How to Get More Views and Go Viral on TikTok 

Let’s be real—TikTok is exploding with content, and standing out as a TikTok creator isn’t easy. With millions of videos uploaded daily, getting the TikTok views you deserve takes more than just hitting “post.”

In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how to increase TikTok views—backed by real data and insights from successful creators. From crafting a killer hook and working with the TikTok algorithm to knowing the best times to post, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a content creator, influencer, or digital marketer, these proven strategies will help you grow your audience, increase engagement, and boost your chances of going viral. Let’s dive in.

Understand How the TikTok Algorithm Works to Get More Views

To increase your views on TikTok, you must play smart with the algorithm, not against it. TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) might feel mysterious, but it’s not random. Viral videos are earned through performance signals that the platform tracks. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works and how you can use it to your advantage:

Completion Rate Is King

In TikTok marketing, one metric stands above the rest: Completion Rate. This refers to the percentage of viewers who watch your entire video from start to finish. The algorithm heavily favors content that keeps people watching all the way through.

If most viewers drop off halfway, TikTok takes that as a sign that your content isn’t holding attention. But if they stick around—or even replay your video—that sends a strong signal to the platform that your content is worth promoting. The result? More exposure and more TikTok views.

Why the TikTok Algorithm Loves Interaction

TikTok’s algorithm is designed to keep users watching. To do that, it prioritizes videos that show strong signs of audience interest, also known as engagement signals. When people like, comment, share, save, or rewatch your video, it tells the algorithm, “This content is holding attention.” The more interactions your video gets, the more TikTok pushes it to other users’ For You pages.

Personalization Is Key When You Post on TikTok

When you post on TikTok, the platform doesn’t treat every video the same. It’s designed to personalize the experience for each user, recommending content based on what they typically watch, like, and share. That means if someone’s into cooking hacks and you post on TikTok with a clever recipe tip, your video will likely land on their For You page.

To make the most of this, know your niche. Tailor your content style, tone, and topic to match what your audience already enjoys. The better aligned your video is with their interests, the more likely it is to get pushed and perform.

Video Info = Metadata

Metadata is the behind-the-scenes info TikTok uses to understand and categorize your video. It’s how the algorithm figures out what your content is about—and who it should show it to. On TikTok, metadata includes elements like:

  • Caption text.
  • Hashtags.
  • Audio (songs or trending sounds).
  • On-screen text.

Each of these signals helps TikTok match your video with viewers likely to be interested. Use keyword-rich captions, relevant hashtags, and trending sounds to boost your TikTok views. The more clearly your metadata reflects your video’s content, the better chance it has to reach the right audience and go viral.

Tips for Crafting a TikTok Hook

If video completion rate is essential to the TikTok algorithm, then your video’s opening hook is the key to unlocking views and engagement. The first 3 seconds are your only shot to stop the scroll, get people to watch, and ideally, interact.

A strong hook acts like a magnet, pulling viewers in and keeping them watching. But what exactly makes a great TikTok hook? Here are some tips: 

Start with a Bang

Your opening needs to demand attention. That could be:

A bold statement: “You’ve been washing your face wrong this whole time.”

A shocking stat: “90% of people edit videos the wrong way—are you one of them?”

A visual surprise: A sudden camera zoom, a glitch effect, or someone falling into frame.

A location twist: “This is what $10 gets you in Tokyo.”

The goal? Trigger that “Wait… what?” moment. If you spark curiosity, you’ve already won half the battle.

Keep It Short and Snappy

Your intro should be fast, punchy, and direct. Viewers want instant gratification—not a 10-second ramble.

Examples:

“3 editing hacks in 30 seconds”

“Here’s how I fixed my engagement in one week”

“Watch me turn $5 into a viral product video”

Make the value clear immediately. If your audience knows what they’re getting, they’re more likely to stick around.

Make It Relatable

Relatability is your secret weapon. If your viewer sees themselves in your video, they’re hooked.

Speak to their goals, frustrations, or daily struggles:

“Struggling to hit 1k followers? Try this.”

