How to Get More Views and Followers on TikTok

Chasing TikTok growth can feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, but it's far less about luck and more about strategy than most people think. You don't need a viral dance video to build a massive following. This guide breaks down the actionable steps you can take to get more views on your videos and turn those views into dedicated followers.

Understanding the TikTok Algorithm: What Matters

Before you create anything, it helps to know what the platform is looking for. The TikTok "For You" Page (FYP) algorithm is designed to serve users a non-stop stream of content it believes they'll love. It judges your video's quality based on how people interact with it, especially within the first few hours of posting. The most important signals are:

• Watch Time &, Completion Rate: This is a big one. Does a viewer watch your entire video? Even better, do they watch it more than once (a "loop")? A high completion rate tells the algorithm your content is engaging and worth showing to more people.
• Shares, Comments, and Saves: These are high-value engagement signals. A share means someone found your video so good they had to show it to someone else. Comments create conversation, and saves indicate that your video is valuable enough for someone to want to refer back to it.
• Initial Velocity: How quickly your video gets engagement after you post it matters. A flurry of likes, comments, and shares in the first hour or two can kickstart its journey to a wider audience.

Every strategy that follows is designed to improve these core metrics. Your goal is to make content people can't help but watch all the way through, and hopefully, interact with.

Step 1: Define Your Niche and Target Audience

If you try to make content for everyone, you'll end up making content for no one. A defined niche is your foundation for sustainable growth. It signals to the algorithm *who* your content is for, making it easier to find your target audience.

Why a Niche is Non-Negotiable

Imagine a user who loves home-brewed coffee stumbles upon your amazing video about brewing the perfect pour-over. They love it and follow you. If your next video is about C++ coding, and the one after is a car review, that user is going to be confused and likely stop engaging. The algorithm gets confused, too. It doesn't know who to show your videos to anymore.

A clear niche - like "easy vegan recipes," "beginner Excel tips," or "solo female travel hacks" - does two things: it attracts followers who are genuinely interested in your topic, and it encourages them to binge-watch your other videos because they're all relevant. That's a massive win for your watch time.

How to Find Your Niche

Start by brainstorming the intersection of three things:

1. What are you passionate about? What could you talk about for hours without getting bored? Authenticity shines on TikTok.
2. What are you knowledgeable about? Your expertise could come from your job, a hobby, or a life experience. This is what gives your content value and authority.
3. What are people searching for? Do a little research. Look up keywords and hashtags related to your passions on TikTok. Are there successful creators? Are people asking questions in the comments? This confirms there's an audience for your ideas.

Step 2: Create Content That Captivates and Delivers Value

Once you know your niche, it’s time to create videos that hook viewers instantly and keep them watching.

Master the First 3 Seconds

You have a tiny window to stop someone from scrolling. Your video's opening, or "hook," is your most important asset. It needs to immediately signal what the video is about and why someone should stick around. Forget long, slow intros.

Examples of strong hooks:

• Ask a question: "Are you tired of your houseplants dying?"
• Make a bold statement: "This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you'll ever need."
• Start with the action: Show the incredible "after" of a room makeover or the finished plate of food before showing the process.
• Pose a problem: "If you struggle with remembering people's names, watch this."

Grab their attention immediately, and they're more likely to give you their time.

Provide Genuine Value

Every single video should provide some form of value. "Value" doesn't just mean teaching something. The main types of value on TikTok are:

• Education: Teach your audience how to do something (e.g., a five-minute makeup routine, a photo editing hack). Tutorials, tips, and explanations work wonders here.
• Entertainment: Make viewers laugh, feel inspired, or experience a sense of wonder. Storytelling, comedy, and relatable skits fit perfectly.
• Inspiration: Motivate viewers with personal stories, transformations, or aesthetic content that shows them what's possible.

Before you post, ask yourself: "If I saw this on my FYP, would I save it, send it to a friend, or feel I learned something useful?" If the answer is no, it might be time to rework the concept.

