How To Become A TikTok Influencer?

Entertaining, cringy, sometimes outrageous, but always addicting- TikTok remains the fastest-growing social platform globally!

With more than 1 billion active monthly users, this social media app's quick and consistent market penetration has been nothing short of incredible. Many expected TikTok to lose the buzz after Covid-19. However, the app only grew!

Between 2019 and 2024, the average time spent on TikTok by individual users increased from 27 minutes and 24 seconds to 58 minutes and 24 seconds.

Influencers and content creators are among the reasons for this increasing audience engagement. Experts estimate TikTok has more than 100,000 influencers that substantially contribute to the app's revenue.  

So, is there room for more? Can you be a successful TikTok influencer and generate income in this intense competition?

Yes, absolutely! As the list of TikTok influencers grows, so does the audience, creating more opportunities for brands and content creators.

However, you will need more than video-creating skills to get noticed on this trendy platform.

To help you get started, we present a complete breakdown of how to become a TikTok influencer. From TikTok's unique algorithm to what skills you need to become an influencer, we cover every aspect of success in today's blog. 

So, let's dive in!

The TikTok Algorithm

TikTok's algorithm is the secret ingredient that makes the app addictive. It ultimately decides the success of influencers and leaves marketers scratching their hair out to hack it.

Its hyper-relevant and accurate video recommendations can make anyone wonder if the app tracks them.

If you want more engagement with your content, you need to learn a bit about the app's algorithm. Although there's no shortcut to becoming a top influencer, the more you comprehend the app, the easier it will become to impress it.

Here's a breakdown of everything we know about TikTok's algorithm to accelerate your learning journey.

What is TikTok's Algorithm?

TikTok's algorithm analyzes thousands of signals users generate to determine what type of content they like. These signals include reactions to a video, follows, comments, and how long someone spends watching a particular video.

The app's FYP, or For Your Page, is the first page you will encounter after opening an account. Initially, it will feature the most viewed videos on the platform. However, the more you use the app, the more precise the recommendations will get.

TikTok's algorithm recommends a mix of quality content that includes creators you follow and influencers you are yet to discover (contrary to YouTube and Instagram, but similar to LinkedIn). 

This combination of familiar and fresh content meticulously tailored to each user's preferences helps keep the feed engaging. 

Instagram's Reels and Thread recently took a similar approach to content recommendation. Yet TikTok seems particularly good at keeping users engaged through different types of UGC videos. This is mainly due to the high volume of data it collects from users. 

Although TikTok's algorithm is not magic code, it's still impressive how the app keeps track of its users' changing preferences. As a result, two TikTok users' FYPs are never the same!

How Does The Tiktok Algorithm Work?

Now that you know a little bit about TikTok's algorithm, you might wonder how the app knows what content you like.

There's a combination of ranking factors that helps grow your TikTok account. Let's look at the most significant factors determining which videos a user may prefer to watch. 

1. User interactions and engagement

Like most social media apps, TikTok bases its content suggestions on user interactions and engagement with the app's content. Whenever you give a clue about what type of content you like or dislike, the app's algorithm takes notes.
Here are a few interactions that influence what shows up on your TikTok's FYP:

• Content you have shared or liked on the app
• Content you have added to your favorites
• Content you have marked as not interested
• Content you have reported as inappropriate
• Interests you have expressed by interacting with ads or organic content
• The accounts you follow
• Creators or sounds that you have hidden
• The comments you have posted
• Content created on your account
• Whether you watch a longer video to the end

 

2. Video information

TikTok gathers information about the content you engage with and the videos you actively seek out. The video information TikTok gathers include:

• Captions
• Hashtags
• Sounds
• Trending topics
• Effects

 

 3. Device and account setting

Although device and account settings don't have as much influence as user interaction and engagement, they are still relevant factors to consider. The app doesn't deem them relevant because they are one-time settings, but it still uses them to optimize performance. 

Some of the device and account settings TikTok algorithm factors in are:

• Language preferences
• Country settings
• Type of mobile device
• Interest categories you picked as a new user

 

If a user is unhappy with the recommendations they are getting, they can reset their preferences by clicking on the "settings and privacy" tab. 