“Why your videos aren’t going viral—and how to fix it.”

“This is for anyone tired of posting and getting 10 views.”

Your content becomes more powerful when you’re reading the viewer’s mind.

Use Eye-Catching Visuals

Don’t just tell—show. Pair your verbal hook with visuals that grab the eye:

Use animated text for emphasis

Throw in quick transitions or sound effects

Add overlays like a timer countdown or emoji reactions

For example: If your hook is “Watch me go from zero to viral,” start with a split screen showing your TikTok insights—before and after.

Motion, colour, and surprise keep viewers visually engaged, especially in those first critical seconds.

Source: @peaceful.earth0

How to Boost TikTok Engagement to Gain More Views

Every comment, share, and rewatch sends a signal to TikTok: “Push this video more.” And when new users stumble upon your video, seeing lots of comments or shares creates social proof. If others are loving it, they’ll want it too.

Want more engagement? Then be engaging. Here’s how:

Ask Questions & Invite Interaction

Sometimes all it takes is a nudge. Use your video or caption to directly ask for input:

  • “Which outfit was your favorite? Comment below!”
  • “Tag someone who needs to see this!”
  • “Relatable? Drop a 🔥 if you agree.”

These simple prompts give viewers something to respond to—and make them feel like part of the conversation.

You can also increase interaction by:

  • Starting a poll, challenge, or trend that others can join.
    Sparking curiosity or friendly debate in the comments.
  • Adding a surprising or emotional twist to encourage rewatches.
  • Including a call-to-action like “watch till the end”.
  • Using text overlays or hooks that prompt viewers to comment or share.

Each small interaction—whether it’s a like, share, or comment—sends a powerful signal to the algorithm that your content is worth promoting. And that’s how views turn into virality.

Source: @nabzmalik1

Turn Comments Into Content

Replying to comments builds community. To boost your TikTok even further, take it by replying with a video. When you respond to a great question or comment, TikTok displays it in your new post, turning it into fresh, audience-driven content.

Bonus: Others with the same question will likely watch, engage, and join the discussion, helping you grow and boost your TikTok organically.

Use Trends That Encourage Interaction

Hop on challenges, duets, or stitchable trends that invite a response. These formats are perfect for creating engaging videos on TikTok. For example:

  • Post an open-ended skit that begs for a duet.
  • Stitch a trending video and add your take.
  • Create a reaction-worthy scenario and invite others to participate

TikTok loves collaborative content, and so does your audience. The more interactive your videos on TikTok are, the more likely they are to get shared, stitched, and seen.

Source: @brittanykamerman

Use Humor or Emotion to Spark a Reaction

Want someone to like, comment, or tag a friend? Make them feel something. Funny, inspiring, or painfully relatable content almost always drives interaction.

Examples:

  • A funny take on a common frustration.
  • A touching story with a universal message.
  • A meme or trend remix that fits your niche.

If your video makes people say, “OMG, same,” they’ll engage naturally.

Source: @samyyenergiee

Build a Community, Not Just TikTok Followers

Don’t treat your viewers like numbers—treat them like people. The most successful TikTok followers aren’t just passive scrollers; they’re part of a real, engaged community.

  • Go live and chat with fans in real time.
  • Share behind-the-scenes moments or personal stories
  • Acknowledge frequent commenters and reply often

When people feel seen and valued, they engage more. The result? A loyal loop of TikTok followers who support your content, share it, and help you grow organically.

Create Content That the TikTok Algorithm Loves

Now let’s talk about the heart of it all, your content. Beyond hooks and engagement tricks, the style and format of your video play a significant role in whether TikTok decides to boost it.  Here’s how to create videos TikTok wants to push:

Keep It Concise and Loopable

Short videos = better watch rates. 

While TikTok allows videos up to 10 minutes, the sweet spot for most creators (and business accounts) is 21–34 seconds. Shorter videos are more likely to be watched to the end—and even rewatched.

Pro tip: Make your video loop cleanly. If the ending connects back to the beginning, you may get bonus replays without viewers noticing. More loops = more views.

