It's 2026, and you haven’t started on TikTok yet. There can be many reasons for that. But if you’re wondering what a latecomer to TikTok should do, we’ve crafted a detailed guide just for you.
TikTok is designed to give new users a genuine opportunity to grow. TikTok uses performance indicators like watch time, completion rate, and engagement activity to test each piece of content with small audience groups. And then based on these signals, TikTok algorithms push your content to a broader audience. This method makes it possible to find fresh creators easily.
So, in this guide, you’ll learn everything from the TikTok platform and its algorithms to account creation and posting techniques. Let’s start with understanding the basics.
TikTok is a popular short-form video-sharing app that allows users to create and share short videos. It's known for its user-friendly interface, diverse content, and powerful editing tools. You can use TikTok for business and personal branding as well.
Scrolling: The primary way to navigate TikTok is by scrolling through the "For You" page, which is personalised to show you content based on your interests and viewing history.
Sounds: Music and audio clips play a crucial role in TikTok videos. Users can choose from a vast library of popular songs, sound effects, and original audio clips.
Effects: TikTok provides a wide range of special effects, such as filters, transitions, and augmented reality (AR) effects, that users can use to enhance their videos visually.
Duets and Stitches: These collaborative features allow users to interact with others' content by creating their videos that are side-by-side with or incorporate parts of existing videos.
Algorithm: TikTok's algorithm is a complex system that decides what content users see based on several factors such as TikTok followers, likes, comments and shares. The algorithm can offer users a personalised and engaging experience by analyzing these factors.
Now that you're familiar with TikTok's basics, it's time to create your TikTok ID and advance on your journey.
You can use TikTok for watching or creating engaging videos. The first step is to create a TikTok account. Follow the guidelines mentioned below to create a TikTok ID.
To create a TikTok ID, follow these simple steps:
Download the TikTok app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Choose to sign up using your phone number, email address, or a social media account like Facebook.
Create a profile by filling in your name, username, and bio. Your username will be your TikTok ID.
Customise your profile by adding a profile picture and cover photo to personalise your account.
Once you've completed these steps, you'll have a TikTok ID and can start exploring the app and creating content.
You can just use TikTok as a platform to watch and enjoy videos. The For You Page is a constant feed of videos that TikTok selects based on your interactions, watch history, and interests. Additionally, the more you watch, like, comment on, and share videos, TikTok algorithms learn more about your preferences and start showing that kind of content.
However, if you want to watch content from your favourite creators in the Following Feed, follow them. For a more unique and personalised experience, consider exploring specific hobbies such as education, entertainment, business, etc., by searching for hashtags, sounds, or themes. You can also save, share, and comment on videos.
So, TikTok adjusts to your activity and becomes increasingly personalised over time, even if you never upload anything.
As a creator, using TikTok means posting videos that attract viewers. So, how can you upload videos on TikTok? To do so, you can record a video within the TikTok app or can import a video.
To record a video within the app, follow these guidelines:
Enter the camera by tapping the + sign tab located at the bottom of your screen.
Since you want to record a video, you can switch between the 15s, 60s, and 10m settings right above the shutter button.
After selecting your desired length, you can see icons such as flip (front or back camera switch), flash, timer (for auto-recording), and retouch (for smooth skin effects).
You can see a music note icon with the words "Add Sound". Simply tap on it to select a music or sound effect to overlay on your video.
You are now prepared to record after adding all required effects and filters. Press and hold the red record button to start.
So, following these steps, you can create a video within the TikTok app. By now, you have understood the basics of creating and posting content on TikTok. So, what’s next? You need to know how you can grow your account for TikTok monetization. Below is the detailed answer. Have a look.
Growing on TikTok involves knowing how the platform works to rank a specific piece of content. Below are some guidelines that you must comprehend before posting content on TikTok.
Understand TikTok algorithms
Create quality content
Engage with your audience
Post consistently on TikTok
Stay updated on algorithmic changes
Buy TikTok Likes and Followers
Here is the detailed overview of each.
To grow your account on TikTok, you have to understand how the “For You Page” algorithm decides what users see next. TikTok algorithms first show a video to a limited number of users when it is published. After that, the algorithm observes how users engage with the video. Watch time, user interaction, likes, shares and comments all affect the virality of a video.
