TikTok has transformed from a lip-syncing app to one of the most influential social platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. Its algorithm is uniquely effective at surfacing viral trends, propelling videos from complete unknowns to millions of views literally overnight.
But competition is fiercer than ever, with more creators vying for attention. Simply jumping on trends or using popular sounds is no longer enough. You need smart strategies tailored specifically to TikTok in 2023 if you want to break through.
In this complete guide, we‘ll provide everything you need to know to go viral in the new year, from understanding the shifting algorithm to creative tips to promotion tactics. Let‘s dive in.
TikTok Algorithm Basics: What‘s Changed
Grasping how TikTok‘s algorithm works is step one to maximizing reach. At its core, the algorithm still prioritizes 3 key factors in deciding which videos to surface in the For You feed:
- Watch time – longer viewed videos signal an engaging, enjoyable experience
- Completion rate – if viewers watch a video all the way to the end, it‘s compelling content
- Interactions – likes, comments, shares demonstrate viewers enthusiastically responding
However, updates throughout 2022 have placed greater emphasis on originality and value over easily replicated trends. Copycat content now gets far less of a boost. The algorithm wants authenticity and creativity that builds community.
In particular, 2023 will reward:
- Unique concepts and fresh takes on popular memes/sounds
- Educating or inspiring viewers with actionable advice
- Storytelling elements that forge emotional connections
- Participation in hashtag challenges relevant to the creator‘s niche
So while testing trending audios can still work sometimes, it shouldn‘t be the foundation of your strategy. Let‘s explore tactics optimized for the new algorithm.
Strategic Hashtag Usage for Maximum Reach
Hashtags remain vital for discovery on TikTok. Unlike Instagram, where general tags like #fyp rarely help anymore, niche hashtags are still your best friend for getting content to targeted audiences.
But you need to be careful – hashtags that are overly generic will get buried, while ones too obscure won‘t get you far either. Finding the Goldilocks zone comes down to research.
Here‘s a step-by-step process for optimizing hashtags:
- Identify your niche and ideal viewer personas through market research
- Use TikTok‘s search bar to find relevant hashtags – analyze top videos under each for engagement and follower count
- Compile a list combining popular but not oversaturated tags (~500K videos or less) with a few highly specific ones
- Refine and iterate over time – drop low performing tags and add better options
Ideally use 3-5 well researched hashtags maximum per video. Place them naturally within your on-screen text or captions. This targeted optimization makes you far more discoverable.
Lead with Unique Value
As we covered earlier, breakthrough success in 2023 relies on originality. But dreaming up entirely novel ideas every single video is unrealistic. The key is adding your own spin, perspective or twist to trending topics.
For example, say a popular TikTok audio features someone reacting to different generations‘ trends. Don‘t just use that sound and show random old memes. Provide insightful commentary around how web culture has evolved over time.
Or if a new dance challenge emerges, put your own flair into the moves. Infuse your personality and skills.
Lead with the angle only you can provide. Share advice coming from your expertise. Make viewers feel like they‘re getting something exclusive tailor-made for them.
This turns passing entertainment into meaningful value that earns genuine engagement.
Optimize Videos to Hold Attention
While addictively fun videos over a minute do happen, generally concise, dynamic content performs best on TikTok. You need to grip viewers immediately and sustain intrigue through clever editing and pacing.
Follow these best practices for unskippable videos:
- Hook attention within 3 seconds – unusual sounds, text/graphics, humor all work
- Maintain energy through brisk cuts, text pop-ups, zoom effects and more
- Frontload most interesting/surprising parts instead of big endings
- Add b-roll inserts to break up talking head shots
- Use captions, on-screen text for clarity and engagement
- End strong and quick – watch that completion rate for better promotion!
Also play close attention to what sections of your video get rewatches and which cause drop off through TikTok‘s analytics. Refine based on real data.
Strategically Collaborate with Nano/Micro Influencers
Collaborating with the right content creators can expand your reach tremendously. But massive influencers charge insane rates unlikely to yield suitable ROI.
Instead, connect with nano (1K – 10K followers) or micro influencers (10K – 50K) whose audience and content closely aligns with yours. The key questions:
- Does this creator make videos related to your niche?