4. Audio

Have you ever grown tired of a song because nearly all the reels on your feed feature it? You are not the only one.

However, there's a good reason behind this. TikTok pays attention to videos, trying to capitalize on current trends. Using trending background music can push your content into TikTok's stratosphere. In addition to music, the algorithm keeps a careful eye on keywords, hashtags, and standard search phrases.

What Doesn't Impact Tiktok's Algorithm?

If you want to engage with your audience on TikTok, knowing what doesn't influence your engagement is as essential as understanding the factors that do. 

It will help clarify some popular misconceptions, save you time and money, and help you understand how to become an influencer on TikTok.

So, look at the factors that are less relevant to the TikTok algorithm than you might believe.

• Posting frequency: Contrary to popular belief, frequently posting on a social media platform like TikTok does not guarantee more visibility. While the sheer volume of the content can increase your chances of appearing on the feed, the quality of the content truly matters.
• Followers count: Have you ever wondered how many relatively unknown creators have earned overnight success due to TikTok? It is one of the qualities that distinguishes this platform from other social media apps. Although having a higher follower count can lead to higher engagement initially, the algorithm doesn't give preference to content based on the influencer's follower count. 
• Account age: Another factor TikTok doesn't give much attention to is the age of an account. A new account or content creator has as much potential to go viral as an established creator.
• Paid promotions: TikTok operates its ad platform and organic content separately. While investing in TikTok ads is a good idea, it will not boost the performance of your organic content.

 

Types Of Content Tiktok Doesn't Prefer Recommending

While jumping on every content trend can be tempting, there's a catch. Like every social media platform, TikTok has some ground rules for its content. You must play by the app's rules to hit a home run. 

The app emphasizes user safety, which means it will discourage certain content even if the video doesn't breach local laws.
According to TikTok's rules and regulations, here is a list of content that might exist on the app and be searchable but not appear on the FYP. 

• Minor safety concerns: TikTok will not shower it with the same attention if a video poses a risk to a younger audience.
• Dangerous sports and stunts: Dangerous stunts can encourage risky behavior. Hence, TikTok discourages these types of content from appearing on the FYP.
• Overly sexualized content: TikTok draws the line at overly suggestive or explicit material.
• Tobacco and alcohol products: Promoting tobacco or alcohol products is not a good idea if you are targeting a broader audience.
• Violent and graphic scenes: TikTok prefers creative, fun content, not jarring videos.
• Misleading and spammy videos: If you want to ace your TikTok influencer marketing strategy, stay far away from spammy, misleading videos.
• Unoriginal and low-quality shots: Sneaking in QR codes, reposting videos that users have already seen, or pixelated content will not make the cut for TikTok's FYP.

 

How can you make the TikTok algorithm work in your favor?

So, that was everything that didn't work when impressing TikTok's algorithm. Now, let's discuss what can make the algorithm work in your favor and how to become a micro-influencer on TikTok.

The first step to becoming a successful content creator on TikTok understands its algorithm and how you can leverage it.  
Once you comprehend its nuances, you can translate them into actionable advice or incorporate them into your marketing strategy. 

Sounds complicated? To simplify it for you, we highlight the best ways to harness TikTok's nuances and enhance the reach and engagement of your content.

Take a look!

1. Leverage TikTok SEO

TikTok's largest demographic, the younger generation, treats the app like a search engine for videos. Therefore, our experts suggest incorporating SEO into your TikTok marketing strategy. It's a powerful way to get more followers and views on the platform.

Here's a brief guide to kick-start your SEO strategy for TikTok:

Understand what your audience is searching for: Look for popular hashtags, keywords, and related keywords on TikTok that are relevant to your content. Also, take notes of the questions you and other influencers of the same or related niche get in the comments. 

You can use TikTok's Creative Center as a source for popular content, including up-and-coming creators to trending songs. Additionally, try out keyword research tools, like Exploding Topics, Google Trends, and Answer The Public, to find trending keywords.

