How to Become an Influencer on TikTok

In 2023, TikTok remains a strong force in the world of social media. With approximately 1.677 billion users, the platform has cemented its position as a global phenomenon. TikTok's appeal spans various demographics, but it's particularly popular among women aged 18 to 24, with 20.9% of users falling into this category. Additionally, the average time spent by US adults on TikTok daily in January 2023 was 58.4 minutes, and the number will probably grow over time.

For aspiring influencers, TikTok offers an enticing array of benefits. Besides the potential for fame and recognition, TikTok opens doors to lucrative brand collaborations and income streams. Current trends on TikTok in 2023, such as TikTok dropshipping, Booktok (a space for book enthusiasts), and the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt phenomenon, illustrate the diverse and innovative content on the platform. These trends, coupled with TikTok's staggering user base, make becoming a TikTok influencer a rewarding and exciting opportunity in 2023.

If you want to learn how to become an influencer on TikTok, you have to know at least something about the way the TikTok algorithm works. Of course, the precise mechanism is a secret, but there are some general ideas and guidelines you should keep in mind. TikTok's For You page (FYP) is where the application gives you personalized content. Unlike YouTube or Instagram, TikTok's algorithm gives you a unique blend of videos from creators you follow and ones you're yet to discover. This mix keeps your feed fresh and engaging, and it's one of the reasons TikTok is so addictive.

At the heart of this curation is TikTok's powerful recommendation algorithm. TikTok's algorithm is designed to deliver content tailored to your preferences. It prioritizes several key factors:

• user engagement (likes, shares, comments, saves),
• user interactions (influenced by who your audience follows),
• video information (captions and embedded details),
• device and account settings (location, language).

Keep in mind that TikTok's algorithm stands out for its focus on content relevance over creator popularity. This basically means that, even if you're new to TikTok, your content can get very popular. And you can always boost your visibility by choosing the right hashtags, keywords, and common search phrases.

As for the content that TikTok won't recommend, it's usually something excessively graphic, content tagged as "not interested", or something you've already seen.

Now that we explained how the TikTok algorithm works, let's move to the core of our article - how to become an influencer on TikTok.

Pick a niche

When you ask yourself how to become an influencer on TikTok, you should ask yourself - what am I gonna create content about? In other words, you have to pick your niche. Although it seems that you can just pick whatever you want, or whatever you're fond of or good at, it would be a good idea to do some research to see if there's an audience in that niche, if there's some specific angle you can provide on some common topic, and how can it help to showcase your creativity.

As an example, let's take a look at some popular TikTok niches. In the dancing niche, Charli D'Amelio (@charlidamelio) has gained immense fame for her dance routines. In the comedy niche, Spencer X (@spencerx) has captivated audiences with his beatboxing skills, and in the cooking niche, Tabitha Brown (@iamtabithabrown) has become a sensation for her vegan recipes.

Set up a profile

When setting up a social media profile, keep in mind these two adjectives: attractive and memorable. Start with a clear and captivating profile picture, ideally of yourself for a personal touch. Ensure it's well-lit and fits within TikTok's recommended dimensions.

Choose a username that's easy to remember, relevant to your content, and, if possible, your name for added authenticity. Avoid complex symbols or numbers that can make it harder for users to find you. Your bio is your introduction to potential followers, so make it concise and informative. Share your interests, content focus, or a catchy tagline that represents your brand, and consider including relevant hashtags for discoverability.

Don't forget to add links to your other social media profiles or websites for cross-promotion. Besides that, in your TikTok bio, you can add a link to your Recommend shop. On Recommend you can easily open your online shop. There you can put all your favorite products, share a link to the shop in your Instagram bio, and earn money every time one of your followers buys a product from your shop!

Content strategy

A content strategy is crucial on TikTok, where you can explore various formats like short videos, challenges, duets, and trends. Short videos with a maximum length of 60 seconds are at the core of TikTok, but it's essential to participate in challenges, collaborate through duets, and ride the wave of popular trends to boost your visibility.

For engaging content, focus on storytelling, creativity, and authenticity. Crafting compelling stories captivates your audience, while creative and unique content makes you stand out. Authenticity, being true to yourself and your interests, resonates with viewers.

Post consistently

Consistency is a must. When you post regularly, viewers know what to expect, and they're more likely to engage with your content and become loyal to you. It's like tuning in to your favorite TV show at a set time each week; the predictability (among other things) keeps people coming back for more.

If you want to post consistently (and you do want to), you'll have to figure out time management that works for you. Moreover, you'll need to plan in advance. Batch filming sessions can be a time-saving strategy, allowing you to create multiple videos in one go. Additionally, consider using TikTok's scheduling feature to upload content at optimal times for your target audience.

Engage with audience

TikTok is all about engagement and interactions, maybe even more than other social media. Consequently, if you want to learn how to become an influencer on TikTok, you will also need to:

1. Respond to comments: Take time to respond, like, and acknowledge the input of your audience. This simple act goes a long way in building a sense of community.

2. Collaborate: Partner with other TikTok users, especially the ones in your niche. Duets, stitch videos, or even shout-outs to fellow creators can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences.

3. Live streams: Hosting live streams offers real-time interaction with your audience. Use this opportunity to answer questions, share behind-the-scenes insights, and create an authentic bond.

Pay attention to trends

Again, every social media platform is at least in some part trend-based, but that particularly goes for TikTok. Paying attention to trends on TikTok is essential for a couple of reasons. In the first place is content relevance. Staying in the loop will ensure your content remains relevant, that it resonates with your audience, and keeps your followers engaged.

Besides the content relevance, there's also a visibility boost you get if you ride on a trend wave. Lastly, jumping on trending topics allows you to connect with your audience by sharing content that's not only familiar but also relatable. In other words, you'll become a content creator who's in touch with the pulse of the TikTok community.

We can conclude that TikTok, with its staggering 1.677 billion users, presents an ideal opportunity for aspiring influencers and content creators. It's a platform where your content can go viral, even before you attain influencer status. Remember that the TikTok algorithm is finely tuned to prioritize engaging content, and it values relevance over creator popularity.

Key takeaways for success on TikTok include choosing the right niche that aligns with your passion and expertise, fostering engagement with your audience through comments, collaborations, and live streams, maintaining a consistent posting schedule to keep your viewers engaged, and keeping a keen eye on the latest trends and challenges to boost your visibility.

As you embark on your TikTok influencer journey, always keep in mind that TikTok offers an opportunity to reach a massive audience, irrespective of your current level of fame. With dedication, creativity, and a strategic approach, you can carve out your niche and thrive in the dynamic world of TikTok content creation. Happy TikToking!