Tap Into Trending Sounds

Sound is a huge part of TikTok’s discovery engine. Using trending audio increases your chances of landing on more FYPs. Each sound has its page where people explore videos using it—getting on that list gives your content instant exposure.

Just make sure the sound fits your content naturally. Forced trends rarely land well.

A great example is the viral use of the “Slamuri” sound. Originally eerie and intense, this audio unexpectedly became a top trend for newborn baby videos. Instead of showcasing soft lullabies or cute background music, parents paired sweet baby clips with this dramatic, almost spooky sound, creating a hilarious contrast that caught the algorithm’s attention. The unexpected pairing helped the trend take off, proving that sometimes opposites attract when it comes to TikTok audio strategy.

Be Real, Not Overproduced

TikTok isn’t YouTube or Netflix. It thrives on authenticity. Candid, off-the-cuff videos shot on a phone often outperform polished, overly produced content. Viewers want personality, not perfection.

Think of it like this: talk to the camera like FaceTiming a friend. That raw energy is what connects best on TikTok.

Provide Value: Entertain or Educate

TikTok isn’t just for dancing and memes anymore. A growing body of research shows that 64% of Gen Z users use TikTok as a search engine.

This shift means Gen Z isn’t just scrolling for fun—they’re actively using TikTok to discover products, solutions, tutorials, and ideas.

To meet that demand, your content needs to provide value. TikTok favors videos that people watch, rewatch, and share. So, focus on making your video memorable:

  • Entertain: Skits, stories, reactions, challenges—anything fun and relatable.
  • Educate: Life hacks, quick tips, mini tutorials, or “Did you know?” facts.
  • Edutainment: Blend the two—like “3 tricks to sleep better” in 30 seconds.

💡 Ask yourself: Would I save or share this? If yes, you’re doing it right.

Stay Consistent and Niche Down

A strong TikTok strategy starts with consistency. Having a theme or recurring format helps both your audience and the algorithm know what to expect from you. That could be:

  • Daily tips.
  • Comedy series (Part 1, 2, 3…)
  • Beauty routines.
  • Productivity hacks.

When viewers enjoy one post, they’ll look for more. TikTok now supports playlists, making organising content easier and encouraging binge-watching.

You don’t have to stick to one niche forever, but a consistent TikTok strategy builds recognition, trust, and momentum over time.

Post at the Best Times for Your Audience

Timing isn’t everything on TikTok—but it can make a huge difference. Posting when your audience is most active gives your video the best shot at quick engagement. The faster people interact with your post, the more likely it is to land on more For You Pages. Here’s how to time your TikToks for maximum reach:

Use Data-Backed Global Best Times

If you’re wondering the best time to post on TikTok, global engagement studies offer a great starting point. While every audience is different, these time slots consistently perform well across industries:

  • Tuesday: 4–6 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 9–11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2–6 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9–11 a.m., 2–6 p.m.
    Friday: 4–6 p.m.

If you’re just starting out or don’t have enough analytics data from your TikTok account, these timeframes are ideal for testing and refining your posting schedule.

Know Your Audience’s Schedule

Generic timing is useful, but your audience’s habits are gold. Head to your TikTok Analytics > Follower Insights to see when your followers are most active.

Ask yourself:

  • Are they students, professionals, or parents?
  • Are they mostly local or global?
    Do they engage more on weekends or weekday evenings?

For global audiences, consider posting multiple times across time zones or testing different hours to find your sweet spot.

Experiment and Watch the Results

TikTok isn’t just a science—it’s trial and error. Experiment with posting at different times (morning vs. evening, weekday vs. weekend) and track which time slots lead to a higher number of views.

While TikTok videos can go viral days after being posted, that initial boost from posting at the right time can make a big difference in the number of views you get early on—and help kickstart long-term momentum.

Be Consistent

Timing is important, but consistency is what keeps your content relevant. TikTok recommends posting 1–3 times per day if possible. That doesn’t mean spam—just show up regularly.

