Saturday 12 August 2023

12 Tips to Help You Go Viral on TikTok in 2023

When TikTok first launched, it was predominantly a place where pre-teens could post lip-sync videos and create new dance trends. Today, the platform has expanded and now features people from all demographics.

Probably the most appealing thing about TikTok is that many content creators have managed to make their videos go viral and gain recognition in a short amount of time. But how do they manage to create viral content? And more importantly, can you do the same?

The answer is ㅡ yes! So, if you want to learn how to make amazing TikToks that will spread across the platform like wildfire, keep reading!

What Does It Mean to Go Viral?

How do you know if your video has gone viral? Is there a specific amount of views you need to reach?

Since virality is a scale, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact number of views you need on a video in order for it to be thought of as viral. For example, if we were to consider the general amount of views on the entire platform, then TikToks with over a million views are typically regarded as viral.

Then again, videos within specific communities can also go viral with as little as 10,000 views. This is because the algorithm will likely boost the visibility of your TikTok within that community instead of placing it on everyone’s For You page.

How Long Does It Take to Go Viral?

In most cases, TikToks that show signs of rapid growth reach their peak within approximately 3-7 days after the first signs of rapid growth.

But, of course, this is by no means a rule. Sometimes, a creator will post a video, and it won’t gain much traction within the first week or even a month. Then, all of a sudden, it can go viral seemingly out of nowhere.

Although it may seem as if it all comes down to luck, there are ways to appeal to the TikTok algorithm and make your video go viral. So, let’s discuss your options!

Use the 3-Second Rule

A TikTok video typically lasts anywhere from 20-30 seconds. However, the shorter your video, the more attention it will attract, especially when it comes to younger viewers. With that in mind, the 3-second rule can make or break your content.

In short, when you make a video, TikTok displays it on the For You pages of users who might be interested in your content, based on their metrics. Basically, TikTok has a system that recommends videos depending on the viewer’s interests. More specifically, it targets people that want to see videos related to your niche. However, the platform also analyzes whether these viewers are checking out the entirety of your content, or not. 

For reference, the key metrics are the completion rate and watch time. So, if people only watch the first few seconds of your video and then scroll, TikTok will stop putting your content on the FYP.

In order to successfully avoid this from happening, make sure that the first 3 seconds make an impact on your audience. Always be wary of the fact that people will quickly lose interest in your content if you drag it out.

For example, let’s say you’re filming a tutorial on how to crochet. Some people will begin their videos by listing the tools they need for their project. Unfortunately, this isn’t an effective way to reel in the average viewer. In fact, they will likely get discouraged if they don’t have every item on your list.

Instead, you should show them one of your finished projects within the first few seconds of your TikTok, so they can see the end result.

Or, maybe you’re a makeup artist that wants to share a tutorial. Instead of starting your video with a clean face, first, show your viewers the final look and then go into the details. This applies to other types of tutorials as well.

Engage With Your Audience

Whether you’re completely new to TikTok or you’ve been making content for quite some time, interacting with your audience is a must. Namely, TikTok keeps track of your activities, which also includes your engagement with the audience.

A good way to interact is to go live. You can answer some questions, do some live product reviews, or host a giveaway.

But of course, promoting your live stream is crucial. You will need to let your viewers know when to tune in, and also post some frequent reminders on your TikTok story. Also, consider doing a bit of promotion on your other social media platforms in order to reach more people.

Essentially, the viewers that end up joining your stream will likely end up getting more of your videos on their FYP. Not only that, but if they like what they see, they will start following you and sharing your videos, which is a step toward going viral!

Above all, TikTok is a trend-driven platform. What that means is that creators should constantly be on the lookout for what’s trending at the moment. Understanding what’s popular among viewers and other users will inspire you to make similar content, which will also drive up your views. This could mean using specific sounds, hashtags, or topics.

Even better, keeping up with trends has never been easier. All you have to do is browse the For You page in order to see what’s popular at the moment. Keep tabs on the type of content you’re seeing, and choose a trend that’s relevant to your niche.

So, for example, if you’re a content creator that makes music, you can check out some of the trending sounds and possibly do a cover. Or, if you review makeup or clothes, a get-ready-with-me (GRWM) would be right up your alley.

Also, it’s important to note that TikTok trends tend to last for a week at most, so make sure you jump on the bandwagon ASAP. And if you’re serious about going viral, keep a close eye on your FYP at all times!

Use the Right Hashtags

Among other things, hashtags are a crucial factor when it comes to TikTok’s algorithm. Essentially, they are what help categorize your content. With that said, you need to know which hashtags to use and which ones to skip.  

