How to Get More Likes and Followers on TikTok

Going viral on TikTok isn't just luck, it's the result of a smart, repeatable strategy. Building a loyal following that brings likes and views to every video you post comes from understanding what your audience wants and knowing how the platform works. This guide breaks down the actionable steps you need to take to grow your account, find your audience, and start seeing real results.

Define Your Niche and Stick to It

The single biggest mistake new creators make on TikTok is posting random videos about everything. To attract loyal followers, you need to be known for something. A niche tells viewers what they can expect from you and gives them a reason to hit the 'Follow' button. Someone who loves sustainable fashion might follow you for your thrifting hauls, but they won't stick around if your next video is about last night's football game.

Your niche is the intersection of what you're passionate about, what you're good at, and what people actually want to watch.

• What are you genuinely excited about? Authenticity shines on TikTok. If you're bored by your topic, your audience will be, too.
• What knowledge can you share? Can you teach people how to cook vegan meals, organize a small apartment, or play guitar? Educational content performs incredibly well.
• Who is your specific audience? Don't just target "parents." Target "first-time parents of toddlers struggling with picky eaters." The more specific you are, the easier it is to create content that deeply resonates with them.

Once you define your niche, create 3-5 content pillars. These are the main types of videos you'll create consistently. For a personal finance creator, these might be:

1. Budgeting tips for beginners
2. Explaining complex investing terms simply
3. Side hustle ideas
4. Deconstructing spending habits

This structure helps you stay on-brand and prevents you from running out of ideas, building an audience that knows exactly why they're following you.

Understand and Work With the TikTok Algorithm

The "For You" Page (FYP) algorithm is your key to getting discovered. Its main goal is to keep users on the app as long as possible by showing them content they are likely to enjoy. It isn't a mysterious black box, it responds to clear signals from viewers. Your job is to create videos that generate these positive signals.

The Most Important Metrics

• Watch Time & Completion Rate: This is arguably the most important factor. If users watch your entire video (or better yet, watch it multiple times), it tells the algorithm the content is engaging. That's why high-impact, short videos often do so well. Keep them concise and packed with value.
• Shares: When a viewer shares your video via text, DM, or another app, it's a huge endorsement. It means the content was so good they wanted someone else to see it. Create videos that are "shareable" - relatable skits, extremely helpful tips, or shocking facts are prime examples.
• Comments: Comments signal that your video started a conversation. End your videos with an open-ended question or state a bold opinion to encourage discussion. Replying to comments keeps the conversation going and boosts your video's relevance.
• Saves: Saves indicate high-value content that users want to return to later. This is common for recipes, workout routines, tutorials, and lists of resources. If your niche is educational, optimizing for saves can be a powerful strategy.

The First Three Seconds Are Everything

You have about three seconds to convince someone to stop scrolling. If you don't hook them immediately, they're gone. Start your video with a bold statement, an intriguing question, or a visually captivating moment. Don't waste time with long intros. Get straight to the point and deliver on the promise of your hook.

Create Content That Connects

Once you understand the mechanics, it all comes down to the quality and creativity of your content. You don't need a Hollywood budget, but you do need ideas that grab attention.

Adapt Trends to Your Niche

Don't just copy a trending dance. Find a way to weave that trend into your niche. If there's a popular audio where someone says, "Nobody's gonna know," a home stager could use it to show a clever decorating hack. A tech reviewer could use it to show off a little-known hidden feature on a new phone. This approach allows you to participate in what's popular while reinforcing your brand and providing value to your target audience.

You can find trending sounds and effects by scrolling your FYP or tapping the "Add sound" button in the editor and browsing the "TikTok Viral" charts.

Tell a Story

Even a 15-second video should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The beginning is your hook, the middle delivers the value or emotional punch, and the end provides a resolution or a call to action. For example, a "day in my life" video as a small business owner isn't just a random montage, it follows a narrative structure that keeps people watching to see what happens next.

High-Quality Production (Without High-Cost Gear)

You don’t need a professional camera, but you do need good basics. Your smartphone is more than capable.

• Good Lighting: Film facing a window for soft, natural light, or invest in an affordable ring light. Avoid filming with a bright light source behind you.
• Clear Audio: Avoid noisy backgrounds. Your phone's built-in microphone works well in a quiet room, but a simple lavalier microphone can make a huge difference in clarity.
• Clean Editing: Use TikTok's native editor or free apps like CapCut to trim dead air, add dynamic text overlays, and sync clips to the beat of the music. Quick cuts can help keep the energy up and maintain viewer attention.

Optimize Every Post for Discovery

Creating a great video is only half the battle. You have to package it in a way that helps both viewers and the algorithm understand what it’s about.

Write a Compelling Caption

Your caption should add context, not just describe what's happening in the video. A good caption can spark curiosity or conversation. Ask a question related to your video's topic to encourage comments. For example, if your video is about "3 mistakes to avoid when buying a car," your caption could be, "What was the biggest lesson you learned from your first car-buying experience?"

Use Hashtags Strategically

Throwing dozens of generic hashtags like #fyp, #viral, or #tiktok at your video won't help. The purpose of hashtags is to categorize your content so the algorithm can show it to the right people. Use a mix of 3-5 hashtags that accurately describe your video and niche.

A good formula is:

• 1-2 Broad Hashtags: Related to the general topic (e.g., #personalfinance, #homedecor).
• 2-3 Niche Hashtags: More specific to your audience and content (e.g., #passiveincomeinvesting, #maximalisthome).
• 1 Potential Trending Hashtag: If there's a relevant challenge or trend happening (e.g., #MoneyTok if it’s currently being pushed by the platform).

Be an Active Part of the Community

TikTok is a social platform, not a broadcast channel. Building relationships is how you turn casual viewers into dedicated followers.

Respond to Comments and Questions

When someone takes the time to comment on your video, they want to be acknowledged. Replying to comments builds a sense of community and shows that you're an approachable creator. You can also use the "reply with video" feature to answer interesting questions, giving you great new content ideas while making a viewer feel special.

Use Stitch and Duet

Stitch and Duet are powerful features for interacting with other videos and creators. You can use Stitch to add your own commentary or reaction to the end of someone else's video, or use Duet to record your video alongside another. Both are excellent ways to insert yourself into a trending conversation and get discovered by another creator's audience.

Stay Consistent and Analyze Your Performance

Growth on TikTok is about momentum. Posting five videos in one day and then disappearing for two weeks won't work as well as posting one quality video every day. Aim for a posting schedule that you can realistically maintain over the long term, whether that's 3-5 times a week or once a day.

To find out when to post, check your TikTok Analytics (available on a Pro or Business account). Go to the "Followers" tab and scroll down to the "Followers activity" section. This will show you the days and hours when your audience is most active on the app. Posting just before these peak times can give your video an initial boost of engagement.

Finally, pay attention to what's working. If a video about a certain topic in your niche gets an unusual amount of shares and saves, that's your audience telling you they want more of it. Double down on a winning formula instead of constantly trying to reinvent the wheel.

Final Thoughts

Growing a following on TikTok boils down to a simple loop: provide consistent value to a specific audience, engage with them meaningfully, and pay attention to what they respond to. It won't happen overnight, but building a community based on trust and incredible content is the only sustainable way to win.

Success on TikTok requires a lot of planning, and when you're managing other platforms too, it can get hectic. That’s why we created a tool to make it simpler. With Postbase, our visual calendar helps you map out your TikTok ideas alongside your Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, so you always have a clear view of your content plan. You can schedule everything in one go, keep your momentum steady without feeling overwhelmed, and focus on what you do best: creating.