- Do they actively engage with their (real) audience?
- What‘s their average views and engagement rate per video?
Negotiate collaborations based on content trade – you appear in their video while they guest star in yours. Promote each other‘s videos organically by reacting and duetting as well.
Smaller influencers are more affordable, authentic and better for conversions. Plus your existing fans get entertained by seeing a fresh face!
Cross-Promote Across Other Social Channels
While going viral on TikTok itself comes down to nailing that platform‘s algorithm, you can drive momentum by leveraging communities you‘ve already built elsewhere.
- Edit short teasers of your best TikTok videos to share natively on Instagram/Facebook/YouTube Shorts
- Drive viewers from strong organic posts on Twitter and Reddit
- Send email/text list updates highlighting your breakthrough content
Encourage established followers on other networks to check out your videos. They‘ll provide that initial viewership signal to propel the algorithm.
And once you go viral, share the TikTok link back to these external channels again!
Track Performance Obsessively with Analytics
Viral hits might seem like lucky flukes, but data-driven refinement maximizes the probability.
Start by setting up TikTok analytics, under Creator Tools > Analytics dashboard. Monitor how each video performs across crucial metrics:
- Traffic source – Instagram vs YouTube vs TikTok‘s For You page?
- Views
- Watch time
- Audience Retention chart – when do most viewers click away?
- Likes/comments/shares
- Follower growth
Compare top videos against underperformers. How long do viewers stay? Where do they come from? When did momentum peak or die?
These insights allow you to isolate what‘s working and double down on it in future content while cutting ineffective tactics. Optimize for your audience.
Milk Momentum with Playlists and Series
TikTok playlists are hugely underutilized. But they keep viewers binging more of your content after watching a viral hit. You effectively capture fans within an endless stream of custom recommendations.
Series take this further. Announce Part 1 of an multi-video storyline, education lesson or documentary upfront. Sprinkle clues to entice viewers back for the next installments.
This leverages psychological hooks – curiosity, Ontario superiority effect of seeing the full picture, even FOMO at missing out on key updates.
With both playlists and series, end each video reminding people to stay tuned for more. This compounds engagement and positions you as a must-follow creator.
Monetize to Convert Viral Views into Revenue
Massive view counts mean little if they don‘t further your goals – whether selling products, promoting a brand, driving site traffic or building a paid community.
Once a video pops off, immediately start monetizing:
- Add shoppable links to your TikTok bio + directly in viral video captions
- Create promo/discount codes for products mentioned
- Redirect to your other social channels, site, email list etc
- Market high value offerings like online courses, services and consultations
Essentially you need to be ready to capitalize instantly when lightning strikes. Have pitches prepared, sites updated and landing pages built out.
TikTok fame is often short-lived without ongoing content momentum. So focus less on arbitrary view milestones and more on what you want viewers to actually do next. Turn them into devoted customers and brand advocates through smart follow-up.
Retain Audience Beyond One-Off Virality
Scoring that sudden viral explosion is an incredible milestone. But can be meaningless long-term without retention strategy.
Far too often creators lean solely on whatever one-off trend put them on the map. They struggle to adapt once it fades. Hype-chasing creators quickly burn out or seem like one-trick ponies.
Build sustainable momentum by:
- Responding to commenters, old and new
- Following up viral hits with content upgrades
- Keeping people intrigued through episodic series
- Consistently cultivating community via duets, stiches etc
- Launching hashtag challenges to catalyze two-way engagement
Essentially, demonstrate you‘re an indispensable source of novel entertainment worth coming back to daily. That‘s how ephemeral viral success converts into an unstoppable juggernaut channel.
Conclusion
Blowing up on TikTok takes both science through understanding modern algorithms and art through creation chops.
But armed with the right strategies, your chances break through have never been higher. 2023 represents a clean slate where rising stars continually usurp entrenched creators.
Why not make it your year?
Apply the tips in this guide to start standing out from the crowd. Tailor content specifically to intrigue, educate and inspire the TikTok community. Promote smartly across social channels. And lay the foundation to retain, monetize and build upon any viral sparks that ignite.
You got this!