So, if a video has the potential to grab viewers’ attention and spark meaningful conversation and engagement, algorithms expand it to a broader audience. Below are some of the important factors that influence TikTok FYP algorithms.
User Interactions: Likes, comments, shares, and saves are strong indicators of user engagement. Videos that receive a lot of positive interactions are more likely to be promoted.
Video Engagement: Metrics like watch time, completion rate, and replays boost TikTok engagement. Videos that keep viewers engaged are more likely to be shown to a wider audience.
Trending Topics and Sounds: Videos that use popular hashtags and trending sounds, or participate in viral challenges, are more likely to reach a broader audience.
So, these are the elements that decide the popularity of your content on TikTok.
Creating quality content is the key to success on TikTok. High-quality content increases your chances of reaching new audiences and expanding more quickly by telling the algorithm that your videos are worth showing to more people.
Moreover, the first few seconds of your video are very important. So, your videos should start with a clear hook that grabs viewers’ attention. It could be a relevant problem, a surprising statement, or an interesting question. Once attention is captured, the rest of the video should move quickly, stay focused on one idea, and avoid unnecessary pauses.
Keep in mind that clear visuals, adequate lighting and clear on-screen text overlays are very important.
TikTok can better understand your account and viewership if you are consistent. However, posting aimlessly might negatively impact engagement and retention. Posting a small number of excellent videos is preferable to a large number of poor ones.
Posting multiple times a week with a consistent content topic is best to get more TikTok views. This enables TikTok to match your content with the appropriate audience over time and develop momentum organically.
Interacting with other users is crucial for building a strong community and increasing your visibility. Engagement signals play a strong role in expanding reach. Responding to comments, liking replies, and creating videos based on audience questions increases visibility and trust. Apart from that, try to engage with other creators' content.
Every platform evolves, and the same is true for TikTok. You need to stay updated on algorithmic changes. Here are some suggestions for you.
Many creators share insights and tips on TikTok's algorithm and how to optimize content.
Participate in online communities and forums where users discuss TikTok strategies and trends.
Keep an eye on TikTok's official channels for updates and announcements about algorithm changes.
If you are a new creator or small business, purchasing TikTok auto likes and views can really enhance page visibility and credibility. They act as an instant social proof and increase engagement activity, exposing your video to a broader audience. This is considered to be the best way to grow your TikTok at initial stage. There are service providers that provide you with real and organic followers, such as LikesForYou.
Understanding TikTok's age restrictions is very important and simple as well. Here is a breakdown of age guidelines:
Account Creation: TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account.
Parental Consent: For users between the ages of 13 and 18, parental consent is required to create an account.
No doubt TikTok is the best platform for short videos, but at the same time, the excessive use of this platform is not good for children, and this is how parents can control their children's access to this platform.
1. Parental Controls: TikTok offers parental controls that allow parents to manage their child's account settings, including:
Time Limits: Set daily and weekly usage limits.
Direct Messaging: Control who can send direct messages to your child.
Search Filters: Restrict search results to age-appropriate content.
Duets and Stitches: Allow or restrict participation in collaborative features.
2: Open Communication: Talk openly with your children about the risks and benefits of using social media platforms like TikTok.
3: Monitor Activity: It is also important to regularly review your child's TikTok activity, including their "For You" page and interactions with other users.
4: Set Ground Rules: It is more beneficial to establish clear rules and expectations for your child's use of TikTok, including screen time limits and appropriate content.
5: Educate About Online Safety: You can teach your children about online safety best practices, such as avoiding sharing personal information, being cautious of strangers, and reporting inappropriate content.
In conclusion, TikTok has tremendous opportunities for personal branding and business development, especially in 2026. Be it just the beginning or optimization, knowing the basics, creating engaging content, and staying on top of algorithmic changes will help you achieve success in growing your audience base effectively.
Moreover, if you are new to the platform, buy TikTok likes from LikesForYou, and increase engagement within minutes to boost your profile’s visibility.
Inez Nevaeh
Inez Nevaeh is an author with a passion for social media growth. She specializes in creating engaging content and expert guides for social media success. Skilled in translating complex algorithms into actionable strategies, building striking online presences, and empowering creators to thrive. Inspired by a mission to make social growth accessible and easy.
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