So, you want to become a TikTok influencer. Maybe you’ve done the work to understand its algorithm, but your virality just isn’t hitting. The key to TikTok isn’t just about making buzzy content, it’s about taking the time to engage with the app in multiple ways. We spoke with Sarah Hartshorne, a comedian and former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant with more than 3 million likes on the platform, who gave us some great tips to help your TikTok get the audience it deserves.
1. Post every day, even if it flops: Some people can be very precious with their content. But that doesn’t always work to ensure your videos do well. According to Hartshorne, it’s really important to “post every day” and not “be afraid to do bad, dumb, short ones just in the name of getting content out there.”
2. Engage, engage, engage: When it comes to being a TikTok influencer, you can’t just post and disappear. You have to leave comments, like and share others creators’ content, and engage with the users who do the same for you. Doing so not only adds a level of personalization to your brand identity, it also gets your name out there in more subtle, organic ways and increases engagement with your content.
3. Be at the forefront: Every time the app puts out a new feature, try it out in one of your videos. TikTok’s algorithm will very often prioritize content that uses its new tools in order to bring awareness to them.
4. But don’t do trends just to do them: “Get ready with me” videos, challenges, Stitches, Duets, and the like are always great ideas to keep yourself in the cultural conversation. But it’s important to think outside the box, too. “I have not found that using trending sounds is really worth it, unless you can find a way that they fit into your niche,” explains Hartshorne. Be intentional; make sure everything you put out feels natural and organic to you and who you are. ASMR isn’t for everyone!
5. Keep at it, because it doesn’t happen overnight: Consistency is key, as in all things. Some days you might see a difference, others less so. It’s a process and it takes time. So keep at it and don’t give up hope!
Now that you know how to get your TikTok profile to a wider audience, here’s some content ideas to kick-start the creative process:
Stitches and Duets: Two great ways to interact with other trending content, Stitches allow you to attach your own video to the end of another, while Duets play them side by side. Watch the most-followed person on TikTok, Khaby Lame, who makes expert use of Stitches.
@khaby.lame Ig: @ khaby00
♬ suono originale - Khabane lame
Get Ready With Me: Do you have a unique job? A killer fashion sense? A mastery of makeup? Try this type of video (making sure to tag #grwm) and invite your viewers into your day-to-day life.
@reba Get ready with me, tour edition!#GRWM #Reba #Glam #Fancy ♬ Why Haven't I Heard From You - Dave Audé Remix - Reba McEntire
Talking head: Maybe you’re a natural storyteller or simply have an engaging personality and charisma to spare. If so, just hop in front of the camera and talk away! Bonus points if you can talk passionately and expertly on a specific subject. Take a look at Scott Reeder, a prop master for film and TV who breaks down how various props get made.
@scottpropandroll Prop Tricks Pt. 6. These are actor safe props made of plastic and foam rubber #props #movies #tv #film #specialeffects ♬ original sound - Scott Reeder
Sketch comedy: Once almost exclusively a live form of performance, sketch comedy has blossomed online, where anyone can post their skits. Check out Jay Renshaw, who has racked up millions of views thanks to his Chit character.
@renshawjay He said what?? ???? w/ @kielkennedy #sketchcomedy #theoffice #chit #workhumor #askingforafriend ♬ original sound - Jay Renshaw
Micro-shorts: For aspiring filmmakers, it’s never been easier to get all those short film ideas bouncing around your head in front of an audience. Just grab your phone and head to the #ShortFilms page. FX makeup artist Amanda Prescott has gained more than 900,000 followers with her horror-comedy shorts.
@amandaprescottfx Ohhh we’re COOKED????????♀️Inspired By: @Squall ???????? #fyp #horrorcomedy #scary #horror #horrormovie #creepypasta #funnyvideos @???????????????????????????? ???????????? ♬ original sound - Amanda
Advice and how-tos: What are you an expert in? Become a virtual teacher and guide for others interested in your niche. The account I Teach Algebra has notched more than 1 million likes doing just that: offering basic algebra instructions in an easy-to-follow way.
@iteachalgebra Points, lines, and planes! Oh my! #geometry #math #mathteacher #iteachmath #iteachalgebra ♬ original sound - iteachalgebra
At the end of the day, you have to take a holistic approach when it comes to expanding your TikTok reach. What’s most important is to find what it is about what you do that makes your content unique and to engage with the app to show people you mean business. Good luck!