TikTok Creator FAQ

Zero. TikTok's algorithm prioritizes content over followers. A brand new account can go viral if the content resonates. Focus on creating quality content, not building followers first.

Consistency matters more than frequency. Posting 1-3 times daily is ideal if you can maintain quality. But posting 3 quality videos per week beats 21 low-effort videos.

Match length to content. 7-15 seconds for quick entertainment, 30-60 seconds for storytelling or tutorials. The key metric is retention—a 15-second video watched fully beats a 60-second video where people drop off at 10 seconds.

No. Many successful accounts use voiceovers, text-on-screen, or product-focused content. Face-showing videos often perform well, but it's not a requirement.

Videos go through testing phases. If early engagement is strong, TikTok pushes to more people. If not, distribution slows. Performance depends on the audience batches your video was shown to—sometimes it's just luck.

TikTok favors content that keeps people on the app. High watch time, shares, and comments signal valuable content regardless of niche. Use native features (sounds, effects) as TikTok often promotes content using them.

Yes. The algorithm can resurface old content if it suddenly gains traction or if trends circle back. Don't delete underperforming videos—set them to private instead.

Only a portion of followers see your content in their Following feed. TikTok also shows your content on the FYP, where having followers doesn't guarantee visibility. Focus on FYP performance, not follower feed.

They help with categorization, not virality. Use 3-5 relevant hashtags. #fyp doesn't have special power. Your caption text and on-screen text matter more for discoverability.

Probably not. True shadowbans are rare. Low views usually indicate content isn't resonating, not account restrictions. Check analytics—if FYP traffic is at 0% for ALL recent videos, you might be restricted. If some videos get FYP views, you're fine.

No. Deleting can negatively affect your account's "trust score." Set them to private instead. Some creators report the algorithm penalizing accounts that frequently delete.

Sudden switches confuse the algorithm and followers. If pivoting, do it gradually. Introduce new content while reducing old content type over weeks, not overnight.

Keep trying. New accounts don't get special treatment. If your current account has violations, a new one might help. But for most, improving content on the existing account is the better strategy.

The best hook stops the scroll in 0.5 seconds. Movement, pattern interrupts, bold text, or a compelling statement work well. "Wait for the end" rarely works—people scroll before waiting.

Trending sounds can boost discovery, especially early in their lifecycle. But don't force it—an unrelated trending sound won't help. Use at low volume if it doesn't fit your content type.

Engagement is engagement. Negative comments boost your metrics. Don't delete unless they violate guidelines—reply with humor or don't reply at all. Filter truly harmful content in settings.

Straight reposts rarely perform as well. Instead, slightly re-edit (new caption, different crop, updated text) to make it fresh. Or create a "part 2" building on the original concept.

TikTok Creator Fund requires 10K followers and 100K views in last 30 days. But brand deals can happen earlier. Focus on engagement rate—brands care more about an engaged 5K audience than a disengaged 50K.

If aligned with your content, yes. Be selective—promoting irrelevant products tanks credibility. Negotiate usage rights carefully. Never work for "exposure" alone.

If you sell products, it's worth testing. TikTok is pushing Shop heavily, giving preferential treatment to Shop-enabled content. But don't force products if you're a content creator first.

Film in 1080p (or 4K and downscale). Upload directly from the TikTok app when possible—compressed files from editing software can lose quality. Vertical 9:16 aspect ratio is required.

There's no definitive proof. Desktop upload is convenient for edited content. Some creators post from desktop successfully. If you notice issues, switch to mobile posting.

Yes. Many users watch without sound. Captions increase accessibility and watch time. Use TikTok's auto-caption feature or add text manually for style.