  • Create a simple content calendar.
  • Batch your filming and schedule ahead.
  • Avoid long gaps between posts

Consistent posting trains both the algorithm and your followers to expect more from you, boosting both visibility and loyalty.

Leverage Hashtags, Trends and Challenges for Discoverability

TikTok might feel like an endless scroll of randomness, but discoverability on the platform is very real and powerful. Using hashtags, trending sounds, and challenges can help your content reach new audiences. Think of it like joining the biggest conversations happening on TikTok right now.

Here’s how to do it right:

Use Relevant Hashtags (Strategically)

Hashtags on TikTok are like discovery signals. The sweet spot? 3–5 hashtags per video—just enough to categorize your content without looking spammy.

Use a mix of:

  • Broad tags like #travel or #comedy for wide exposure.
  • Niche tags like #solotravelTip or #momlifehacks can help reach targeted communities.

Also, check TikTok’s Discover page or Creative Centre to find trending hashtags in your niche. But don’t just chase trends, make sure the tag fits your content. Irrelevant hashtags can hurt more than help by confusing viewers.

Think of TikTok as a Search Engine

More and more users, especially Gen Z, are using TikTok like Google. They search for things like:

  • “Makeup tutorial”
  • “Quick lunch recipe”
  • “Room decor ideas”

To show up in these searches, include keyword-rich captions and hashtags that describe what your video is about. For example:

Caption: “Quick DIY decor idea for small apartments 💡”
Hashtag: #DIYDecor

Optimizing for TikTok search = more visibility for the content you’re already creating.

Hop on Trends (While They’re Hot)

Trends = exposure. Period. Whether it’s a dance, meme, audio, or editing format, jumping on a trending idea early can land your video in front of thousands—or even millions—of fresh viewers.

What to do:

  • Check your FYP and Discover tab daily.
  • Jump on a trend fast (they fade in days or hours).
  • Add your unique twist to make it stand out.
  • Use the official trending hashtag for better placement.

Viewers often binge-watch different takes on the same trend—so don’t be afraid to join the wave, as long as it fits your vibe.

Start or Join Hashtag Challenges

Challenges are another great way to boost reach. You can:

  • Join trending challenges that align with your niche (e.g., #GlowUpChallenge for beauty creators)
  • Start your own branded challenge (e.g., #InMyDenim for a fashion series)

Encourage duets, stitches, or recreations of your challenge to amplify engagement and visibility. If your challenge catches on, TikTok may even feature it, putting your content in front of massive audiences.

Collaborate with Influencers and Fellow Creators

On TikTok, going solo works, but collaborating can take your visibility to a new level. Whether partnering with influencers, duetting trending videos, or engaging with your community, collaborations help you share audiences, boost credibility, and tap into viral momentum.

Here’s how to make the most of TikTok collabs:

Partner with Influencers in Your Niche

Find creators who already speak to your target audience, whether they’re in beauty, fitness, tech, comedy, or any other niche. A simple collab or shoutout can introduce you to their community and vice versa.

Example: A fitness coach teaming up with a nutrition influencer for a “Workout + Meal Plan” series. Each posts one part and tags the other—boom, instant cross-promotion.

Why it works: Seeing a familiar or trusted face increases watch time and shareability. And if the influencer features your product or content on their channel, their audience may follow the trail back to you.

Source: @kinzi3baby

Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

You don’t need big names to collaborate—your own fans can be incredible collaborators.

  • React to fan videos.
  • Feature UGC in your posts (with credit!)
  • Run a hashtag challenge to invite followers to create content with or about you.

UGC shows that you value your community and encourages more people to engage. It’s an authentic, free promo, creating a feedback loop of loyalty and visibility.

Use Duets and Stitches Creatively

TikTok gives you collaboration tools built right in:

  • Duets show your video alongside another—perfect for reactions, commentary, or challenges.
  • Stitches lets you clip a few seconds of someone else’s video and continue the story or respond

Jump on a trending video in your niche and add your spin. The original video’s popularity can spill over onto yours, especially if it’s timely or adds value.

