When we begin working with new clients, we often observe companies investing significant time and money into TikTok, only to end up with just 8 views on their videos and receive a single, often unrelated comment- like a Palestinian flag emoji.
To help you avoid that frustration, here are 10 simple tips to boost your content and get noticed on TikTok.
Skip the Intro
Just as people skip intros on Netflix, TikTok users won’t stick around for anything that takes too long to get to the point. This includes any type of intro, like: “Hi, I’m Anat from Company X,” “Here are five tips for…,” or “Many of you have been asking me…”. On TikTok, you only have 1–2 seconds to grab attention before users scroll away. Start with the core message right away. If needed, add brief captions or context on-screen, but trust your audience to piece things together on their own.
Use Trending Sounds
The soundtrack for your video shouldn’t come from your personal favorite playlist- it should feature tracks currently trending on TikTok’s “For You” page. While business accounts may not have access to every trending sound, you can still select audio that fits the tone and energy of your video. A well-chosen sound doesn’t just enhance engagement; it also helps your content reach the right audience.
Ride the Trends
Building on the previous tip, keep up with TikTok trends and find ways to incorporate them into your content. You don’t need to replicate trends exactly, but you can use them as a creative framework to guide your ideas. The algorithm tends to favor trendy formats, and users are more likely to engage with content that feels familiar. However, don’t rely entirely on trends. Strike a balance by blending trendy content with original, evergreen material to maintain long-term relevance.
Use Hashtags Wisely
Unlike Instagram, hashtags still play an important role on TikTok. Use them strategically to increase your content’s discoverability. Focus on existing, relevant hashtags that align with your niche by conducting a quick search or analyzing competitors. You can also use AI tools like ChatGPT to identify trending hashtags in your industry. Just five carefully chosen hashtags per video can make a significant impact.
Wait with the Influencers
You don’t have to collaborate with influencers to make an impact on TikTok. Unlike Instagram, where follower count holds more weight, TikTok’s algorithm focuses on the quality of your content rather than who creates it. Engaging content can reach a broad audience without any influencer involvement. Instead, consider using charismatic employees to convey your message authentically. If you do choose to collaborate with influencers, make sure they genuinely align with your brand and industry for a meaningful partnership.
Create Value (Real Value)
Promoting your product isn’t the same as providing real value. Focus on giving users something they’ll find genuinely beneficial, whether it’s fresh insights, practical tips, or entertaining content. Introducing your product or service can come later. At this stage, think of it like Tinder: you’re not proposing marriage yet- you’re just trying to make a good match.
Don’t Overdo Production Quality
TikTok users aren’t looking for polished, TV-level production. They prefer content that feels casual, natural, and authentic to the platform’s vibe. Prioritize creating valuable and engaging content, but avoid over-the-top effects or unnecessary “flashiness.” You don’t need a professional videographer or expensive equipment- a clean phone camera, good lighting, and proper video settings are more than enough.
Maintain Video Quality
It may seem obvious, but we’ve seen countless videos created with great effort, lose quality after being shared through WhatsApp, ending up as blurry, downgraded versions of themselves. To avoid this pixelated disappointment, use proper tools to share and upload your media without compression.
Think Vertically
Always film your content in a vertical format. Cropping horizontal footage to fit a vertical screen doesn’t produce the best results. Since most users consume content on their phones, vertical video is the ideal format. Prioritize vertical shooting to ensure your content looks professional and optimized for the platform.
Don’t Waste Money
A great video will naturally perform well organically. If it doesn’t, spending money to promote it likely won’t make a difference — it probably won’t succeed as a paid ad either. Focus your investment on content that already generates strong organic engagement, as this is the best predictor of success in paid campaigns.
This Blog was written by Yoni Avner, the Head of GenAI and Social Media Team Lead at Xtra Mile, with extensive experience in managing successful TikTok campaigns.
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