The best way to find quality ones is to enter a keyword relevant to your niche into your search bar. Once the page loads, you’ll see several videos on the page. But that’s not what you should concentrate on. Instead, you’ll notice a column above the videos with the following: top, videos, users, sounds, live, and hashtags. Choose the hashtag option.

From there, you’ll be able to see a list of all the trending hashtags that are relevant to your keyword, hence your content.

Additionally, stay away from hashtags such as #foryou and #FYP, as these are too generic, meaning they won’t help your video go viral. What’s more, your content will probably get lost in a sea of other videos with similar hashtags.

Finally, you should only use up to five hashtags per video, or else you could end up overloading your post.

Stay Relatable

Although TikTok trends are constantly changing, there’s one thing that has stayed the same from the beginning — people love relatable and authentic content creators.

When you think about it, it’s perfectly understandable. Viewers want to see creators that they can identify with and who always “keep it real.” Ultimately, that’s where some TikTokers go wrong. The more popularity they gain, the less relatable their content gets.

So, regardless of whether you have a few followers or thousands, you should always think about how your audience will relate to your videos. After all, they’re the ones that can help you go viral.

Create “Before and After” Videos

If you’re ever having difficulty coming up with content ideas, “before and after” videos are the perfect choice for any niche.

So, for example, if your content is focused on fitness, you can record your daily/weekly/monthly progress and edit it into a 30-second video. Alternatively, some creators will film their start weight and then cut to the end result, as they consider it more effective.

Similarly, if your content is food-oriented, you can also make a video showcasing your cooking/baking abilities from start to finish. Or, if you’re a makeup artist, you can film yourself recreating a trending look and edit it into a timelapse video.

Overall, there’s no limit to the creativity or type of content that you can use in your “before and after” videos.

Create Timelaps Content

Another popular format is the timelapse video which shows the creator performing a task from start to finish; only the TikTok is later sped-up during editing. For instance, redecorating a room, building something, cleaning, etc.

For some reason, people like watching creators perform even the simplest of daily tasks. Perhaps it motivates them to get up and do the same. Essentially, you can use that to your advantage and create the following types of content:

  • Cleaning videos
  • Videos where you complete everyday tasks
  • Grocery restock videos
  • Organizational hacks
  • Home renovation videos

Obviously, it’s up to you to choose a category related to your niche.

Promote Your Content on Other Social Media Platforms

It goes without saying that promoting your TikToks on other social media platforms will increase your chances of going viral.

You can opt to add reels on Instagram and Facebook, or you can simply post a story with a sticker that says to check out your new TikTok. This will inevitably increase your reach and get more people to see your video — which is exactly what you’re going for.

Keep Your Videos Consistent

The TikTok algorithm pays special attention to how many comments, likes, shares, and views your content gets. With that in mind, if you want to increase these parameters, you should make sure to post consistently.

Basically, the more you post, the more chances you have of going viral, which is quite obvious if you think about it.

But that’s not the only reason you should stay consistent. Namely, viewers are more likely to follow an account if the creator posts at least once a day.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should put out a video every hour, as that’s not feasible. More importantly, you’ll run out of ideas for your content within a few days.

Post Duets

Regardless of whether they have a large or small following, content creators love it when someone duets their video. First of all, it can help boost their views, and second of all, it shows that people appreciate their content.

But best of all, duets are easy to make. You can post yourself reacting to the other creator’s content which requires the least amount of effort. Or, you can decide to add to their content. For example, if the creator is singing in their video, you can add an accompanying instrument to the mix (if you can play one, of course) or add a vocal overtone.

On the other hand, you can also perform an activity that’s completely unrelated to the other person’s content. A great example of this is crocheting, playing with slime, drawing, painting, or putting on makeup while the other creator’s video is playing.

Overall, as a TikToker that’s hoping to go viral, when you make a duet, your goal is to bring in more views and possibly more followers. Equally important, you will open up the possibility for our next suggestion.

Post Collaborations

Partnering up with popular TikTok creators is always a good way to boost your views and possibly go viral. Just remember to look for someone relevant to your niche; otherwise, your content won’t experience the necessary increase in viewership.

If you’re new to the platform, it may take some time to get in touch with a more established creator, but don’t let that discourage you. Instead, start by following their account and commenting on their videos. As you grow your own following, you can ask the creator if they would like to collaborate with you in the future.

If you get their approval, make sure to promote it on both of your accounts for the best results.