Identify your keywords: Choose two to three keywords that match your audience's common search terms. Remember to cover those topics in your videos; otherwise, they can be misleading.

Optimize your videos with keywords: Weave the matched keywords in as many places as possible in your video captions and on-video texts.

2. Utilize TikTok's toolbox

Want to know how to become an influencer on TikTok? Create relevant content and ensure it is seen. 

Utilizing TikTok's toolbox and rules of reach can help confirm your content always incorporates the correct optimization techniques for the best reach.

Here are a few steps you can take with TikTok's features to improve your content's reach:

Use trending hashtags: Experts recommend three to five hashtags for boosting discoverability. 

Incorporate trending audio: As mentioned before, using trending audio can help boost the reach of your TikTok content. You can visit the TikTok audio library to find popular tunes.

Add captions encouraging conversations: Incorporate the correct keywords and captions encouraging your viewers to engage in discussions. 

Experiment with carousels: Stop users from scrolling past your content and disrupt the feed with TikTok's photo carousels. 

Don't overlook native TikTok features: Staying loyal to TikTok's native features can give you an edge over competitors. You can film directly within the app or use features like Duets or Stitches to create the content. Another tool you can try is CapCut for editing. This app is by Bytedance, TikTok's parent company. Visit TikTok's creative center for more guidance on its native features.

Once you have built a considerable content library, analyze what performs best, which videos your viewers return to multiple times, which ones get the most share, and at what times they get the most views. You can use this data to refine your content strategy.

3. Maintain consistency and quality

TikTok's ecosystem runs on rapid content consumption. Missing a day can mean missing out on a whole trend. However, sacrificing quality for quantity will not bring you the desired results. 

Therefore, when hopping on trends, ensure you have a relevant audience. Also, focus on creating a signature style that your audience easily recognizes. 

4. Niche down to reach your target audience 

While playing with a diverse range of subjects can be fun, creating a dedicated follower base can make it more challenging. Defining your niche, on the other hand, can help you stand out.

Start by figuring out the niches you enjoy working on and planning how to frame your content for the targeted audience. Consider every additional viewer outside your targeted audience segment a bonus.

Creating a series allows you to take your content ideas to new heights and grow your TikTok account.

5. Go beyond virality

A viral video can boost your profile's reach temporarily. But what happens when the buzz fades? To build genuine connections, you have to think beyond going viral. 

Some ways to ensure long-term engagement and growth include:

Engage with your community: Interact with your followers, collaborate with fellow influencers, and address your comments to foster loyalty and genuine connections.

Collaborate with other influencers: Collaborating with other creators is a great way to get exposure on TikTok. You can collaborate with someone from your niche or complementary niches. Both can expose your channel to a whole new audience.

Expand your TikTok success: Once you have built a following on TikTok, direct your audience to other platforms, such as other social media channels, your blogs, or your email list. Diversify your audience to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.

6. Find your subculture

Connecting with relevant communities is essential to gain popularity on every social media platform. However, finding a subculture on TikTok is mandatory to please the algorithm.

The For You Page is the ultimate destination for your potential followers to engage with your content. Tap into existing subcultures to ensure they stumble upon your videos and stay till the end. It will help amplify your content to the audience and cultivate brand loyalty. You can use TikTok's Audience Insights and Ads Manager to discover appropriate hashtags and subcultures based on your content.

7. Maximize the first moments

To learn how to become a micro-influencer on TikTok, you first need to figure out how to grab the attention of your viewers in the first couple of seconds.

With the decreasing attention span of the young generation, you only have time for short, winding intros. 

The hook for your videos should inspire viewers to stop scrolling and stick to the end. TikTok algorithm finds content worth sharing with viewers when retention increases. So, make every second count, particularly the first two seconds.

8. Create high-quality videos tailored to the platform

There's a noticeable difference between un-polished, authentic content that shows your fun side and low-quality content that may not qualify for the FYP.

