With over a billion monthly users, TikTok is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms. This provides a large audience demography for content creators; in other words, it is a ready-made market for content creators to sell their services. In this piece, we will look at eight vital tips you need as a beginner when getting started on TikTok.
One intriguing thing about this platform is that not only does it has a large number of users, it also has a high number of engaging users. In a recent report by Music Business Worldwide, it was revealed that the average user spends about 95 minutes daily on the platform. This shows how effective the algorithm is in putting out content that users want to watch. And what this means for you as a content creator or an aspiring content creator is to take advantage of the platform to grow in whatever niche you choose.
Before delving into the tips you need as a content creator, and getting started on TikTok, let’s quickly look at some basic things you need to know about the platform.
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Basic things you need to know about TikTok
- It originated in China. TikTok was created as Douyin, a lipsyncing app in 2012 by ByteDance, a Chinese Tech Company.
- The 2018 acquisition of a US app called Musical.ly by ByteDance led to the birth of what is now known today as TikTok. Although Douyin still exists, TikTok is more popular globally; it is viewed as the international version of Douyin.
- According to Statista, it had a total user download of 850 million in 2022, making it the most downloaded app of 2022.
- TikTok is commonly called the “GenZ App” as a majority of the users are between ages 18 – 24.
- TikTok challenges have created many celebrities and rebranded old ones. Artists like; Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, Beach Bunny, Lizzo, and Megan Thee Stallion all got a push in their careers as a result of their songs going viral on TikTok.
- It is banned in Canada, India, Belgium, France, Australia, Afghanistan, Denmark, Estonia, Netherlands, Norway, and the UK.
- Despite the ban, it is available in over 200 countries.
- Users can post 15 to 60 seconds videos; the platform made short videos popular, thereby revolutionizing creativity in content creation. The platform is famous for content like; skits, short films, challenges, parody videos, dance, tutorials, and lots more.
Getting Started on TikTok: 8 Tips for Beginners in Content Creation
As a content creator, getting started on TikTok will be a lot easier when you know how to use the platform effectively. Below are 8 Tips to take note of.
1. Study Users’ Interests
When creating an account on TikTok, users are asked to select their interests; the type of content they would love to see. The content shown on users’ feeds is therefore going to be based on these interests. For example, if a user selects comedy, he/she will be seeing comedy videos on the platform. TikTok algorithm is also able to detect user behavior based on the type of content they spend more time on and ensure it brings out more of such content for users to view. This is one of the reasons users spend more time daily on the app because it basically keeps giving users what they want to see.
As a content creator, getting started on TikTok, you might consider checking TikTok stats to see the type of niche users engage with the most. And in case you already have a niche you want to sell, you can learn from how content creators in that niche make their videos.
2. Create your Profile
One thing to note is that you don’t necessarily have to create a profile before you access content on TikTok. Once you download the app and sign up, you will start seeing a feed of videos. But you need to have a profile setup before getting started on TikTok as a content creator.
Tap on the “profile icon” at the bottom-right corner of the app to begin setting up your profile. Some of the important things to include on your profile include; a username, bio information, and profile picture. You can decide to create a personal account or a business account. It is however advisable for you to create a business account. This allows you access to analytics that will help you see how well your content is performing on the platform.
From your profile, you can switch to a business account by clicking on “Switch to Business Account” under the “Settings and Privacy” option.
3. Learn to Use the Basic Tools
One thing you should be careful about when getting started on TikTok is understanding how the platform works. Don’t assume the platform works the same way every other social media platform does, learn to carry tasks such as how to record, edit, upload, and delete videos. Also, look at how you can track engagement and analytics to see how viewers are interacting with your content. Doing this will make it easier for you to navigate the platform.
4. Get Creative and Fun with Your Content
Unlike most social media platforms, TikTok is an informal platform and what that means is that there is no professional standard or approach to posting content. As listed above, the majority of users on TikTok are GenZs, and one thing that grabs their attention faster than anything is short and fun content. Therefore you need to focus on how to capture their attention by creating a 13-second, 30-second, or 60 seconds video. A great tip for getting this done is to use hashtags or sounds and use the editing tools available on the platform.
One amazing thing to take note of when getting started on TikTok as a content creator is that you can grow by reposting content on the platform. Sharing videos from other content creators on and outside the platform is also helpful. Users simply want to get entertained and expect you to give them what they like. All you need to do is search for viral videos and repost them. However, remember to acknowledge the original creator to avoid being called out for plagiarism.
5. Hop on Challenges and Use Hashtags
One effective tip for getting started on TikTok is to jump o challenges and use trending hashtags. TikTok is popularly known for its viral challenges and users often go as far as posting it on other social media platforms which further boosts its reach. By creating content on these challenges and including hashtags, it is easier for your content to get more views which can indirectly result in growing your profile also.
Some of the viral challenges that started on TikTok include; “Old Town Road,” “Flip the Switch,” “Don’t Rush,” “The Tootsie Slide Challenge,” and lots more. To get started on challenges, all you need is to use the same sound other content creators are using for that challenge and recreate your version of whatever activity is being done in the challenge.
6. Grow your Audience Faster with Collaborations
As your followers and video views start to grow on the platform, you will need to ensure you stay consistent on the platform and it can be overwhelming coming up with content ideas every time, another approach you can use is to collaborate with other content creators by getting featured in their videos, this is a way to promote your page. Fans of content creators you collaborate with can check out your page and develop an interest in your content also. One key thing you should take note of when doing this is to carefully select and analyze who to collaborate with.
7. Grow your Brand Outside of TikTok
TikTok When looking at the best tips for getting started on TikTok it is also important to consider how you can optimize your presence on other social media platforms to increase your views/followers on TikTok. Your TikTok clips or videos can be posted on other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
8. Be Consistent with Your Content
One of the mind-blowing stories on TikTok has to be that of Khaby Lame, a 23-year-old Senegalese-Italian Content Creator who is currently one of the most followed people on TikTok. Khaby became famous for creating videos responding to difficult life hacks by simply showing easier ways to get them done.
The most remarkable thing about Khaby is that he doesn’t speak in his videos, yet he was able to build a successful career in content creation on TikTok. While being interviewed by CNN on why he chose that style, he said “I came up with the idea because I was seeing these videos circulating, and I liked the idea of bringing some simplicity to it…I thought of a way to reach as many people as possible. And the best way was not to speak.” Khaby currently has 161.2 million followers on TikTok and he is reportedly paid $750,000 per video posted on his TikTok page.
Khaby Lame’s story is quite mind-blowing but it is important to point out that he was able to achieve this by being consistent in his style of creating content. After settling for a niche, ensure you stick with it. Post consistently and learn from the comments and reactions you get from users on your page.
Final Thoughts on Getting Started on TikTok
The incredible growth of TikTok over the years has been one of the most amazing events in the digital economy. The platform is constantly revolutionizing content creation and as a content creator getting started on TikTok, you need to know how to be strategic with your approach to marketing your skill.
You will find the above-listed tips helpful when getting started on TikTok. It is also important for you to focus on the fact that TikTok is not a formal platform, try to make the mood of your content light, fun, and engaging.