Post About Current Events

Today’s fast-paced type of living makes it nearly impossible for most people to sit down and watch the news. However, keeping up with current events is crucial, and TikTok is the perfect place to do so. Luckily, you can use this to your advantage in order to go viral.

But remember, if you want to make this type of content, you will need to do your research. That means reading the newspaper and browsing the internet for new information every day. Also, make sure to fact-check the content you plan on posting.

One of the main perks of posting about current events is that you’ll never run out of subjects. What’s more, people will really appreciate being able to hear about what’s going on in the world in a 1-30 second TikTok!  

Going Viral Takes Patience

Overall, you have a plethora of amazing ideas for viral content at your disposal. All you need to do is choose your niche, decide on the type of video you want to make, and keep an eye out for new trends.

And above all, be patient. With so many content creators on the platform, you can’t expect to go viral immediately. Keep your post schedule consistent, and your time is bound to come!  

The post 12 Tips to Help You Go Viral on TikTok in 2023 appeared first on Buzzoid.

Friday 11 August 2023

How Does the YouTube Algorithm Work? A Guide for 2023

Data shows that YouTube has more than 2.6 billion users, making it one of the most successful social media platforms in the world. The company owes this success largely to its algorithm, which recommends different content to each user based on their watch and search history.

In the sections that follow, we’ll delve a bit deeper into YouTube’s recommendations system and determine what it’s based on. Read on, and take notes!

Explaining the YouTube Algorithm

As already mentioned, the YouTube algorithm is a content recommendation system that selects the videos a particular user will see once they enter the platform. The current version of the algorithm is based on three separate classifiers:

  • The first one selects videos for one’s homepage;
  • The second ranks all search results for every user;
  • And the third takes care of video suggestions.

Aside from matching users with videos relevant to their search queries, the algorithm has yet another purpose. Namely, its goal is to recommend content users will most likely watch to completion, thus maximizing the time they spend on the platform.

In other words, the algorithm tries to suggest videos that users will want to watch until the very end. To find such content, YouTube’s recommendation system takes into account the clips you normally watch and endeavors to find and prioritize similar content.

Exploring Each Part of the Algorithm

Now that you have some general info about the algorithm, we’ll turn our focus on each separate classifier.

The Homepage Algorithm

Every time you open YouTube, and even more so when you log in to your account, you’ll be greeted by a distinct homepage. The selection of videos you encounter on this page is usually quite varied, as the algorithm tries to stay relevant to your most recent search queries.

So, the most important parameter for this classifier is your watch history. For example, if you usually like watching game streams and movie or TV show review videos, your home page will be filled with similar content.

This fact also means that your homepage is highly sensitive to your current preferences. If you suddenly stop watching game streams and reactions and switch to acoustic covers of pop songs instead, your homepage will quickly catch on. Within days, if not sooner, the content on your homepage will change to reflect your interests and moods.

The Suggested Video Algorithm

YouTube takes slightly different factors into account for your suggested videos. When you search for or click on a specific video, the algorithm will offer you content based on what users who share your interests usually enjoy.

So, it’ll look at what other users with similar tastes and interests watch and suggest videos based on that data. In addition to that, the algorithm will throw in a video or two from channels that you already follow.

The Search Results Algorithm

This algorithm controls the videos and the order in which they will appear when you search for a word or phrase. In this instance, SEO is the most significant factor the platform considers.

Namely, the videos that appear first will be those that use the phrase you searched for as their main keyword. For example, if you search for “how to use twitch,” the videos that you’ll see at the top of the page will contain this long-tail keyword in their title, tag, caption, or description.

If there are more videos using that specific keyword phrase, YouTube will rank them based on popularity and view counts. This means that a video by a popular channel will rank higher than one from a new user.

How Can You Make the Algorithm Work for You?

Understanding the basics of how the YouTube algorithm functions can aid you in developing effective content and marketing strategies for your own channel.

For starters, it is essential to do thorough keyword research for your niche. In addition, you have to use precise and concise language in your titles and captions. That way, the algorithm will be able to determine what your video is about and recommend it to the right audience.

Moreover, you have to make your videos enticing and attractive at first glance. In most cases, viewers will notice your video’s thumbnail and title first and use them to gauge whether your content is worth watching. Thus, making custom thumbnails and coming up with memorable and catchy titles can help you pique their interest more easily.

Next, it is also pivotal to make your videos more accessible and easy to find. You can do that by attaching overlay ads on your videos, creating playlists, and ending each video with a powerful clickable CTA that encourages users to watch another video.

Last but not least, remember to keep track of what your target audience likes. By creating videos that will appeal to their interests, you’ll increase your chances of engagement. That can, in turn, lead to more subscribers and organic channel growth, which the algorithm will definitely pick up on.