What makes content high-quality? Here are a few things to consider:

• Clear sound, visuals, and decent lighting make your videos understandable.
• The length of the video should not be too long or short. You don't want people to drop off your video, as this can send a wrong signal to the algorithm.
• Keep in mind that most viewers consume content vertically. Use this format to keep your audience happy.
• Utilize trendy sound clips and design your videos to be played with the sound on. 93% of TikTok users enjoy the content with sound on, including your potential followers.
• Experiment with editing with TikTok's built-in features to make your content feel native to the platform.

 

9. Post at the right time

One of the best ways to engage with your audience and ensure your content appears in front of the targeted audience is to create a proper posting schedule. 

Take advantage of TikTok analytics to find out when your audience is most active. Tap the three dots icon at the top right of your TikTok profile page, go to Creator tools, and then Analytics. 

10. Track your metrics

From using the correct hashtags and trendy audios to posting at the proper time, ensure each step towards becoming a successful content creator brings results. Track your performance using the TikTok analytics.

It will provide valuable insights into your performance and enable you to refine TikTok's influencer marketing strategy.

When analyzing your performance, here are a few KPIs to look out for:

• Video views
• Song uses
• Playtime and drop-off rates
• Likes, comments, and shares
• Traffic sources, such as hashtags, For You Page, and sounds
• Follower growth
• Profile visits
• Video downloads
• Link clicks
• Audience retention

 

Analyze each video's performance and how the metric changes over time to discover the type of content, format, and distribution tactics your audience resonates with. 

Tips On Becoming A TikTok Influencer

Now that we have mastered the technical aspects of creating TikTok content, let's return to the main question: How can we become an influencer on TikTok? 

Starting from scratch on a new platform can take time and effort. However, becoming an influencer on TikTok is as straightforward as any other social media platform. You have to be consistent, creative, and tech-savvy.

To help you start the journey, we present a step-by-step guide to becoming an influencer on TikTok. 
So, dive in!

1. Choosing your username

The string of numbers suggested by TikTok for usernames could be cuter and catchier.

If you want to grab some eyes, consider these tips when creating your TikTok user name:

• Memorable: Avoid using lengthy, hard-to-remember usernames that your followers can't spell out in the search bar. Instead, you can use a simple version of your birth name.
• Relevant: Connect your name to the content you want to create to make it relevant.
• Get creative: If you have a common name, try to get creative with it. Find a name that reflects your personality, identity, and content.

 

2. Find your domain

Needless to say, if you want to become a content creator, you must determine the topic of your videos.

Most TikTok influencers start by identifying their area of interest and researching and selecting their niche and domain.

If you're struggling to narrow down your interests, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do you want to create consistent content for your desired niche?
• Are you comfortable creating content you enjoy but aren't paid for? Does your domain consist of this type of content?
• Do you have the required skills for solving problems for others?

If you answered yes to any of these questions with a particular niche in mind, then pursue it. 

However, if you are still having trouble deciding on a domain, here are a few popular suggestions to consider:

• Comedy influencer
• Fitness influencer
• Fashion influencer
• Dance influencer
• Food influencer
• Travel influencer
• Music influencer
• Memes influencer
• Motherhood influencer
• Beauty influencer

 

3. Create a unique, optimized TikTok profile

Create a profile that reflects your personality and what you offer to your followers. Your name, profile picture, and bio play vital roles here.

You can check other influencer profiles to find inspiration for the bio. However, make sure to add your own twist to avoid copying others.

In addition to keeping it unique, ensure your profile includes a clear call to action, such as 

• Hit "follow" to get more tips
• DM for queries and collaborations
• Click the below link to discover more

Adding a clear call to action (CTA) in your profile is also crucial to encouraging followers to act immediately.
Play around with different phrases, such as:

• Click the link below to learn more
• DM me with questions!
• Hit 'Follow' to get the latest tips

 

4. Understand your audience

TikTok's majority of population skews young audiences. 1 in 4 users of this app are under 20 years old. Additionally, most of the app's users are between 18 and 24.

However, this data can change as Fortunate magazine has recently announced that millennials are also joining the app in large numbers.

