When you open TikTok, how many recommended videos do you watch? Are these recommendations the right ones? Like all social media networks, TikTok uses an algorithm to recommend personalized content to each user. With TikTok, these selections are made available on "Recommendations for You". While the algorithm is known for its accuracy, U.S. regulators are concerned about it. U.S. officials are concerned that the Chinese-owned app could use its algorithm to manipulate suggested content and use the information collected to monitor content. TikTok has committed to some level of regulatory oversight of its recommendation algorithms and has asked third parties to review its algorithms for any manipulation. TikTok hopes its efforts to increase transparency will ease tensions and calm fears that have sparked U.S. legislation that would result in an outright ban on the social media app. How does the TikTok algorithm recommend content? According to TikTok's official explanation, its recommendation algorithm is designed to observe and quantify the following data: User interactions The algorithm tracks data about users' interactions with videos. If a user responds positively by commenting, liking, following or watching the entire video, similarly relevant content is recommended. Similarities between videos and messages TikTok's algorithm scans content and identifies similarities. More specifically, the algorithm is looking for common audio tracks, sounds, hashtags and subtitles. For example, remember when #CornKid went viral? An interview with a boy who liked corn on the cob went viral and turned into a song. Over the next few days and weeks, hundreds of creators used the song in their own clips. The algorithm identifies audio tracks and subject tags and recommends them to anyone interested in having seen such content. Device settings TikTok also looks at device settings to get basic information such as a user's location or preferred language. For privacy reasons, TikTok says these settings are not heavily incorporated into the algorithm. 6 Tips for Expanding TikTOk Content Exposure TikTok's algorithm has become the hottest topic, but the channel is still an effective option for brands and weblebrities to pick up and collaborate to reach their audience. If you're looking to expand your reach, use these algorithm-recommended tips: Make shorter videos to increase watch time As mentioned earlier, TikTok's algorithm tracks watch time. If followers watch the video from start to finish, this is a positive indicator to the algorithm that more of your content may be shared with users. TikTok also thrives on short video clips, so you should pay attention to content length when creating video content. Interact with similar content Help the algorithm understand who you are by interacting with similar content. ...