The post How Does the YouTube Algorithm Work? A Guide for 2023 appeared first on Buzzoid.

Master Your TikTok Game: The 8 Must-Try Filters of 2023

If you’re a content creator who likes to use filters in your videos, TikTok is the perfect app. It has an extensive library of effects, all of which can be applied with just a few clicks. And yet, they can entirely transform the look and feel of your videos, drawing in precisely the kind of audience you want.

But how do you know which filters suit your specific style? Only you can answer that question, but we’ll gladly give you a few tips. Take a look at our list of the best TikTok filters in 2023 and see if anything inspires you!

Beauty Filter

Considering how focused TikTok’s community is on appearance, it’s not surprising that Beauty Mode is one of the most popular filters. In fact, most TikTokers you follow have likely used it at least once.

As its name implies, Beauty Mode enhances your appearance, making you look fresher and camera-ready. It improves coloring, evens the skin tone, and adds a healthy glow to your face. None of the changes are drastic enough to make you look unrecognizable, but the subtle differences are still there.

G6 Filter

As you browse through TikTok filters on your phone, you’ll notice that many are identified by a letter and a number combination. Sometimes, when a filter becomes popular, the community gives it a nickname to go by. That’s not the case with the G6 filter, though. Even as its popularity grew, its identifier stayed the same.

Like Beauty Mode, G6 doesn’t change your video too much. It only adds warmth and depth of color, giving it a somewhat retro aesthetic that’s all the rage on TikTok. In fact, it’s one of the most popular filters in the food communities on the platform, as it can make your meals look much more appealing.

Bling Filter

Jewelry, nail polish, and make-up brands are particularly fond of the Bling filter and regularly use it in their TikTok campaigns. And that’s not a surprise, as this effect makes any product look better! Essentially, it allows you to place sparkles in different areas of your video, imitating the flash of a diamond in the sun.

So, if you want to show off your new earrings or add a blinding brightness to your smile, try the Bling filter. Just a few extra sparkles will make your video much more captivating!

Inverted Filter

The filters we’ve listed so far haven’t been particularly polarizing, but the Inverted filter certainly is. Some creators love it; some hate it, but whatever the case, it created a huge buzz and certainly makes for excellent content.

So, what exactly is so controversial about the Inverted filter? Well, basically, when used with the front camera, the filter flips your video and shows you how other people really see you. Or, at least, that’s what many TikTokers claim it does, although opinions on that are also quite divided.

When applying the Inverted filter, many creators hated seeing their faces flipped and filmed their reactions for their viewers’ entertainment. For a while, trying it out was a massive trend on TikTok, and the effect remains popular to this day. And that’s not a surprise — aren’t you a little curious to see how others perceive you too?

Color Customizer Filter

The Color Customizer filter is a perfect choice when you’re looking for a way to make your video unique and memorable. Simply put, it changes the saturation, allowing you to adjust the color of your skin, eyes, and hair, as well as any other objects showing up in your video, such as cars or buildings.

And in this case, the change doesn’t have to be subtle like with G6 or Beauty Filter. In fact, you can go as wild as you want and create a video that really stands out from the crowd!

Green Screen Filter

Even people who aren’t TikTok users are familiar with the Green Screen filter — that’s how widespread it is. This effect automatically detects your outline in the video and allows you to add any background you choose.

For example, you can sit atop a mountain as you talk about mental health or promote your brand in front of an excellent review screenshot. The possibilities are endless, which is exactly why the Green Screen filter is the TikTok community’s favorite!

Clown Filter

Ever wanted to share an embarrassing moment with your followers and have fun at your own expense? You’re not alone in that, as many TikTok creators like to join in on this trend, topping it off with the famous Clown filter that perfectly captures how they feel. In fact, even Miley Cyrus did it!

The Clown filter superimposes psychedelic clown paint on your face, making you look like a stylish Pennywise. To make the video even more effective, search for #IAmAClown and check out which music is frequently added. Then, you can hop on the trend!

Fantasy Filter

The Fantasy filter, also known as V11, adds a pinkish, magical hue to your video. Combined with the Color Customizer effect, it can create a warm summer vibe that makes your content more aesthetically pleasing. It’s not a surprise, then, that many TikTok creators are obsessed with this filter.

V11 works for everyone, but it’s especially popular with brown-eyed TikTokers, as it brings out the amber and gold hues in their eyes. So, if you want your eyes to really pop, as well as to give your videos a certain enchanting quality, try it out!

