TikTok has become one of the most used and talked-about social media platforms in the world. With such a huge audience, it’s no wonder that businesses, influencers, and creators are running to TikTok to get new audiences and engage. But posting videos on TikTok is no longer enough. With the platform becoming more important than ever, having engaged followers has become more important than ever.
TikTok’s proprietary algorithm determines which videos are shown to which users and when. The goal is to provide the most entertaining, relevant content to each user. User engagement signals – likes, comments, shares, finishes, follows – are key inputs.
Having real TikTok followers signals to the algorithm that your content resonates. It will then surface your current and future videos to more For You feeds. Additionally, real followers boost overall engagement as they like, comment on, and share your content with their followers.
This positive feedback loop leads the algorithm to keep promoting you. On the flipside, artificially inflated vanity metrics like fake followers or bot likes can hurt reach. The algorithm knows they don’t represent genuine interest. Focus on real, organic followers.
TikTok continually tweaks its algorithm to improve recommendations. Two major updates demonstrate how impactful real followers are:
TikTok introduced a new feature allowing users to reset their For You feed, giving them the chance to start fresh and select new interests. This made the algorithm more sensitive to real-time user behavior rather than long-term habits.
TikTok refined its content analysis to better assess whether visuals matched what was being said in the video.
Comments became a major signal in how the algorithm judged content quality and engagement.
Key Takeaway. The TikTok algorithm favors authenticity, context, and real engagement over superficial numbers.
If you want visibility and growth, focus on building a community of real followers who interact genuinely with your content. Adapt fast, communicate clearly, and create conversations.
Followers are the lifeblood of social media. On TikTok, real followers translate to tangible business value like more eyes on your content, increased engagement, and higher conversions. Specifically, real TikTok followers:
Unlike Instagram or Facebook, TikTok feels more genuine and grounded. Users praise its authenticity and sense of community. This means real, personal connections matter more than ever.
Viewers follow creators they relate with, learn from, or simply enjoy. Production quality matters less than authenticity. TikTok is the platform for weirdos and misfits to find their niche community.
Succeeding requires embracing what makes you or your brand special, not chasing mainstream validation. Share values-driven content daily to foster an authentic connection with your real follower base. Engage with them in comments and messages. Collaborate with aligned creators.
A few examples of brands finding authentic community and success:
Remember, TikTok uniquely rewards authenticity. Build genuine connections around shared interests and values vs chasing vanity metrics.
Building a loyal community of real followers takes effort, but it pays dividends on TikTok. Here are 5 proven strategies:
Optimize Your Profile. Craft an attractive, on-brand profile. Include links, contact info, and quality creative that conveys your persona. This makes users more likely to follow you.
Use Hashtags Strategically. Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags so you appear both in general feeds and targeted niche communities.
Collaborate With Aligned Creators. Work with creators who share your brand values. Co-create content to intersect different audiences.
Run Follower Contests/Giveaways. Create fun contests for users to engage with your brand. Offer prizes for following, sharing, commenting, etc.
Interact With Followers. Reply to comments, run live streams, and post exclusive Stories. Humanizing your brand through real interactions converts followers.
Real followers are more important than ever as TikTok breaks records of growth. When deciding recommendations on TikTok’s algorithm, TikTok only recommends accounts with authentic, receptive communities. Real followers, that being, the person follows you as an active person who is willing to support you and your content.
However, buying followers won’t work. TikTok is ruled by authenticity and community. Be original, unique, human first, and most of all, collaborate to create the organic, organic, and cambam following.
