Understanding the algorithm: How YouTube and TikTok determine the success of a video

Things seem intimidating when starting on the world wide web. Finding your footing and navigating the omnipotent algorithm that could make or break you might take a while. Here is a concise guide on how to kick-start your initial growth when starting from scratch.

YouTube and TikTok algorithm

Content Creation on TikTok 

YouTube and TikTok produce billions of views, likes, and shares daily. Millions of creators and businesses generate scores of content to engage, entertain and persuade all the followers they amass.

TikTok users generally post short vertical videos ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. These videos can be recorded and edited directly inside the app itself! TikTok allows you to explore your unique aesthetic and seamlessly fit into your niche subculture. You can easily find your community within the wide variety of media, ranging from singing to dancing, comedy, and hauls. Its’ videos’ short and casual formats also make TikTok a time-efficient and non-intimidating way to dip your toe into content creation.

Content Creation on YouTube 

On the other hand, YouTube usually facilitates videos of up to 15 minutes long and longer still for verified accounts, with widescreen videos that provide you with many more creative liberties. YouTube has also recently allowed for short-form content in the form of Shorts to make it easier for creators to reach a wider audience.

Making money off of Content Creation 

While content creation can be a creative outlet for you, YouTube and TikTok are also goldmines for a flourishing income stream. Ranging from money from affiliate links or brand-sponsored videos to revenue from monetized videos, there is a considerable amount of money to be made, especially once you start making it big. So, how do you begin to make it big?

Cracking the code to TikTok’s algorithm 

Both TikTok and YouTube use AI-based recommendation systems based on users’ interests and previously interacted-with content to produce a highly personalized, curated, and, in the case of TikTok, infamously addictive for you page. 

TikTok Algorithm

Following the trends 

When trying to make it big on TikTok, a massive focus should be on sliding into as many for-you pages as possible and, more importantly, sliding into the right ones. TikTok is a great app to use trendy songs and audio in videos without penalties. Using trending sounds, trying out trending effects, or putting your spin on trending topics is an easy way to make for a real eye grabber. 

Catchy captions 

TikTok allows a maximum caption length of 2200 words, so it is essential to use these words wisely. Putting in the right hashtags and including attractive keywords in your description or voiceover is the way to an effective and eye-catching video.

Interacting with your audience 

It is also essential to take the time to interact with your audience. Please reply to your follower’s comments and answer their questions. This convinces your viewer to follow you, support you, and routinely come back for more. 

Effective engagement also includes finding existing communities to be a part of and putting yourself out there. Comment on other people’s videos and attract the right kind of attention.

Grabbing your viewer’s attention 

It is also essential to make genuinely engaging content. The first two seconds of your TikTok videos are the most important for recall and brand awareness. Creators are also encouraged to find a sweet spot in video length such that it does not drag on and lose their viewer’s attention.

Making it big on YouTube 

While a slightly different space than TikTok, YouTube follows similar concepts when tackling the algorithm. The key to getting into YouTube’s recommended page is a consistency of uploads. 

YouTube algorithm

YouTube also heavily focuses on the video’s performance and the audience’s engagement with it, including the likes, comments, and watch times a video has gained.

A good first impression 

It is essential to attract more views by drawing your viewer in with catchy titles, descriptions, and thumbnails. Titles and descriptions should include keywords and phrases, and your tags should instill a sense of urgency while being clear and concise. You could also have an ultra-specific title that gets straight to the point and attracts the right audience. Your thumbnail, too, should stand out and give your viewer a sense of intrigue and curiosity. 

Keeping them hooked 

Even after a good first impression, watch time is more critical than clickability to rank positively on the YouTube algorithm. So, once you draw your viewers in, making them stay is even more critical. 

Different methods to keep your content engaging from start to finish include pattern interrupts to keep your audience on their toes and to break up any monotony with visuals like B-roll footage or graphics.

Spreading the word 

Including a call to action in your TikTok and YouTube videos is also essential. Even though it seems trivial, telling your audience to subscribe, share your videos, or check out the link to your small business is a great way to boost your content.

Along with this, remember to promote yourself! Adding a link to your TikTok account on your Instagram bio or adding a link to one of your YouTube videos on your website goes a long way to helping spread your content.

How Social Infinity can help 

When getting into the algorithms’ good books, it boils down to enhancing your viewer engagement. An excellent first impression is a must to make your viewer stop in their tracks and give you follow. 

Social Infinity

A decent number of followers adds greater credibility. It lets your viewers know that a significant number of people are already loving your stuff and also boosts you immensely in the algorithm. When starting from scratch, things can seem daunting. How are you supposed to hitch up your stats starting from zero?

Here is where Social infinity comes into play, giving you a massive kick-start on the initial growth of your content creation journey. At an incredibly affordable rate, social infinity allows you to buy YouTube views, likes, subscribers, and TikTok likes, views, and followers in merely a few simple taps. 

Buying followers and likes makes a small yet colossal investment in your career’s success. The initial engagement will make way for more views which will make way for even more.

Conclusion

With Social infinity, you are reassured that you’ll have a smooth start to your content creation journey. So, have fun and experiment in a fulfilling creative space. Take a deep breath and tackle the algorithm head-on, knowing that success lies right around the corner.