Find Your Own Style

With millions of videos on TikTok, creating something that stands out can be challenging. Thanks to filters, it becomes at least slightly easier — a fun effect is likely to capture viewers’ attention quicker and convince them to check out your other content.

The filters we listed here are some of the best TikTok has to offer, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. But don’t forget to experiment and see which effects you like the best. After all, success on TikTok is all about finding your unique style!

The post Master Your TikTok Game: The 8 Must-Try Filters of 2023 appeared first on Buzzoid.

Thursday 10 August 2023

7 Tips on How to Optimize Your YouTube Videos in 2023

Achieving success on YouTube may seem like chance and blind luck, but that’s not the case. Although some YouTubers have blown up overnight with seemingly little effort, others use various tactics to slowly build their audience. One of the most successful methods is optimizing YouTube videos so that search engines and algorithms reward them with a higher ranking.

But optimizing is hard when you don’t know what to do. Luckily, with our 7 tips, you’ll have an excellent starting point.

Use Your Keyword(s) in the Video File Name

Much like Google, YouTube’s search engine uses terms from queries and matches them with keywords that appear in the video. Naturally, your first step will be to do keyword research and include those that you want to rank for in your content.

But did you know that optimization begins even before you upload a video to YouTube? As it turns out, the platform’s algorithm can actually read video file names and use them to rank your content.

So, change the file name once you finish filming, but don’t use whatever comes to mind first. Instead, think of a name that incorporates your chosen keyword(s). For instance, if your keyword is “how to optimize your videos,” the file’s name should be “how-to-optimize-your-videos,” followed by a file extension (typically MOV, MP4, or WMV for videos).

Include Your Keyword(s) in the Video Title

Of course, your keyword(s) must find its place in your video title for the algorithm to pick it up. But in this case, you have to consider the user experience as well. Your audience will also see the title, so you need to ensure it sounds natural and compelling enough to draw viewers in.

In other words, the keyword “how to optimize your videos” might be enough for the algorithm, but your viewers need a more appealing title. You could, for instance, put an emphasis on the result and write something along the lines of “How to Optimize Your Videos to Get More Views.” The difference may seem insignificant, but by focusing on achieving the objective, you’ll motivate people to click on your video.

Optimize the Video Description

The description under the video is another place to insert your keywords, but don’t overdo it. If you stuff your description with keywords, YouTube may actually punish you for spamming by ranking your content lower. So, use your keyword(s) 2-4 times, depending on the length of your description.

Speaking of length, your description can theoretically have up to 1 000 characters, but it’s unlikely many of your viewers will read it in its entirety. Therefore, keeping the descriptions short, simple, and to the point is crucial.

If you want to make sure your audience sees important information and links, remember to put them at the top of the description. After all, YouTube only displays the first two or three lines beneath the title. To see the rest, your viewers need to click on Show more, which only a small percentage does.

Categorize Your Videos

When you upload your video, you’ll find the option to categorize it according to its content. For example, if you upload a short clip of your cat doing an obstacle course, put it under Pets & Animals. Similarly, all tutorials and instructions go under the Howto & Style category.

Categorizing your video will automatically group it with other similar content, making it likely to appear in related playlists and suggestions. That way, new audiences interested in the topics you cover will stumble upon your videos easier, bringing in new views, and potentially become loyal subscribers.

Use Hashtags

Hashtags make the social media world go round, and YouTube is no exception. Similarly to categories, hashtags connect your videos to other related content and make it easier for viewers to find answers to their queries. When coming up with them, you don’t need to use your full keyword, but make sure to include related terms.

You can add up to three hashtags above your video title, so pick the ones that best represent the content. On top of that, you may include up to fifteen tags in your video description, but we advise against it. YouTube may rank you lower if the algorithm suspects you’re spamming to boost your video.

Add a Custom Thumbnail

When you upload your video, YouTube automatically displays a few thumbnail suggestions. That way, the platform makes it easier for creators who don’t have resources or time to make their own thumbnails.

But if you want to achieve real success on YouTube, put some extra effort into creating a custom thumbnail. After all, thumbnails are the first thing that will catch your audience’s attention as they search for videos to watch. Thus, it should inform the viewer about the video’s content, and platform-generated thumbnails don’t always succeed in that regard.

So, consider creating a fun, visually pleasing, and compelling thumbnail. It takes some trial and error, but you’ll find out what works over time. Then, you can incorporate your discoveries into your style and make excellent thumbnails that automatically signal to your viewers that your video is up.