A strategy that works for one demographic of viewers might not work for another. Hence, avoid the one-size-fits-all approach and focus on creating tailored content strategies for each demographic.

When crafting your content strategies, consider

• Who your audience is
• What their interests are
• What are their pain points
• How do they relate to your niche

 

5. Analyze your competitors

Look for influencers who are targeting the same demographic as you. Watch their content to analyze the type of content they are putting out and the reactions, shares, and comments they are receiving.

Use their videos as inspiration for your content. 

Find out what's missing from the influencer's video, note the missing link, and develop content to fill the gaps.

6. Be creative

The same, staid videos with similar audio will not help you get a foothold in the TikTok universe. 

Don't hesitate to take risks if you want to create engaging content. Produce disruptive content that engages users, maintains attention, and helps foster an emotional bond between the audience and the influencer and their content.

Also, consider utilizing emerging trends and hashtags instead of sticking with the same template.

7. Collaborate with other influencers to expand your audience base

As previously mentioned, collaborating with fellow content creators can expose you to a more extensive audience base. It will benefit both of you as you'll gain more views and followers.

However, to choose the right influencer for collaboration, you need to be familiar with the different categories of content creators.
Typically, TikTok influencers are categorized based on their audience size.

• TikTok influencer with fewer subscribers than you: As you develop a considerable TikTok following, users with smaller audiences will send collaboration requests. It can help you gain exposure, so don't blow it off.
• Influencers with the same following as you: This is a win-win situation for both creators as you will be introduced to a new group of audience who might enjoy your content and give you a follow.
• Macor influencers with the mega-following: Once you have produced some quality content, don't hesitate to reach out to more prominent influencers if you get the opportunity. 

 

8. Promote your videos and enhance engagement

Most influencers have multiple social media accounts to promote their content. You can use these platforms to popularize your TikTok videos as well. 

Optimize the post for different platforms and use suitable hashtags and captions.
To further increase audience engagement, 

• Create a two-way conversation and respond to the audience in the comments
• Host giveaways, contests, "Ask me anything," and similar events

 

9. Engage with trending videos

Along with participating in viral trends and challenges, comment on videos that have already gone viral. You can also respond to trending comments using commentary. This will promote you to a whole new audience who pay attention to what's trending.

10. Partner with brands

The brands you promote should be a natural fit for your account. If it looks like a cash grab, it will likely fail.

If you already have a few brands in mind that you are loyal to, start mentioning them in your captions and comments. 

Alternatively, you can partner with brands through influencer platforms that connect brands with creators.

What skills do you need to become a TikTok influencer?

Becoming a successful influencer involves much more than creating content. You must have various soft and technical skills to earn followers, viewers, and customers.

Let's examine some essential skills you will need to make your content stand out!

1. An in-depth understanding of the platform

Learning about TikTok's algorithm, the type of videos that get the most attention, and the different features and tools of the app can help you get noticed. It will allow you to use the algorithm and bag more brand deals.

2. Short-form video editing

Editing and making short-form videos are essential for becoming a TikTok influencer marketing expert. You should know timing, trimming, transitions, and hooks.

A few editing apps our experts recommend for short-form videos are:

• Adobe Premiere Rush
• iMovie
• LumaFusion
• Vimeo Create
• KineMaster
• InShot

 

3. Creativity

Your audience is always hungry for new, fresh content that differs from the rest. Therefore, you have to keep your creative skills sharp. Along with that, focus on posting educational content and repurposing fresh content. It will allow you to create content on a budget.

4. Content creation

This one is obvious. Still, if you are unaware, brands require you to produce crisp, high-quality video content for long-term partnerships. In addition to content creation, you should know when and how to post them.

5. Networking and communication

From fellow content creators to PR agencies and your audience, you must communicate with numerous parties to make your presence felt in the realm of TikTok influencers.

6. SEO

An effective SEO plan can help you reach a wider audience and enhance your profile's visibility. So, before creating content, ensure you know the details of keyword research, optimizing your posts and profiles, search engine scanning, and more.

