How the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2025 + Tips to Help Your Video Go Viral

If you’re creating videos and hoping to get more people to watch them, you and TikTok have the same goal. But unfortunately, many people focus too much on how to “hack” the TikTok algorithm to get more likes and views.

Honestly, trying to game the system rarely works. Instead, the real secret is understanding how the algorithm works and using that knowledge to your advantage.

Once you know how TikTok’s algorithm chooses which videos to recommend to users, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to post and when.

So, in this guide, we’ll break down how TikTok’s algorithm works in 2025. You will get to see how it selects content for individual users and some practical ways you can help your videos reach more viewers.

 

What is the TikTok Algorithm?

The TikTok algorithm is what makes the magic happen behind the scenes. It is a system that decides which videos pop up on your For You page (FYP).

Unlike other platforms that show you posts based on who you follow, TikTok’s algorithm focuses on what it thinks you’ll enjoy the most. It watches what types of videos you interact with and then suggests more of the same.

That means if you spend time watching beauty tutorials, you’ll see more of that type of content, while someone who loves sports will get completely different recommendations. The FYP is unique for everyone, so what you see is different from what your friends or colleagues might see.

One cool thing about TikTok is that it doesn’t care if you have zero followers or are just starting out. If your video matches the interests of viewers, it can be shown to tons of people, even if they don’t follow you. This gives everyone a shot at getting their content seen by a wider audience, regardless of their follower count.

The main goal of the TikTok algorithm is to keep users watching and engaged. It looks at how long you stay on videos, what you like or comment on, and which videos you share. Based on this, the algorithm fine-tunes its recommendations to show you content that you’re most likely to enjoy.

How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work?

The TikTok algorithm is built to keep you hooked by showing you content you’ll love. But how does it know what to recommend?

The algorithm takes a mix of factors into account, including your interactions, some settings on your account, etc. Let’s break it down.

1. User Interactions

Every action you take on TikTok helps the algorithm learn about your preferences. The more you engage with certain types of content, the better TikTok gets at knowing what you enjoy. Here are a few things that influence your For You page:

• Videos you like, share, or add to your favorites
• Accounts you follow
• Comments you leave
• Videos you mark as “Not Interested”
• Content you create yourself
• How long you watch a video

Positive interactions – like liking, sharing, and watching videos all the way through – tell TikTok, “This is the kind of content they like,” and the app will serve you more of that.

On the flip side, negative signals, like marking something as “Not Interested,” tell the algorithm to avoid similar content.

2. Video Information

TikTok also uses the details of the videos you watch to understand your interests. These are some of the key video signals the algorithm tracks:

• Captions and hashtags
• Sounds and music used in the videos
• Effects and filters
• Trending topics
• Video length

The more you engage with certain themes, hashtags, or types of videos, the more TikTok will recommend similar content to you.

For example, if you often watch cooking videos with a specific sound or effect, the algorithm will notice that and show you more videos with those same features.

3. Device and Account Settings

While these aren’t as important as user interactions and video details, your device and account settings still play a role in how TikTok recommends content.

These settings help TikTok optimize your experience, but they don’t actively change based on how you engage. Some factors include:

• Language preference
• Your country setting
• Device type
• Categories of interest you selected when you first joined TikTok

Though these settings help TikTok tailor content to your location or language, they’re not as crucial as the actions you take within the app.

4. Content Quality and Popularity

Ultimately, TikTok wants to show users the best, most engaging content. So, the platform looks at how well videos perform overall, not just with you. Here are some key metrics TikTok uses to measure content quality:

• Engagement rate: High engagement (likes, comments, shares) shows TikTok that your video is catching people’s attention, which means it will likely be pushed to more users.
• Completion rate: Videos that are watched all the way through are favored because they keep viewers interested. If people watch your video to the end, TikTok sees that as a positive sign.
• Virality potential: The algorithm looks for videos that are gaining traction fast. If your video suddenly picks up views or engagement, TikTok is more likely to boost it, giving it a shot at going viral.

So, when creating content for TikTok, keep these factors in mind. Focus on making videos that people will engage with and watch until the end, and use the features that TikTok’s algorithm favors.

Think of features like relevant hashtags, trending sounds, and captivating visuals. When you do, you’ll be giving your videos the best chance at success on the platform. We will discuss this in detail later in this guide. Just keep reading!

 

What the TikTok Algorithm Doesn’t Show

While the TikTok algorithm is designed to help content reach the right audience, there are certain things it won’t prioritize or show on your For You page.

One key point TikTok makes clear is that creators won’t automatically get a boost based on their past performance. Having a large follower count or a history of viral videos doesn’t guarantee that your new content will receive preferential treatment.

TikTok doesn’t favor creators with more followers or viral success, either. Instead, it prioritizes the relevance and engagement of each piece of content, regardless of your past popularity. This means even smaller accounts can get noticed if they consistently produce relevant and engaging content.

