Understand the TikTok algorithm | CULTUR:ED

You are now reading the 5th part of our ongoing producer

/artist/independent artist series titled “Cultur:ed”.

We are now getting into some general territory along with some new examples - streaming & how TikTok exists to help you reach more streams written in the last months of 2025.

Disclaimer: this is a generalized opinion and courteous towards anyone who wants their music to be heard & in most cases performed.

It’s also good for anyone looking into managing a client. There’s so much additional work to have it all come together and we’ll go over that in future pieces as well.

It’s important for you to actually need this information written down, that way going over it is easier until you get it going.

There’s plenty of artists pulling up the white board & markers for all of this.

How TikTok’s Algorithm Works

⚡ In short: TikTok is a real-time feedback loop — if people show interest right away, the system snowballs your reach.

⚡ Formula to remember:

👉 Strong hook + short engaging content + trending audio + replay value + consistency = growth.

Make something you should, not something even you don’t like.

A hook can be “I just made this track, why do I love it so much?”

With that being said, it’s still one of those apps which can be used to spam shamelessly with low views not being a problem.

That’s one of the big reasons why this app is comfortable & easy to grow on. You can try out different hooks, angles, ideas without it being a statement at all.

So, imagine you make a few videos and you post them.

👉 Each video is judged on its own, not just on follower count.

1. Content Creation

• Hook fast → Grab attention in the first 2–3 seconds (text on screen, strong opening, bold statement).

• Keep it short → 8–15 sec videos perform best (unless it’s a story/tutorial).

• Looping trick → End the video so it feels natural to rewatch (seamless loops or cliffhangers).

• Trends & sounds → Use trending audio, effects, and challenges — TikTok boosts them.

• Captions → Add text on screen + short captions with keywords (helps with TikTok SEO).

2. Engagement Boosters

• CTAs (Calls to action):

• “Watch till the end”

• “Comment ___ if you agree”

• “Follow for part 2”

• Reply to comments with video responses (TikTok pushes these).

• Encourage replays with tips, storytimes, or hidden details.

3. Posting Strategy

• Consistency > volume → Post at least 1/day if possible.

• Timing matters → Post when your audience is active (check TikTok analytics → Follower activity).

• Test & adapt → Try different formats/styles; double down on what works.

4. Hashtags & SEO

• Mix broad hashtags (#fyp, #viral, #tiktok) + niche ones (#BookTok, #FitnessTips, #TechTok).

• Use keywords in captions (TikTok reads them to match with search queries).

• Example: Instead of “Morning routine”, use “My 5am morning routine for productivity”.

5. Profile Optimization

• Clear niche in bio (what people can expect).

• Profile picture + username that matches your brand.

• Link your IG/YouTube for cross-growth.

6. Extra Growth Hacks

• Duet & stitch trending videos to piggyback reach.

• Collaborate with other creators.

• Join TikTok trends early (the earlier you hop in, the higher your chance of going viral).

• Analyze your analytics weekly → repeat what works.

The biggest asset of yours could very well be what you do on the app, especially if you’re able to go live at a scheduled time & build your audience.

Make a yearly plan, maybe start there. There’s plenty of good books & ways to make the time for some of this.

Best of luck.

Follow on IG to see when we update the next part.

@wearenycto