80% of TikTok videos never reach the FYP. Are yours one of them?The TikTok algorithm is the key to unlocking viral success. In 2025, it’s more dynamic than ever, prioritizing watch time, engagement, and trending content. This guide reveals how the algorithm works and shares actionable tips to boost your reach.
What is TikTok algorithm?
The TikTok algorithm is a smart system designed to determine which videos will show up on a user’s For Your Page. The TikTok algorithm is based on the actions you take on the platform, such as the videos you watch, the comments you leave, and the accounts you follow.
- Personalized Feed: Tailors content based on user behavior.
- Engagement-Driven: Prioritizes videos with high watch time and interaction.
- AI-Powered: Uses AI to filter and recommend content.
How the TikTok algorithm work?
Before 2023, the TikTok algorithm was not publicly detailed. At the TED 2023 event, Shou Chew – CEO of TikTok, clarified more about how this algorithm operates and develops over time. In 2025, TikTok’s algorithm is more sophisticated than ever. Here’s how it decides which videos hit the FYP:
Step 1: Content moderation
Before being displayed, each video must go through an automatic evaluation step using AI, combining natural language processing and computer vision technology. AI will analyze all content from images and sounds to context to determine whether the video complies with TikTok standards or not. If the video violates the platform’s rules, it will be removed immediately.
Step 2: Scoring and Initial distribution
Once a video passes initial moderation, TikTok distributes it to a small group of users to test feedback. TikTok’s system scores videos based on interaction indicators:
| Metric | Points | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Playback Rate | 10 | Measures how often users watch the full video. |
| View-Through Rate | 8 | Tracks completion percentage. |
| Shares | 6 | Signals viral potential. |
| Comments | 4 | Shows engagement depth. |
| Likes | 2 | Indicates basic interest. |
Each of these metrics has a different priority in calculating a video score. Based on this score, TikTok will decide whether to distribute the content to the next group of users or not.
Step 3: Iterative Expansion
Once there is enough data from the first group of users, TikTok will continue to distribute videos to a larger group of users. This process repeats continuously, forming “distribution loops” until the video either hits a trend or loses engagement and is no longer widely visible.
2025 Trend Alert: TikTok emphasizes AI-driven content recommendations, analyzing video captions and text overlays to match user interests. Optimize your captions with keywords like “#TikTokTips” or “#ViralHacks”!
7 Proven tips to hack the TikTok Algorithm
Want to boost your chances of going viral? Follow these expert strategies:
- Use Trending Sounds: To hack the TikTok algorithm in 2025, focus on trending sounds. Check TikTok’s Creative Center for trending audio and incorporate it into your videos. Trend Alert: Nostalgic 2000s pop remixes are dominating in 2025!
- Optimize for watch Time: Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds with a bold question or surprising visual.
- Post at peak times: Best time to post on Tiktok is 7 – 9 AM and 6 – 8 PM (local time) get the most engagement.
- Leverage hashtags: Use 3 – 5 targeted hashtags like #FYP, , and niche-specific tags.
- Engage immediately: Reply to comments within the first hour to signal active engagement.
- Create series content: Multi-part videos (“Part 1: My Viral Hack”) encourage repeat views.
- Test AI Captions: Use TikTok’s auto-generated captions with trending keywords for better discoverability.
Factors that directly affect the TikTok algorithm
There are many factors that influence how the TikTok algorithm delivers content to users. To optimize content, reach the right target customers (viewers), and improve the performance of your TikTok channel, you need to clearly understand the following 3 main elements of the Tiktok algorithm:
User interaction and behavior
The algorithm considers data signals such as:
- Watch Duration: The longer you watch, the higher the level of interest
- Likes/Shares
- Followed/hidden accounts
- Comment posted
- Video is complete
- The video is marked “Not interested”.
Additionally, other users’ interactions on a video can also determine whether that content shows up on your FYP. If a lot of people who share your interests watch and like a video, there’s a high chance you’ll see it too.
Tiktok’s new algorithm will prioritize Tiktok channels you regularly interact with rather than people you follow but scroll past > This is the factor that determines whether your content/video can trend or not.
Video information
In addition to video interactions, TikTok also considers video information to identify topics and evaluate content you may be interested in, distributing to the right interested audience. TikTok uses the following metrics to identify the topic:
- Audio: Identify trending audio content – it’s one of effective way to discover TikTok trends to create viral content.
- Hashtags: Categorize content and tell the algorithm what the video is about
- Content/Caption: Informs the algorithm about video content.