In addition to not favoring past performance, there are some types of content that TikTok intentionally de-ranks or hides from the For You page. These include:

• Duplicate content: Posting the same or very similar content repeatedly can hurt your chances of being featured. TikTok prioritizes fresh, original content to keep things interesting for users.
• Content you’ve already seen: If you’ve already engaged with a video, TikTok won’t show it to you again.
• Spammy content: TikTok will down-rank content that seems overly promotional or spam-like. Be mindful of how you’re presenting your content. Just keep it authentic and engaging.
• Potentially offensive or unsafe content: TikTok actively removes or reduces the visibility of content that violates community guidelines, such as videos containing hate speech, violence, or inappropriate behavior.
• Recently uploaded videos: New videos might not immediately appear on the For You page. TikTok needs time to evaluate how the content performs, which is why brand-new posts may take some time before gaining traction.
• Videos under review: If your video is under review for potential violations of TikTok’s guidelines, it won’t appear on your For You page until it’s cleared.

 

Does TikTok Use a Point System?

You may have heard about a so-called “point system” in relation to TikTok’s algorithm. This is where user interactions like likes, shares, and rewatches are supposedly given different values to determine whether your video should be shown to more people.

While TikTok has never confirmed an exact points-based ranking model, it’s clear that some types of engagement are more impactful than others.

For example, when someone re-watches or shares your video, it sends a stronger signal of interest compared to just a like or follow.

Rather than thinking of these interactions as literal “points,” it’s better to view them as signals. The more valuable the signal, like a share or a repeat view, the more the algorithm interprets your content as resonating with users.

This increases the likelihood of TikTok recommending your video to a wider audience, helping it gain more traction and engagement.

 

How to Reset the TikTok Algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm tailors your For You page (FYP) based on the content you’ve interacted with in the past. However, sometimes your preferences shift, and your FYP may start to feel a bit stale.

If you find that the content being recommended no longer reflects your interests, you can reset the algorithm. This is like telling it to start fresh.

Here’s how to refresh your FYP:

1. Open the TikTok app and tap on your Profile.
2. Go to the menu at the top and select Settings and Privacy.
3. Tap on Content preferences.
4. Choose Refresh your For You feed.
5. Tap Continue and then Continue again to confirm.

Once you reset, the algorithm will start over, and your interactions moving forward will influence the content you see.

However, you should know that this only affects your FYP. Your Following feed and profile will remain unchanged. And you won’t be able to go back once you complete the process. So be ready for a fresh slate of recommendations before you do it!

 

14 Ways to Work with the TikTok Algorithm to Improve Video Visibility

If you want to increase your video’s visibility on TikTok, it’s important to understand how the algorithm works and how you can optimize your content to align with its preferences.

Here are some tips to help you work with TikTok’s algorithm to help your videos go viral on the platform.

1. Niche Down to Reach Your Target Audience

Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific niche that aligns with your brand or interests. Remember, TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content that resonates with particular communities or interests.

By niching down, you’re more likely to attract followers who are genuinely interested in what you’re creating. Plus, niche content tends to have a more engaged audience, which can improve your video’s performance in terms of likes, shares, and comments.

A good example is Ayomi Samaraweera who started posting career-focused content on TikTok. And this won her a brand deal with only a few thousand followers.

2. Use the Right Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool on TikTok for improving visibility. They help categorize your content and make it discoverable to users who are interested in similar topics.

When choosing hashtags, make sure they’re relevant to your video’s theme and include a mix of popular hashtags (to expand your reach) and niche-specific hashtags (to target a more specific audience).

TikTok also has trending hashtags, so incorporating these into your posts can give you an extra boost, especially if your content fits within the trend. Just make sure your hashtags are relevant – spamming irrelevant ones can hurt your chances of reaching the right audience.

For example, Huda Beauty uses hashtags like #cleaningmakeupbrushes and #satisfyingvideo in the following video. This helps it reach people interested in this type of content and also signals to TikTok what the video is about.

3. Hook Viewers Quickly

The first few seconds of your video are crucial. TikTok’s algorithm is more likely to push content that keeps viewers watching until the end. To maximize your chances, make sure you capture your audience’s attention right away.

Start your video with something intriguing, whether it’s a bold statement, an eye-catching visual, or a hook that makes the viewer want to stick around to see what happens next.

If your video has a strong opening that encourages people to keep watching, TikTok will recognize this as positive engagement and will push it to more users, increasing its visibility.

This video from the Met Museum guides viewers on how to reach the Cloisters. But before getting into the detailed directions, it captivates with stunning shots of the Cloisters. Who wouldn’t want to go … and therefore watch the video to find out how to get there?

4. Share More Short Videos

TikTok is built for quick consumption, so shorter videos tend to perform better. While TikTok allows videos up to 3 minutes long, it’s short-form content – under 30 seconds – that really shines.

Short videos are easier to consume, leading to more views and higher engagement. Plus, videos that keep people watching all the way through signal to the algorithm that your content is interesting, which boosts its visibility.

If you’re sharing longer videos, consider breaking them down into bite-sized, engaging clips that capture attention quickly. The goal is to keep the viewer interested until the end, increasing the likelihood that they’ll interact with your video.

5. Post at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to getting your videos seen by more people. The TikTok algorithm gives priority to content that gets early engagement. So posting when your audience is most active can make a huge difference.