Use Trending Audio and Formats Creatively

Using trending sounds is one of the easiest ways to boost your visibility. The algorithm often favors videos that use popular audio clips. However, don't just copy everyone else. The real trick is to adapt a trend to your specific niche.

If there's a trending audio-video of someone lip-syncing a funny line, how can you apply that to your niche? A financial advisor could use it with on-screen text like: "My clients when I show them how much they can save by budgeting." A fitness coach could use it with text like: "My face when a client says they 'don't have time' for a 15-minute workout." This approach combines the discoverability of a trend with the niche value that attracts your specific audience.

Step 3: Optimize Every Video for Discovery

Making a great video is only half the battle. You have to help the algorithm and users find it. This is where optimization comes in. To increase your video views, focus on making your content easily discoverable.

Strategic Use of Hashtags

Hashtags help TikTok categorize your content and show it to relevant audiences. Avoid using dozens of overly broad tags like #fyp or #viral. Instead, use a mix of 3-5 high-quality hashtags:

• 1-2 Broad Hashtags: Describe the general topic (e.g., #mealprep, #digitalmarketing).
• 2-3 Niche-Specific Hashtags: Get more specific to your target viewer (e.g., #veganmealprep, #smallbusinessmarketingtips).
• 1 Optional Unique Hashtag: A branded tag for your account or series (e.g., #BensBakingTips).

This mix gives the algorithm clear signals about your video's content and intended audience.

Utilize TikTok SEO

TikTok is becoming a search engine. People are using the search bar to find tutorials, reviews, and ideas. You need to make your content searchable by using keywords.

Place relevant keywords in:

• Your Caption/Description: Instead of just "Love this!", write "My simple weekly meal prep routine for a healthy lunch. #mealprep #healthyrecipes".
• On-Screen Text: The text you add directly to your video is highly readable by the algorithm. Use it to reiterate your main point or hook.
• Your Spoken Words: TikTok auto-transcribes your audio. Clearly state what your video is about or mention key terms related to your topic.

Post When Your Audience is Active

To get that initial boost of engagement, you want to post when your followers are most likely to be scrolling. The best way to figure this out is to use TikTok's own analytics.

1. Switch to a Pro/Business account (it's free!).
2. Go to your settings and privacy, select "Creator tools," and then "Analytics."
3. In the "Followers" tab, scroll down to see the days and hours your specific audience is most active.

Plan your posts to go live about an hour before peak activity to give them time to gain traction.

Step 4: Engage to Build Community

Getting more followers is about building a community, not just collecting a number. To truly gain a following on TikTok, engagement goes both ways.

Reply to Comments

When someone takes the time to comment on your video, it's a golden opportunity. Replying to comments A) shows you value your audience, making them more likely to stick around, and B) boosts your engagement numbers, which signals to the algorithm that your video is sparking conversation. Ask questions in your replies to keep the chat going.

Use Duets and Stitches

Stitching or Duetting another creator's video is a fantastic way to add your voice to an existing conversation. Find a video relevant to your niche and add your commentary, reaction, or a valuable tip that builds on the original. This exposes you to the original creator's audience and demonstrates your expertise in your field.

Consistency Is Everything

One viral video isn't a strategy. Sustainable growth comes from consistency. You need to post regularly so your audience knows when to expect content from you, and so you're consistently feeding the algorithm new data about your account. For accounts focused on growth, aim to post at least once per day. It’s better to post one good video every day than seven mediocre videos on a Sunday. Quality and consistency work hand in hand to build momentum.

Final Thoughts

Growing a following on TikTok doesn't require a secret formula, it requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and consistency. By understanding what the algorithm values, defining your niche, creating high-value content, optimizing your posts, and engaging with your community, you can turn viewers into a loyal following that supports your work.

Keeping up with a consistent posting schedule can feel overwhelming, especially when managing an online presence goes beyond just one platform. To make this easier, we built Postbase, a social media tool that helps you schedule your content reliably and simply. It’s designed specifically for today’s video-first reality, so you can plan your TikToks alongside your other short-form content and focus more of your energy on creating, not just posting.