By Vanessa Lea Online
TikTok has taken the social media world by storm, offering a unique platform where creativity, entertainment, and virality collide. This has been very challenging for me. Let me tell you about my journey.
Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok is designed for quick, bite-sized content consumption. Users can quickly scroll from one video to the next with a simple swipe.
This format makes TikTok incredibly engaging but poses a significant challenge for creators: How do you capture and keep a viewer’s attention long enough to build a massive following?
Today, I will explore what makes TikTok different and share strategies for keeping viewers hooked on your content from start to finish.
Why TikTok Is Different from Other Platforms
TikTok’s fast-paced environment differentiates it from platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. On TikTok, users are bombarded with a continuous stream of videos, and if your content doesn’t grab their attention within the first few seconds, they’ll scroll away.
This quick-swipe culture means that every second counts, making it crucial for creators to craft immediately engaging content. I have found it difficult to compete with some of these younger TikTokers who seem to have the confidence and know-how I don’t. Do they struggle like I do?
Unlike YouTube, where users are often prepared to watch longer videos, or Instagram, where they might linger over a well-curated photo, TikTok is all about instant gratification.
The algorithm promotes videos that keep viewers watching until the end, rewarding content that drives engagement through likes, comments, shares, and follows.
My follower count is now over 1100 and growing fast, which is great because once you hit 1000 followers, you can place a link to your business in the bio. Yay me! I’ve reached my first milestone.
My next milestone will be to raise my viewer numbers for each video.
How to Keep Viewers Watching Your Entire Video
To succeed on TikTok, you need to master the art of capturing attention and holding it until the very end. Here are some strategies to help you achieve that (this first one is an important one):
Start with a Strong Hook
The first few seconds of your video are critical. It would help to immediately grab your viewer’s attention with something eye-catching, surprising, or intriguing. This could be a bold statement, an unexpected action, or a visually striking scene. Whatever it is, make sure it compels viewers to stop scrolling and pay attention.
For example, you might start your video with a question that sparks curiosity, a dramatic action that leaves the viewer wanting to know what happens next, or a quick teaser of the most exciting part of your content. The goal is to make viewers feel they must keep watching to see what happens next.
The important issue is that I don’t sound like I am exaggerating my claim to make a certain amount of money from something I might be promoting. It does get the viewer’s attention, but how honest are you when you throw out a ridiculous random amount of profit? It’s such a fine line.
Keep It Concise and Engaging
On TikTok, less is often more. The platform thrives on short, snappy content that delivers value quickly. Aim to keep your videos concise, focusing on giving your message as directly and engagingly as possible. Avoid filler content and get straight to the point.
Use fast-paced editing, jump cuts, and dynamic visuals to keep the energy high and the viewer engaged. Viewers will lose interest and scroll away if your content drags or becomes repetitive. Remember, every second counts, and I am improving at editing.
Use Trending Sounds and Hashtags
TikTok’s algorithm favors content that is current and relevant. One way to tap into this is by using trending sounds and hashtags. These trends are a powerful way to increase visibility and connect with a broader audience.
When you use a trending sound or hashtag, your video is more likely to appear in front of users engaging with that trend. This can help you reach new viewers who might not have found your content. However, ensure that the trends you participate in are relevant to your niche and audience so your content remains authentic. This is a tactic that I need to improve.
Tell a Story
People love stories, and TikTok is no exception. Even in a short video, you can create a narrative that pulls viewers in and keeps them watching. Start with a setup that introduces a problem or scenario, build tension or intrigue in the middle, and conclude with a satisfying resolution or twist.
Storytelling helps create an emotional connection with your audience, making them more likely to watch until the end and engage with your content. It also encourages viewers to follow you for more, as they’ll be interested in the stories you have to tell in future videos.
Because this platform’s content is so snappy and concise, editing your videos to remove as much “white space” as possible is key to keeping viewers engaged.
Use Captions and Text Overlays
Captions and text overlays can enhance your video’s engagement by providing context, highlighting key points, or adding humor. They’re handy for grabbing attention if someone watches with the sound off, which is standard on mobile devices.