Tip: Choose videos with strong hooks. If people are already interested in the original, they’re more likely to watch your part, too.

Tag and Credit Your Collaborators

Always tag anyone you collaborate with—whether it’s a full video or a cameo.
It’s polite, it encourages them to engage, and it increases the chance they’ll repost or drive traffic to your profile.

Pro move: Add their username in your caption and on-screen. It gives you a second touchpoint for your audience to find you.

Cross-Promote with Creator Friends

Collaboration doesn’t have to be complex. Try:

  • Account takeovers.
  • Brief cameos in each other’s videos.
  • Shared series or challenges.
  • Group content at events or meetups (like VidCon, niche expos, etc.)

Even small shoutouts or “follow my friend” moments can create momentum, especially when done with consistency.

Cross-Promote Your TikTok Videos on Other Platforms

Don’t let your content stay stuck on just one social media platform. Cross-promoting your videos is a smart way to expand your reach, attract new followers, and give your content a longer life. The more places your content lives, the more chances it has to get discovered.

Here’s how to make your TikTok content travel far and wide:

Repurpose TikTok Videos Without Starting Over

One TikTok can become multiple pieces of content. With tools like Clipto, you can easily transcribe your TikTok video, generate accurate subtitles, and pull out key quotes or moments.

This makes it simple to turn your video into a blog post, add captions for accessibility, or extract snippets to share elsewhere. Whether you’re sharing highlights on your website or turning your TikTok into a text-based tutorial, Clipto helps you do it faster—with less effort.

Whether you’re creating a video summary, pulling quotes, or turning your TikTok into an educational LinkedIn post, repurposing with Clipto saves you time and boosts reach across channels.

Tweet or Share on Facebook

On Twitter (X), post short, eye-catching clips or quotes with your TikTok link. For example:

“This TikTok went kind of crazy 👇” + [link]

On Facebook, especially if you manage a Page or group, you can post the full video, a teaser, or a link to your TikTok. These platforms are great for driving supplemental traffic.

Embed TikTok in Blog Posts or Websites

If you have a blog, portfolio, or business website, embedding TikTok adds visual flair and directs visitors to your TikTok profile.

Example: A fashion blogger writing about “5 Everyday Outfits” can embed TikTok showing each look in action.

Share Your TikTok in Emails or Newsletters

If you run a newsletter or send regular marketing emails, don’t miss the chance to share your TikTok content there too. It’s a subtle but powerful way to drive cross-platform traffic from subscribers who already engage with your brand.

  • Feature a “🔥 TikTok of the Week” section with a direct link
  • Embed a video preview or thumbnail in your email layout
  • Encourage clicks by teasing what the video is about

Sharing your TikTok in an email helps keep your content in front of warm audiences and encourages more views beyond the platform.

Share in Online Communities

Found a relevant subreddit, Discord, or niche Facebook group? If your TikTok adds real value, share it.

Example: Made a TikTok about DSLR tips? Post it in a photography subreddit with a caption like: “Here’s a quick TikTok I made on lighting hacks – hope it helps!”

Always avoid spam—make it genuine, helpful, and respectful of the community.

Leverage TikTok Shop to Boost Views and Sales

TikTok’s Algorithm Favors Shop Content

TikTok isn’t just a platform for trends anymore—it’s evolving into a full-fledged e-commerce engine. Inspired by the massive success of Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese counterpart), TikTok is doubling down on in-app shopping features. In China, Douyin has already proven that short-form content and e-commerce can drive serious revenue, and now, TikTok is aiming to replicate that model globally.

Enter TikTok Shop: a feature that lets creators and brands tag products directly in videos, creating a seamless shopping experience without leaving the app.

But does using TikTok Shop help you get more views?

Yes, it can. TikTok’s algorithm tends to favor content that drives engagement and revenue. Videos with TikTok Shop tags often get more exposure, not just in the For You Page (FYP), but also in the dedicated Shop tab and on product-specific pages. If you’re using a Business Account, you’re in a great position to take advantage of this shift.