Include Cards and End Screens

Cards and end screens allow you to include links to your other videos, playlists, or channels directly in the video your viewers are watching. As a result, you can easily promote your content and increase your channel’s overall engagement.

Even though they have a similar purpose, cards and end screens differ slightly. Cards are small notification icons that pop up in the corner during the video, asking you to click on a link or explore a related playlist. On the other hand, end screens show up as the video is ending, displaying interactive thumbnails over a background.

Ultimately, both are good for your channel, so we highly recommend including them. Don’t forget to customize the end screen, though — it will be more appealing if it matches your brand’s overall aesthetic.

Boost Your YouTube Ranking

YouTube is an excellent tool for promoting your brand or earning extra cash from ad revenue. But, as you can see, you have to do more than upload a video and hope for the best. And if you follow our tips on how to optimize your YouTube videos, you’ll notice an immediate increase in your viewership!

The post 7 Tips on How to Optimize Your YouTube Videos in 2023 appeared first on Buzzoid.

Wednesday 9 August 2023

A Brief Guide to TikTok Trends

Calling TikTok popular would be an understatement. In 2022 alone, the app had over 800 million active users, and that number is set to grow exponentially over the following years. Furthermore, over 80% of users fall between the ages of 16 and 34. In other words, it caters to a young, hip, internet-savvy crowd — a crowd of trendsetters.

Nowadays, you can’t browse the app without running into a set of videos with a similar format, each with millions of views. New trends crop up on a weekly basis so fast that even active users can’t keep up.

But what exactly are TikTok trends, and how do they come about? And more importantly, can you use TikTok trends to grow a brand or expand your current reach? Well, that’s what we’re here to help you figure out. 

What Is a TikTok Trend?

In the briefest terms possible, a TikTok trend is a type of short video that people can easily imitate, replicate, and make their own. For example, a user can post a brief clip of them dancing using a particular hand motion. Other TikTokers can find the video entertaining and use that same hand motion in their own posts, thus helping the trend spread.

In essence, TikTok trends last for only a short period of time and are a mix between a meme and a popular fad. Below is a list of some popular trend formats that make their rounds on the app.

Challenges

A TikTok challenge is a type of video where the creator asks a user to perform a certain action. It can involve anything, from lip-syncing or dancing in your pajamas to imitating a particular gesture. These trends are highly popular since they encourage fans of certain TikTokers to create their own content. Some of the popular ones from 2022 include Shoot in the Sky, Learn Something New, and the Journal Challenge.

Dances

Dances are incredibly popular on TikTok since users can create their own choreography and perform it to a popular song. Certain dance moves, especially if they’re simple enough, can be imitated easily by others, which promotes engagement and content creation. Some of the most viewed and liked dances over the past year include the Box, the Say So, and the Tap In.

Sounds

Snippets of dialogue, onomatopoeia, sound effects, and animal noises — all of these make for great additions to your TikTok videos. Adding a specific brief recognizable sound to video content will result in instant engagement by your followers.

Songs

Picking trending songs can boost your views and increase exposure. Users in 2022, for instance, tended to choose some hot tracks like Captain (Whistle), Own Brand Freestyle, and L$d. And you don’t even have to lip-sync to the song you choose. Simply playing it in the background while you perform a stunt can just as easily help you create a viral trend.

Transformations

Whether it’s pre-makeup/post-makeup videos or seamless transitions from one outfit to the next, transformation content is highly popular on the platform. Its main appeal is that it’s wowing and dazzling, as it plays off the element of surprise.

Features

TikTok provides its users with lots of editing features that make the videos unique, such as the BeeCut, Zoomerang, Magisto, and Funimate. Some of these features include different video and audio filters that transform your content in creative ways. More often than not, you’ll see TikTokers use these features to make their content stand out.

Mashups

One video, multiple songs; that’s roughly the gist of mashup TikToks. Lots of people who aim to be DJs tend to mix different tracks and get an interesting final result. Others can merely juxtapose two or more different songs for comedic effect.

Figuring out what a new TikTok trend might be is difficult for newcomers since it comes and goes so fast. However, there are ways to figure out what is popular and how to pick up on the latest trends. To find out, make sure to do the following:

  • Expand your interests beyond your niche (e.g., gaming, cooking, sports, photography, etc.);
  • Spend a bit of time on TikTok and scroll through the home page every now and again;
  • Keep track of any current global events, as well as the latest trends in popular culture;
  • Focus on the type of music you hear or even individual songs; TikTok may be a video app, but a lot of its appeal is built on music and audio in general;
  • Follow popular and knowledgeable TikTok experts;
  • Peruse the popular hashtags;
  • Consider the longevity of certain trends; some have staying power, while others are fairly limited and quickly fade to obscurity.