7. Copywriting skills

Whether you are writing a copy for a video or captions for your story, it should be eye-catching to your audience. Adopting copywriting skills will help you deliver the correct message to your audience and compel them to take action.

8. Analytics

Good analytical skills will give you insights into your performance, audience, and competitors. You will be able to utilize the analytical features of TikTok and churn in better numbers.

How To Earn As A TikTok Influencer?

"How to become a TikTok influencer and make money?"- This is among the most common queries we receive from aspiring content creators.

There are several ways to earn profit from TikTok. Once you reach 100,000 followers, you can earn between $200 and $20,000 per sponsored post. However, these numbers can change depending on your follower count, product, and engagement rate.

So, where should you get started? What are the ways you can start earning from TikTok? 
Let's find out!

1. Join the TikTok Creator Fund Program

Established by TikTok, the Creator Fund Program compensates eligible TikTokers for their creations. The revenue primarily depends on the influencer's audience size, frequency of posting, and engagement quality. 

However, to access the Funds, you must meet some specific criteria. It includes:

• You must be 18 or older
• You must be from the UK, US, Germany, Italy, Spain, or France
• You must have at least 10,000 followers
• You must have 100,000 views in the last month on your videos
• You must comply with the community guidelines of TikTok

Although the Creator's fund is a great way to generate revenue, it's not guaranteed to get steady payment, and it's not ideal for new creators.

2. Sell merch

Selling merchandise is another great way to earn some extra cash. You can use tools like Printful or Shopify to create and sell hats, shirts, phone cases, or coffee mugs. However, you will need a large, engaged audience for this to work.

3. Gifting

Like other streaming platforms, TikTok allows fans to give gifts to their favorite content creators during live streams or videos. Depending on whether you get diamonds or coins, you can trade them for real money.

4. Influencer marketing

Collaborating with brands and receiving PR packages, aka influencer marketing, becomes much easier once you have gained a good following. It is one of the most effective ways to make money on TikTok while gaining more followers.

5. Crowdfunding projects by collecting donations

Crowdfunding is one of the few ways to ensure a regular income stream on TikTok. Give your fans a way to donate or hold live fundraising events to raise the revenue.

A few crowdfunding sites our experts recommend to raise capital for specific projects are:

• Crowdcube
• Fundable
• Crowdfunding
• Indiegogo
• Mighty Cause
• Kickstarter
• SeedInvest

 

6. Sponsored content

Like influencer marketing, you will promote brands, services, or products when following this revenue-generating method. 
You will be sponsoring posts with product recommendations and receive payment in exchange. 

Sponsored posts can take many forms, including:

• Feature posts and tags
• Product reviews
• Informational posts
• Multiple or single product descriptions

 

7. Consulting

Offering consulting services to up-and-coming influencers will allow you to turn your experience and expertise into cash. Utilizing your creative and technical skills, you can help newcomers get the secret sauce behind TikTok's success without hassle.

8. Event and brand partnership

As soon as you establish yourself as an influencer, look for brand partnerships. You can do this by reaching out to brands yourself or through influencer platforms.

Start the process by identifying the brands relevant to your niche. Then, narrow down the list by filtering the brands similar to yours. Find who handles the influencer marketing of each brand and collect their contact information. Finally, make a pitch to the brands through email.

9. Growing and selling accounts

Create niche accounts focused on specific industries with high-quality content. Once these accounts gain a reasonable amount of followers and engagement rate, you can sell them and earn.

10. Launch your influencer agency

As an influencer agency, you will help brands find the best influencer for their niche, plan, execute, manage influencer campaigns, and earn money.

Win Over TikTok With Privy Reviews!

So, that was your guide on how to become a TikTok influencer. Although TikTok is a great platform to monetize your passion and interests, remember it's not a path to overnight success. If you want to get noticed by your targeted audience, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that invokes curiosity. 

Also, reach out to Privy Reviews to get genuine reviews on your content so you can refine them to reach their full potential. We have helped thousands of content creators actively engage with their audience and encourage them to share their experiences. 

So, join Privy Reviews today to become the next TikTok sensation!