By aligning your content with TikTok’s monetization goals, you increase your chances of getting promoted by the algorithm, making it a win-win for both your brand and the platform.

Extra Visibility Through Product Tagging

When you tag a product in your video, it’s indexed in multiple places:

  • Under the product listing page (with other videos).
  • In the TikTok Shop tab.
  • In search results for that product or category.

That’s more surface area for discovery, especially from users actively browsing to buy.

Engagement-Driven Shopping = More Views

TikTok Shop videos that don’t feel like ads often perform the best. Think tutorials, demos, honest reviews, or storytelling. When viewers engage with that content—likes, comments, shares—it signals to the algorithm that the video is valuable. More engagement = more visibility.

Example: A “Get Ready With Me” video featuring a tagged lipstick is way more engaging than just holding the product and saying, “buy this.”

What to Avoid When Using TikTok Shop

Don’t make it feel like a hard sell—users scroll past anything that screams “ad.”

Avoid tagging unrelated products just to show up in the Shop tab; TikTok’s algorithm may penalize you for it.

Low-effort videos won’t cut it either. Even with TikTok Shop features, your content still needs a strong hook and solid storytelling to drive clicks.

If you’re not sure what’s working, FastMoss is a TikTok Shop analytics tool that lets you track product performance, analyze top creators, and spot what’s working—so you can avoid common mistakes and create smarter, more engaging content.

Use TikTok Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

Don’t just guess what works; use data from your TikTok account to guide smarter content decisions throughout your TikTok journey. TikTok’s built-in analytics tool is like a behind-the-scenes cheat code. Whether you have a Creator or Business TikTok account, the analytics dashboard provides valuable insights into video performance, audience behavior, and engagement trends. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Identify Your Top-Performing Videos;

Check which videos racked up the most views—and dig into why. Was it a trending sound? A specific format? A unique hook in the first three seconds? Once you know what worked, double down. Replicate the style, pacing, or structure. If something flopped, reverse-engineer that too—maybe the video was too long, or the topic missed the mark.

Tip: “Do more of what works” isn’t just a cliché—it’s a content strategy.

Analyze Watch Time and Re-watches

TikTok’s algorithm loves videos that people watch through to the end. Even better? Replays. If your 15-second video is averaging 20 seconds of watch time, it means people are looping it—awesome! On the flip side, if most viewers drop off after 3 seconds, your hook probably needs a revamp.

Key metrics to monitor: Average watch time, completion rate, and rewatch rate.

Check Where Your Views Are Coming From

Traffic sources can reveal whether TikTok’s algorithm is boosting your video. If most views come from the For You page, great, the algorithm likes you! If they’re mostly from your profile, it might be time to create more discoverable content. Look out for hashtags and sounds that drive traffic, too—that’s proof your choices are working (or not).

Understand Your Audience

Get to know your followers—where they’re from, how old they are, and when they’re most active. This helps you time your posts better and tailor your tone, references, or video topics. Posting when your audience is online = higher engagement = more views.

Run Mini Experiments with A/B Testing

Don’t be afraid to try different things. Post the same topic in multiple formats—short vs. long, talking head vs. B-roll, bold text vs. plain captions. Track which version performs better. These micro-experiments will quickly show you what your audience prefers.

Think of every TikTok as a test, and let the numbers decide the winner.

Adjust Your Strategy Based on What Works

The real value in analytics comes from action. See that your “behind-the-scenes” content gets higher shares? Do more of that. Find out your hashtag choices aren’t helping? Time to refresh them. Let insights shape your ongoing strategy and move you from “just posting” to “posting with purpose.”

TL;DR: Everyone Gets a Chance to Grow Your TikTok and Boost Video Views

Going viral on TikTok isn’t luck—it’s strategy. From mastering the algorithm and crafting irresistible hooks to posting at peak times and leveraging TikTok Shop, every creator can grow with the right moves. Focus on short, engaging content, encourage interaction, ride trends, and use analytics to refine your approach. With consistent effort and smart tactics, your next scroll-stopper could be just a post away.