Relevance and Relatability

By following a particular trend, you show your followers that you relate to them on a personal level. They’ll know that you’re keeping up with the times, in a sense. As such, you’ll be drawing a bigger, contemporary crowd.

Expanding Your Reach

In order to gain new followers, you can jump on an existing TikTok trend. Considering that users often binge content related to the same trend, they are likely to come across your video and give it a watch.

User Sentiment

Any financial or business expert today will tell you that user sentiment is vital in both marketing and brand growth. You need to know first-hand what your users prefer when it comes to their online content. Once you do, you can use that knowledge and cater to both old and new users with trendy viral TikToks.

Influencer Partnerships

When researching trends, you’ll inevitably run into talented influencers who know how to make a viral post. Naturally, you will want to connect with them and strike up partnerships to expand your business and reach new audiences.

Competitor Strategies

As a TikTok user with a brand that you wish to expand, bear in mind that you won’t be the only one browsing the platform. Your direct competitors will also actively try to jump on the TikTok trend bandwagon. However, their presence on the platform is an excellent opportunity for you to study how the competition thinks. You can even think up new ideas based solely on observing what the competitors do.

The post A Brief Guide to TikTok Trends appeared first on Buzzoid.

Going Live on TikTok in 2023

Going live on an online content-sharing platform is all the rage nowadays. Everyone, from individual creators to major brands, does it, and as TikTok users, we should get in on the action. And depending on what our goal is, our TikTok Live may be intricately structured and long, or it could just be a short, impromptu affair.

So, how does a content creator go live on TikTok? In this article, we crack that code and provide some of the most useful tips and tricks on TikTok Lives.

But before we move onto the meat of the issue, let’s first discuss why TikTok Lives are so useful. 

Benefits of TikTok Lives

Broadly speaking, the single biggest benefit of going live on TikTok is engagement. Namely, by going live, we get a chance to communicate with our user base. They can ask us questions, share experiences, and interact with us in real-time.

In the modern age, content creation is all about interaction. To use a different platform as an example, an average YouTube video will get an algorithm boost with each new comment and/or like. Views are still important, but if the user feels like they’re having a conversation with the creator directly, they will be more likely to stay subscribed and share the content with others.

How to Go Live on TikTok

In order to go live on TikTok, we first need to fulfill two major conditions. The first is that we have to be at least 16 years old. The second condition is that we can’t go live unless we have at least 1000 followers.

Once all of the conditions are set, we can go live. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. On the bottom screen of the app, we first need to tap the Create icon, i.e., the little plus sign.
  2. We then swipe left until we reach the Live option.
  3. Next, we pick an appropriate image and title for our stream.
  4. With everything set, we click on the Go LIVE option and wait a couple of seconds.
  5. While we’re live, we can fiddle around with different effects and options. We can access them by tapping on the three dots.
  6. Finally, we end the stream by tapping the X in the top-left corner of the stream.

Can We Circumvent the Over-1000 Follower Rule?

Multiple articles online will post instructions on supposedly going live without having 1000 followers. The trick they cite roughly goes as follows:

  • Go to the Settings and Privacy section of the main menu.
  • Pick the Report a Problem option.
  • Find the “I can’t start a LIVE” section and choose “No” when prompted about the issue being solved.
  • Fill out a report claiming something like, “I used to have access to live broadcasts, but now I don’t.”

However, we, alongside many other users, tried this trick, and it didn’t work. At the time of writing this article, users still can’t go live unless they have 1000 followers. Of course, they can always join a live stream of a different user. All they have to do is head to the comments section of their stream and click on the two smiling faces icon. The person who’s live will then either approve or deny the guest access to the stream.

Tips and Tricks on Pulling a Successful TikTok Live

If we want our TikTok live to stand out, we will need to apply every tip and trick that successful streamers with millions of views do. Interestingly enough, these tricks are fairly simple and common-sense, and they include the following:

  • Optimal recording conditions (i.e., proper lighting, outside noise elimination, engaging camera angles, stable internet connection)
  • Choosing an engaging topic to talk about
  • Lots of cross-promotion using other platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and so on
  • Collaborating with other content creators
  • Planning out what we’re going to say (off-the-cuff stuff works sometimes, but not always)
  • Choosing the right time to stream (ex., not to stream when our target audience is asleep, at work, at school, etc.)
  • Making sure that the live stream doesn’t go on for too long; the usual sweet spot for stream length is around 30 minutes.

