The diligent amongst you may have noticed that recently an AMBITIOUS TikTok hit a million views. If you were part of that viewership, then thank you!

If not, then before you continue reading this. Stop.

Load up TikTok and take a watch… are you done?

Welcome back.

In this blog, we’ll explore the tactics behind getting more views on TikTok, try to break down and explain the TikTok algorithm, lay down some advice on creating engaging content, and emphasize the importance of producing high-quality videos.

But we’ll also tell you why you shouldn’t just go chasing views! There’s so much more to your content strategy than views and views alone.

What Counts as a View on TikTok?

A view on TikTok is counted the moment a user starts playing your video. This includes replays and views from both your followers and non-followers. However, keep in mind that watching your own video does not count as a view.

The TikTok algorithm is designed to prioritize engaging content that keeps viewers hooked until the end. Even if a user only stays on your video for a second, it will still count as a view. So, focus on creating concise and engaging content that captures attention right from the outset.

9 Tips To Getting More TikTok Views

If you want to know how to get more views on TikTok, there is one thing you have to have firmly set in your mind first.

There are going to be videos that fail.

Viral videos are few and far between. But the more videos you create and put out into the world, the more chance you have that they will start to fly. It’s really important to not be disheartened, we know how it can be, time and effort for little to no perceived result can be demotivating.

But the reality is, that TikTok is a particularly inconsistent social media platform. One piece of content on one specific day might sink like a stone. But if you post it 6 months later, you could end up with a quarter million views.

TikTok users regularly bemoan this lack of consistency in viewer figures. It can make it very hard to predict exactly what will perform well. In truth, there is no silver bullet as to how to get more views on TikTok.

So if you want to get more views on TikTok, creating content consistently is key. Additionally, consider responding to TikTok comments with a new TikTok video to drive traffic between videos and boost engagement.

Lean into the strangeness

TikTok is a strange place and TikTok views equate more to what’s trending at any given moment in time.

To capitalise on this, create videos that respond to questions from TikTok comments, enhancing engagement and views. That could be a cap-cut of a cat on a witches broom, mini-mic interviews or any manner of oddity.

From trending sounds and popular audio clips to TikTok Challenges and everything in between. Rule number one in your TikTok Strategy; if you want to create viral videos and make the most out of TikTok, then you’re going to want to lean into these kinds of viral TikTok trends.

Test & Learn

Once you’ve accepted and leant into the strange inconsistencies that TikTok can throw up, the next thing you need to do is adopt a mentality of testing and learning.

Be experimental with your TikTok account and try different things. If something doesn’t work right there and then, that doesn’t mean it never will. You can also come back to that idea, or particular piece of content at a later date.

But always keep trying new things and focus on creating quality content.

So, how can you create great video content?

Create Content That Grabs and Holds Attention

On TikTok you have mere seconds to make an impact. So your TikTok videos need to get straight to the point. Focus on creating videos that grab people and keep them engaged. Short, high-energy content with a clear story arc tends to perform best.

Jump on the Trend

TikTok’s algorithm loves content that’s on trend. Whether that’s emerging challenges, sounds and hashtags. By incorporating these into content you can see massive increases in views and engagement.

But remember, it’s not just about jumping on trends for the sake of jumping on trends. You need to make sure that when you’re creating on-trend content, you aren’t doing so at the demise of your own brand voice and message.

Hashtag and Sound Strategy

Hashtags are the key to discoverability on TikTok.

Our content strategists research and select a mix of trending and niche-specific hashtags for each post. We’ve also found that using popular sounds can increase a video’s reach. Our approach is to create a blend of trending audio and branded messaging to get the most impact.

Engage with the Community

Building a TikTok following isn’t just about posting great content – it’s about creating a community.

We encourage our clients to respond to comments, join the conversation and even feature user-generated content. This level of engagement not only increases visibility but also builds brand loyalty and authenticity.

Responding to comments with a new TikTok video can drive traffic between videos and further enhance visibility and potential reach.

Consistency is King

In our experience, consistency is key to TikTok’s success. We work with our clients to create content calendars that ensure regular and timely posts. This consistency tells the algorithm you’re an active and reliable creator which can lead to your content being promoted.

Data-Driven Content

You can take a data-led approach, with a strong emphasis on TikTok analytics. Monitoring performance metrics for each post will help you understand and refine your content strategies moving forward.

But Most Important Of All: Don’t Focus Solely on Views!

TikTok success is a mix of creativity, strategy and adaptability.

As a PR and content specialist, we’ve seen firsthand how these tactics can turn a brand’s TikTok presence from invisible to unmissable.

Getting to a million TikTok views may not be immediately straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you want to bring up your view count while making great short videos for your target audience, then you can follow the tips and strategies outlined above to help you along the way.

But the key to making the most out of your TikTok is to not go arbitrarily chasing views.

Chasing vanity metrics like views is an old-fashioned strategy like trying to put AVE onto PR coverage.

What you need to do is measure the impact your content is having. For example, every time you post a ‘day in the life’ video from one of your employees, you might see a spike in job applications – that kind of impact.

We’re not saying never look at views. You should do that.

But you should be looking at engagement, comments and sentiment. These are the markers that tell you your content has quality, relevance and meaning more so than views.

To make TikTok work for you, you need to strike the perfect balance between what’s trending and what’s right for you. By following these strategies, you’re not just chasing views; you’re building a robust engaged community that can impact your overall brand presence.

About AMBITIOUS

AMBITIOUS by name and by nature, we are a PR led communications agency that delivers integrated strategic communications - online, offline and everywhere in-between. Proud to be crowned winners of The Drum Magazine's RAR Best PR Agency of the Year.