To make this easier, you can consider scheduling your TikTok videos. When you schedule your videos to post at peak times, you ensure that your content goes live when your followers are most likely to engage.

You can leverage OnlySocial to plan and schedule your TikTok posts in advance. The tool allows you to publish your videos at optimal times, even if you’re busy with other tasks. Here is a complete guide on how to use the tool to easily schedule your videos.

6. Add Popular Sounds and Music

TikTok has a vast library of trending sounds, and videos using these tracks often perform better. When you use a popular sound, your video is more likely to be recommended to users who enjoy similar content.

Additionally, TikTok users often search for videos with specific sounds or songs, so incorporating trending music or sound effects can help your video show up in more searches, driving more engagement.

7. Engage with Trends

Engaging with TikTok’s trending content not only boosts your visibility but also helps you stay relevant. TikTok is a fast-paced platform, and trends move quickly. If you want to maximize engagement, you need to keep up with the latest challenges, hashtags, and viral content.

Participating in trends shows that you’re actively involved with the TikTok community, which can lead to more exposure and interaction.

Whether you’re taking part in a viral challenge, using a trending hashtag, or reacting to a popular video, your active participation in trends tells the algorithm that your content is relevant and timely. And these can significantly help boost your reach.

8. Focus on Quality

Perhaps, this is the most important thing you need to remember from this guide. Focusing on the quality of your content is very crucial.

High-quality videos, whether it’s great lighting, clear visuals, or professional editing, stand out more than poorly shot or rushed content. TikTok’s algorithm tends to prioritize videos that keep viewers engaged and entertained, which usually means well-produced content.

So, we recommend that you invest in the basics to ensure that your videos capture attention and hold it. Think of things like good lighting, clear audio, and engaging visuals.

9. Post Regularly

Consistency is key to TikTok success. The more often you post, the more opportunities you have to reach new users and engage with your audience. Posting regularly helps you stay visible on the platform and ensures that you don’t get lost in the shuffle.

But creating and posting content daily can be challenging, especially when life gets busy. Luckily, OnlySocial can also help with this.

With OnlySocial, you can plan and schedule your TikTok posts ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about posting in real-time. This means your posts going live at peak times, ensuring that your content is seen and engages viewers without the pressure of having to post every day manually.

10. Engage with Other TikTok Users

TikTok is a social platform, so engagement is a two-way street. Don’t just post content – Interact with others!

Comment on videos, like and share content from creators you admire, and engage with users who interact with your videos. By actively participating in the TikTok community, you create connections and build relationships with other users.

TikTok favors content from active users, so the more you engage, the more the algorithm will promote your content.

11. Don’t Forget Your Caption

Captions are more than just an afterthought – they’re a valuable part of your TikTok content strategy. A well-crafted caption can encourage viewers to engage with your video.

Use captions to add context, ask questions, or prompt viewers to take action. You can also use captions to spark conversation or tell a story that enhances the video.

However, keep it short, clear, and engaging. And remember to include relevant hashtags in your caption. See how Booking.com uses keywords like “home,” “view,” “Cape Town” and “South Africa” in the following TikTok:

12. Cross Promote

TikTok isn’t the only platform where you can share your videos. Cross-promoting your TikTok content on other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook helps you reach a broader audience.

Encourage followers from your other platforms to check out your TikTok videos, and share your TikTok content in your Instagram Stories or Facebook feed. This will increase your chances of going viral and bring more visibility to your TikTok account. I is a great way to attract followers from outside your current audience.

13. Analyze Your Performance

TikTok offers a variety of analytics tools to help you track key metrics like views, likes, shares, and follower growth. Pay attention to which videos are performing the best and try to identify patterns in the content that resonates with your audience.

Are certain video lengths performing better? Do specific topics or trends get more engagement? Use this data to refine your content and make smarter decisions about what to post next.

14. Be Real – and Have Fun

Above all, TikTok is about authenticity. Users want to connect with real people, not polished advertisements or overly-scripted content.

Don’t be afraid to show your personality, share a laugh, or experiment with new ideas. TikTok’s algorithm loves content that feels genuine, relatable, and fun.

When you let your true self shine through, your audience will connect with you more, and the algorithm will reward you for it. So, have fun, take risks, and remember that the best content is the one you enjoy creating the most.

 

Win Over the TikTok Algorithm

Cracking the TikTok algorithm may sound like a mystery, but it’s actually simpler than it seems. The key is understanding what the algorithm values – engagement, relevant content, and high-quality videos.

When you deliver content that aligns with these priorities, you increase your chances of getting more exposure, which is exactly what leads to viral success on TikTok.

By focusing on the core ranking factors we have discussed above, you’ll soon see your views, likes, and follower count rise. Whether it’s engaging with trends, using the right hashtags, or posting at the perfect time, making small adjustments can make a big difference.

And if you are looking for a way to streamline your TikTok management, OnlySocial can be of great help. This tool makes it easy to plan and schedule your TikTok videos, manage multiple profiles, analyze video performance, and more – all from one dashboard.

If you have not been using it, this is one tool you cannot afford to leave out when looking to optimize your TikTok strategy.