The post Going Live on TikTok in 2023 appeared first on Buzzoid.

Sunday 16 July 2023

Say Goodbye to Instagram: Proven Tips for Safely Deleting Your Account

Although it can be a difficult decision to make, there are a number of reasons why you would wish to delete your Instagram profile. For instance, you can choose to cancel an account because you have realized your target audience doesn’t use this platform, it doesn’t pay off, or it’s just not fun anymore. 

However, you should keep in mind that deleting an account is irreversible and cannot be undone. Therefore, it’s crucial to think through all the ramifications in advance. For this reason, we decided to guide you through the steps of deleting an Instagram account and offer advice on how to do it safely and securely. 

So, let’s get into it!

Things to Do Before You Delete Your Account

It’s important to download any content or data you want to save before canceling your Instagram account. That includes everything you’ve uploaded to your profile, such as pictures, videos, followers, and likes. To do this, request a download of your data from Instagram through the Settings menu. Once everything is downloaded, you can start the deletion process. 

Please be aware, though, that once you delete your account, all your content will be gone forever. Moreover, any remarks or likes you may have made on other users’ postings will also disappear. Therefore, if you want to keep comments or likes you’ve made on other people’s postings, you should snap screenshots first.  

Steps to Delete Your Account

Although deleting an Instagram account is a simple process, it’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions to make sure your account is truly removed. This is how you do it:

  1. Open a web browser on your computer, go to instagram.com, and log into the account
  2. Use the Help Center link in the Settings menu to access the Delete Your Account page. Confirm by clicking Delete Account.
    • Instagram will then suggest deactivation instead of deletion, so you might need to confirm your choice again. If you accidentally choose to deactivate instead, your profile will still exist on the platform, but it won’t be visible to other users. 
  3. Pick one of the available explanations for why you want to delete your account. Providing an answer is mandatory.
  4. Enter your password to confirm again that you wish to remove the account. Click Delete @username.

Apple Users Can Use the Instagram App to Delete an Account

If you are an Apple user, delete your profile on your mobile device via the Instagram app. 

  1. Log into the app and open the account you want to remove.
  2. Tap the three lines marking the menu icon in the top right corner instead. Choose Settings, then Accounts Centre, and then the Personal details option.
  3. Tap Account ownership and control, and then click Deactivation or deletion.
  4. Tap the account you would like to delete.
  5. Reenter your password and tap your username to confirm your choice.

What If You Are an Android User?

For some reason, the Instagram app on Android devices still does not offer an option to delete an account. However, you can always do it using a browser.

  1. Go to instagram.com, and log into the account.
  2. After logging in, go to the Instagram Account Deletion link.
  3. Select the reason for canceling your Instagram account from the drop-down box.
  4. Type your Instagram password again in the text field that pops up below, and then click the [Account Name] button.

What If You Have Multiple Accounts?

Unfortunately, you can’t delete all your accounts at the same time. You must log in to each profile and repeat the steps outlined above. 

However, if you want to delete just one of your multiple accounts, you must first confirm that the username matches the account you would like to delete. To do that, click the Logout option on the right side of the screen to go back to the main page and sign back in with the right account.

A Few Things to Consider

After the deletion process is complete, your account will no longer be viewable on Instagram. However, you still have 30 days to change your mind and reactivate it. After that, it is completely gone.

That said, the deletion procedure within the company may require up to 90 days. What’s more, the backup storage Instagram uses to recover in the case of a disaster, software error, or other data loss occurrences may contain copies of your content even after the 90-day period. Additionally, the company might record your information for safety precautions, legal issues, or term violations. You can read more about this in the Instagram Privacy Policy.

Another thing to remember is that when your account is deleted, you won’t be able to create a new account with the same username. However, other users will be able to take your username for themselves.  

What Happens to My Other Social Media Accounts After Deleting Instagram?

If you have other social media accounts linked to Instagram, you won’t need to disconnect them before starting the deletion process. In other words, removing your Instagram won’t affect your Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, or other connected accounts.

What Is My Other Option?

If you are still not sure whether you should permanently delete your account or just take a short break, you can opt for deactivation instead. Deactivating your profile means it won’t be available to the public view, but you will still be able to restore it at any point
Simply log into your account using a web browser, then go to the profile page and choose Edit profile. You should see the Temporarily Disable My Account option at the bottom of the page. Click that button, provide a reason for your decision, and enter your password again. Finally, confirm your choice by clicking on the Temporarily Disable Account button.

The post Say Goodbye to Instagram: Proven Tips for Safely Deleting Your Account appeared first on Buzzoid.