Device and account settings
This is a factor that has less influence on the Tiktok algorithm than the above two factors, but it is still an important indicator. TikTok still uses information like language, country, and device to personalize the user experience.
[UPDATE] What’s new in the TikTok algorithm?
In 2024, the TikTok algorithm continues to improve, focusing on user interactions, video information, and device settings to deliver personalized content. Here are the important updates:
- Video view rate: TikTok now gives high priority to videos that are watched to the end by the audience. To take advantage of this, you need to attract viewers in the first 2-3 seconds to attract and attract viewers to stay as long as possible.
- Tiktok SEO: The platform increasingly functions like a search engine – Google itself admits that TikTok is becoming one of the most effective search engines (in its own way). TikTok ranks videos based on keywords, subtitles, and hashtags in the content, making SEO Tiktok an important tool for increasing video visibility.
- FYP Personalization: AI groups users by similar interests, making niche content more discoverable.
- Device and language preferences: The TikTok algorithm also considers user settings such as language and device type, ensuring content is served in the user’s preferred language and format.
Did You Know? Google calls TikTok a top search engine for Gen Z. Optimize your captions for SEO!
5 Mistakes to Avoid with the TikTok Algorithm
Steer clear of these pitfalls to keep your videos visible:
Focus on quantity instead of quality
One of the easiest mistakes to make is pushing too many videos in the hopes of increasing views, but this can backfire. TikTok currently prioritizes high-quality videos with creative and engaging content over quantity. A well-invested video that brings millions of views will be much more valuable than releasing a series of low-quality videos, which can annoy viewers and lead to a loss of engagement.
Reuse content from other platforms or other account
Even if the logo has been removed or cropped, TikTok has the ability to recognize videos re-uploaded from other platforms through advanced AI. This can reduce interactions significantly.
Post content that violates policies or directs users away from TikTok
TikTok, like other platforms, has strict rules aimed at retaining users. If you post content that violates policies, like promoting bad behavior or directing users to other platforms, your account may have limited reach or even be locked. Additionally, if you believe you were mistakenly struck off against TikTok’s policies, you can take action 2 ways to unban Tiktok account (Effective 100%).
Note:
- New channels on TikTok are often not prioritized for immediate distribution. TikTok requires users to “build trust” by acting like a real user: watching videos, liking, commenting, and posting initial content before looking forward to rapid growth.
- Changing account information (such as name, ID, and topic or deleting old content (in case of account acquisition) can also affect the distribution scope of the channel, making it difficult for the channel to continue to develop. Article It’s important that you maintain quality content and don’t post uncreative videos over and over again.
Is Your TikTok Content Algorithm-Ready? Take the Quiz!
Answer these 5 questions to see if your content is optimized for the 2025 TikTok Algorithm insulin receptor TikTok Algorithm
Quiz: Will Your TikTok Video Go Viral?
Answer these 5 questions to see if your content is optimized for the 2025 TikTok Algorithm insulin receptor TikTok Algorithm:
- Do you hook viewers in the first 3 seconds with a bold visual or question? Yes No
- Do you use 3-5 trending hashtags like #FYP or #trending? Yes No
- Do you reply to comments within the first hour? Yes No
- Are your videos under 30 seconds with high-quality visuals? Yes No
- Do you use trending audio from TikTok’s Creative Center? Yes No
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the TikTok algorithm work in 2025?
The algorithm ranks videos based on watch time, engagement, hashtags, trending sounds, and user preferences, with a focus on AI-driven content matching.
What boosts TikTok video ranking?
Optimize for watch time, use trending sounds, post consistently, and engage with viewers quickly to boost your video’s ranking.
Does posting time affect TikTok ranking?
Yes, posting during peak engagement hours (7–9 AM or 6–8 PM) can increase initial views, helping the algorithm push your video further.
What limits TikTok video visibility?
Besides understanding the important factors that affect the visibility of TikTok videos, you also need to understand the factors that can limit the visibility of your videos. Here are some factors to keep in mind: Spam, duplicate content, or videos marked “Not Interested” can reduce reach. Avoid low-quality or policy-violating posts.
Mastering the 2025 TikTok Algorithm is your ticket to the FYP. Use trending sounds, hook viewers fast, and optimize hashtags to go viral. Avoid common mistakes like low-quality content and engage with your audience to keep the algorithm on your side. Want more TikTok tips? Check out our TikTok SEO Guide or our Blog!
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