Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have been around for quite some time now.

Some have come and gone and some have become viral. TikTok is one of the newest social media platforms that suddenly took off like a bolt at the beginning of 2020 when the world became isolated and quarantines were enforced.

Have you heard of TikTok? Have you seen some TikToks and want to get in on the action? Let’s talk about TikTok and go through some helpful tips to get you started on the viral social media platform. 

What Is TikTok

TikTok is a social media app that lets users upload short videos, usually of themselves lip-syncing or dancing to the viral dance moves of the day.

The app became really popular as people were confined to their homes during COVID 19 and were looking for new ways to entertain themselves and to stay connected with the outside world.

Some started showing cooking, crafting, and even educational videos onto the platform. 

When we say short videos, we mean short videos. Typically, the videos uploaded on TikTok are about 15 seconds each.

Some people spend a lot of time preparing their videos while others are more spontaneous. Some become instant viral creations while others get lost in the shuffle. 

There is no magic recipe to become famous on TikTok, but there are a few things to consider to make videos more popular and rank better. We’ll get into that further into the article.

Who Is TikTok For

It was most popular with teenagers before COVID hit. Now, everyone’s mom, grandad, and even entire families have become overnight internet sensations with their dance moves. 

Celebrities, musicians, athletes, and actors have also jumped onto the bandwagon and have created their own profiles. It’s also now a great place for entrepreneurs and businesses to promote their brands and products. 

TikTok now has 1 billion monthly active users. That’s quite an audience!

Get Started on TikTok

Want to start creating your very own TikTok videos? Basically, all you need is a smartphone and preferably a tripod to safely set your phone on while you record your videos. 

The TikTok profiles that seem to do better have a very specific niche. They gain followers that are interested in their subject matter and look forward to their videos.

It’s easy to jump in and do some lip-syncing or dancing, like millions of others. But it’s best to set yourself apart by tapping into a niche.

Do you have a funny pet? Do you have crafting skills? Have people told you that you are funny and should do some stand-up comedy?

The sky's the limit when it comes to TikTok themes. Be creative and be different!

Start by downloading the TikTok app either on Android or the App Store.

Next, you need to create an account and fill out your profile info. You will have the option to sign in with a social media account like Facebook, an email, or your phone number.

You will immediately have a feed full of videos. Obviously, they will be very random at first until you start liking and following videos.

Use the Following feature on the left to find your contacts who are using TikTok. You can also use the Discover option to search for keywords and hashtags of things that you are interested in. 

Interact with the videos that you enjoy by double-tapping to give a like, leaving a comment, or sharing it.

When you long-press a video you get the option to save the video or to tell the creator that you don’t like it.

Swipe left on the video and you end up on the TikTokers profile. From there you can follow them. 

Take the time to watch plenty of videos and notice which ones get the most attention, likes, and shares.

Watch as many videos as you can from those that are creating content that is similar to what you want to create. But remember, be unique and creative with your own content. 

Time to upload your first video? Press the white + sign at the bottom.

From there you have the option to upload an existing video or shoot the video in the moment.

Add sound, effects, and filters to your video with the features offered.

Play around with these fun features until you get familiar with what you like. The more time you spend editing your videos and adding effects the more professional they will look. 

Top Things To Do To Get TikTok Followers

Here is a list of things to consider if you want lots of followers and you want your videos to be successful and popular. 

Find Your Niche

Find your thing and make videos specifically about that. Hashtag properly and your videos will show up on people’s feeds that are interested in your subject. 

Create High-Quality Videos

Take the time to create quality videos. The position of the phone and good lighting is important. Look into purchasing a light source and a tripod to capture the best videos you can.

Also, take the time to edit your videos. The difference shows if you’ve spent 1 minute or 30 minutes creating your video. Your followers will appreciate the time and effort. 

Post A LOT

The most successful TikTokers are those that post consistently. You need to stay fresh and in people’s minds. Post as much as your schedule and lifestyle will allow. 

Live Stream

TikTok also offers a live stream feature, like other social media platforms. Try to live stream at least once a week to stay connected with your audience and gain new followers.

Engage and Follow

Take time to engage with others by sending them messages and commenting on their videos. You can start by following us :)

Make your presence known and your followers will organically start to grow. 

Connect Your Social Media Accounts

Link all your social media accounts to gain greater visibility.

Time to TikTok

Are you ready to start creating your own videos? Follow these simple tricks and put in the time and effort that is needed and you may very well be the next TikTok viral sensation!

Join our Facebook group Shoot Like a Pro with Your Phone to find like-minded people who are into phone photography. By joining you gain access to great tips and tricks, get to interact and show your photos. Also, we have regular photo contests where you can get featured on our social media and also win prizes.