Whether you're a bonafide scroll addict or hold a PhD in maturity and think you're above it all, let's be honest — we've all learnt a thing or two from TikTok. Dance moves, CapCut templates and daily vlogs aside, TikTok has undeniably written the book when it comes to creating scroll-stopping content.
The golden age — or better yet, the slay era — of content marketing is happening before our eyes. If you're yet to make your debut in the world of TikTok marketing, you are truly missing out. There's no time like the present to whip out the old iPhone camera and take the TikTok world by storm.
With micro-influencers hitting the 18% engagement rate mark, it comes as no surprise why businesses are flocking to the app in droves. So, how do you capitalise on the endless content opportunities TikTok offers? Behold — our five-tip guide to becoming content kings and queens.
Tip 1: It all starts with a good hook
When it comes to short-form content, you've got no time to muck around. With videos lasting anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds, time really is of the essence. If you want to capture your audience's fleeting attention and land a spot on the coveted For You Page, you have to pull out all the stops from the very first frame.
Opening strong could mean the difference between a viral hit and a zero-view flop. You need to give the viewer a reason to stay — not continue scrolling in pursuit of the latest trending audio. There's a million ways to capture your audience: an impressive transition, an eye-catching visual, punchy copy or an attention-grabbing voiceover.
Some killer text overlay hooks include:
- "Watch till the end!" — Simple but effective. You're essentially asking viewers to stay put, and surprisingly, many will.
- "This one is for _______" — By personalising your copy to suit a specific audience, you create a fun way to keep that group engaged.
- "Hear me out…." — Relating to your audience and building connection. Those who resonate are bound to watch to the end — and share it with friends who feel the same.
If you'd rather reel your audience in with a voiceover, some proven openers include:
- "You need to hear this!" — Curiosity is powerful. Opening with something that leaves your audience wondering what comes next is an almost foolproof method.
- "How to get ___ FOR FREE" — We're all suckers for a freebie. Those four letters are pure hook magic.
- "This tip will blow your mind…" or "X tips I wish I knew earlier" — People are open and willing to learn something new, especially when you give them a compelling reason to stick around.
Tip 2: Cater to short attention spans
Data suggests that a consumer's average attention span is now a measly 8 seconds. TikTok's short-form content style has been designed to complement our real-time thinking — and no one is going to hang around for snooze-worthy material. With the algorithm rewarding content that engages audiences, brands need to cut to the chase and keep things tight.
Tip 3: Be strategic with hashtags
If you think hashtags only work for Instagram, you'd be sorely mistaken. Hashtags are a fundamental part of creating viral content on TikTok. Strategic hashtagging groups like content together on the platform, allowing relevant users to find your content with ease.
Businesses can capitalise on trending hashtags, allowing more users to discover and engage with their content. A hot tip when starting out is to look at what's already trending using the search functionality on the app, and capitalise on those tags. By doing some research into what's trending, you'll start to reach more targeted audiences, build a community of like-minded people, and increase overall visibility on the platform.
Tip 4: Trending audio pays dividends
Audio really is the backbone of the platform. TikTok tunes do the heavy lifting when it comes to amassing viral success. From renditions of popular songs and lip syncing to dance challenges and bizarre sound effects, TikTok audio can be instrumental in generating strategic growth.
Making use of already existing viral tunes will hold you in good stead when generating traction for your content. Simply select an audio from the sound library, or save a sound from another video. All videos using the same audio get grouped together, so using an already popular tune works powerfully in your favour.
Pro tip: While you can craft your own original audio, if it's not broken, don't fix it. Leverage existing viral sounds to boost discoverability before you start building your own.
Tip 5: Consistency is key
TikTok is a long game, and you've got to keep up appearances if you want to reap the benefits. By remaining consistent with your posting schedule, TikTok's algorithm will begin to recognise your account as a voice of authority for your particular niche, and serve your content to your ideal audience.
Consistency goes beyond frequently sharing videos. It means keeping on top of trends, replying and engaging with your community, and sprinkling in relevant keywords in your copy. There are no real shortcuts here — but nail these fundamentals, and you'll be well on your way to capturing the hearts (and likes) of your audience.