Captions can also guide viewers through your content, making it easier to follow and understand. This is especially important if your video is fast-paced or contains complex information. By making your content accessible and easy to digest, you increase the likelihood that viewers will stick around until the end.
One word of caution: Always read through the captions to ensure they align with your words. Unfortunately, I know from personal experience that what might show up on the screen could be offensive or just a funny blooper, which, now that I think about it, might help the engagement. Maybe not.
End with a Call-to-Action (CTA)
A solid call to action encourages viewers to engage with your content beyond just watching. Whether it’s asking them to like, comment, share, or follow, a clear CTA at the end of your video can boost your engagement rates and help you grow your following.
Your CTA should be simple and direct. For example, you might say, “If you enjoyed this video, hit that follow button for more!” or “Comment below if you agree!” This prompts viewers to take action, which signals to the TikTok algorithm that your content is worth promoting to a broader audience.
Consistency Is Key
Building a massive following on TikTok takes time. It requires consistent effort, creativity, and a deep understanding of what resonates with your audience. By creating content that captures attention quickly, keeps viewers engaged, and encourages interaction, you can grow your TikTok presence and achieve lasting success.
Remember, the key to TikTok is staying relevant and adaptable. Trends come quickly, so experiment with new ideas, sounds, and formats to see what works best for your audience. With persistence and a strategic approach, you can build a large, loyal following on TikTok that continues to grow over time.
Mine is growing by leaps and bounds, so I must be doing something right!
If you’re curious about me and haven’t already, please read “My Story” to find my purpose and why I am here.
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Until then, Stay Curious, Stay Inspired, And Stay True…
Wow, this post really resonated with me! TikTok definitely seems like a fun yet challenging platform. I love your strategies for grabbing attention and holding it—especially the part about storytelling! I don’t have a TikTok account just yet, but I’m planning to dive in soon. Your journey is super inspiring, and I can’t wait to see how you continue to grow. Keep up the fantastic work, and thanks for sharing these tips!
Hi Vanessa,
Went back in time & took a look at your great comment that I hadn’t had the chance to put a comment on (vacations got in the way LOL!)
Great stuff and definitely worth reading. Like you mentioned, consistency is key – that’s one thing that I’ve unfortunately not had the chance to be. I’ll be working on that in September, that’s for sure!
Wishing you all the best!
Hey Marc, thank you…. we all do it. I did it for 20 years. I’ve done it since being a part of of this whole network with Dean now over a year. Old habits die hard for me. But, this is the most consistent I have been with online marketing EVER so I’m pretty darn proud of myself. We all have to go through our trials and tribulations but stopping is not an option. You’re doing great and you will get right back on track.
Wow that post had a lot of valuable information! This would certainly be something to constantly review to make sure you are on the right track. It does sound like you’re doing something right as your following keeps going up. How are you finding the ability of moving people to your blog to be?
Hi Vanessa – There is such great information in this post about TikTok and I believe the information can be shared with other forms of social media. Thank you very much for this insight as I’m trying to give TikTok a go and seem to have stalled a little bit. I’ll get there and I hope to be following in your footsteps soon towards my goal of getting at least 1000 followers and then 5000 and then 10,000 and so on. Great job and have a fantastic week!
Your journey with TikTok is both thrilling and inspiring! It’s amazing to see how you’re embracing the platform’s fast-paced nature and turning the challenge into an opportunity to showcase your creativity. Your insight into storytelling and the importance of captions and CTAs is also incredibly valuable. It’s clear that you’re not just adapting to the platform’s demands but mastering them. Reaching over 1,100 followers is a fantastic milestone and a testament to your persistent hard work. Congratulations! I’m confident that with your continued creativity and persistence, you’ll keep growing and achieving even more impressive milestones. Thank you for sharing your insights and offering such practical advice. I’m excited to see where this journey takes you next. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and, most importantly, continue being true to your unique voice. Your dedication and authenticity are truly inspiring!
Wishing you the best!
Nakina
I really need to follow what you are saying in here. I know my videos don’t have that appeal factor and your advice in here is great but it’s putting it into practice that’s the hard part. We just need to keep it up and get more exposure. We will get better the more we do it! Congratulations on achieving over 1000 followers; now onto the next milestone.