484 646 031views).

Tip #16 Follow/Unfollow Rule to get TikTok famous

Somewhere online you have already heard friendly advice to follow as many accounts as you possibly can, right?

Some even take it one step further by saying that you need to follow 30+ accounts daily (unfollowing them by the end of the same day). Let’s see how this works in reality.

Imagine yourself getting a handful of new followers on day one (Great!) only to have them unfollow you the next day (Oops!).

From another angle, the point of following someone is not to lure away his crew as it may seem, but to learn his tips and tricks.

You may tag them in your videos, and ask for tagging you back (just make sure you don’t stalk them).

The resume – follow!

Who does it best

@anywittymind, but not a super popular one?

That said, following only makes sense when a person you follow has less than a million fans. Just a few thousands or a bit more.

Follow a megastar and you’ll hardly get noticed among the crowd.

Tip #17 Slow and steady wins the race

Posting regularly, you’ll get more followers than by literally dumping all at once to hardly ever upload anything over weeks-to-come.

Scheduling your posting around the same time will help your fans break a habit to check in to view your smashing shoots once you post them.

Stick to a certain number of videos per day/week to get TikTok Famous. On average, TikTokers post between two to three videos daily, a hefty 20+ filmings a week (!). Who wouldn’t want that?

Before you say yes to it, ask if you can keep it going for months and, perhaps, years to come.

More, platform veterans say it helps the TikTok algorithm to track your posts better boosting your chances of getting featured alongside household names.

Who does it best

@harveybass (2.1M), @maxandharvey (5.9M), @zephanclark (2.8M), and many more who reached a six-figure fan base.

Getting famous didn’t happen overnight. For the majority, it took at least two-three months of consistent posting. Dedication is key, you know.

Now, you’ve nailed your profile, optimized your quality/quantity ratio, and kept the momentum going for quite some time, say a year or so.

The fan base has grown extensively, and lucrative offers are rolling your way.

Why leave TikTok at all?

WHEN IS THE TIME TO MOVE ON?

Being on the platform for so long chances are you’ve heard about @lisaandlena at least once.

In March 2019 the world’s favorite young influencers from Stuttgart, Germany, 17-year old tween-sisters Lisa and Lena Mantler have left their 32.7 million fans bitterly disappointed when announced that they no longer wish to continue on TikTok.

Anticipating lots of why? and what? they wrote on their Instagram page: “Going new ways also means to part with the old in order to make room for new“.

“We are growing up, our interests are changing and also the way we want to communicate with you, our community”, they added.

Incredibly thankful for blissful 3 years on TikTok, viral liking, and sharing, the two gorgeous blondies decide to part with the platform “which isn’t safe” (as their Instagram page says days later).

Many believe the scandal around the incident when users under the age of 13 were able to access the app, revealing email addresses and names without parents’ permission, has made it clear for tweens – it was time for them to break new ground.

Breaking new ground

Following the scandal, many complained as to why their TikTok accounts got deleted, which left so many more app users exasperated.

Reportedly a number of accounts got locked out mistakenly, when older users failed to verify their dates of birth due to some technical issues, and not because of their age.

“I’m 15, and not 13! The account actually brought me a ton of opportunities that are now completely lost just because they probably didn’t go about the situation in a very smart way”, as one of them shares.

That may be passed, but never forgotten.

After all, who knows when the TikTok algorithm decides to shave off another dozen winning accounts?

The Bottom Line

Hey, rising star, before you go, here is some food for thought:

• Popularity comes to those who hustle, playing around with their profiles, video shoots, and soundtracks.
• Experimenting is another key element to get TikTok famous. Accepting hashtags challenges, making duets, and teaming up with big shots may help you win fans and get a million views among international TikTok culture.
• TikTok is a numbers game. The more fans, hearts, views, comments, and shares you have – the more you’ll get.
• Following others, commenting on their videos, and tagging in friends on your short clips are all the proven ways to drive insane traffic to your TikTok videos.
• Posting at a regular interval over longer periods (with the bare minimum of 15 clips per month) helps your fans stick around your videos for good.
•   Accept that your TikTok presence is just a matter of time as nothing lasts forever. Our interests and opinions may change drastically as we grew older.
• Whatever it is that makes you happy – keep going! Even if thousands say “No”, be the one to break the mold. Dare to become TikTok famous in 2021!