Five Tips to Up Your TikTok Game

By: Celeste Huecias 

Now that TikTok is here to stay in the U.S., it's important for public relations specialists to understand the dynamic of the app. The app, that was once only used by young kids, is now being used by many college-aged students, influencers, celebrities, businesses and more. TikTok is the newest and hottest app this year, which makes it a great resource to market yourself to anyone and everyone. Here are five tips that will help you up your Tik Tok game: 

1. Create your aesthetic 
In order to ensure that your TikTok game is top notch, you must have a consistent aesthetic. This is very similar to how you may present yourself on Instagram or on a portfolio website. Your Tiktok’s need to have a similar color scheme, same font, a variety of videos, but nothing that strays from you and what your personal brand is about. Though the app is all videos, some of the most popular creators are consistent with their aesthetic and their personal brand as a whole. 

2. Link all your media channels 
Like every other social media channel, TikTok allows you to link the social media of your choice in your profile bio. The app has an icon next to the word “follow,” or if you’re looking at your own account “edit profile.” Here you can link your Instagram profile and your YouTube channel. The most ideal way to set up your profile would be to link any channel you can, create a short bio that represents you and link your LinkedIn or portfolio website in that bio as well. This will allow anyone who may find your videos appealing to find you on other platforms quickly and efficiently.  

3. Find your niche 
As mentioned in step one, it is very important to stay consistent not only with your aesthetic but with your profile in general. Since consistency is key, one of the best ways to do so is to find your niche. A niche in the context of TikTok can range from what your passions are to what you want to share to how you make your videos. The beauty of TikTok is there is an audience for everything, which means no matter how specific or vague your niche is there will be someone willing to watch or listen.  

4. Stay on top of trends  
Trends exist everywhere, whether that be with fashion, food or social media, and we know how quickly they can change. This means it is extremely important to stay on top of trends. TikTok is one place where things change constantly and there is a new trend all the time. It is extremely important to keep up with your friends and family on what they have seen on their TikTok “for you page” because every algorithm is different and you want to make sure you are appealing to the masses. But, the key is to not jeopardize your aesthetic, brand and niche for these trends. Again, consistency is key. So if TikTok dances don't fit you best, try utilizing that popular sound on a video that you want to post.  

5. Hashtags are your bestie  
Though they were once made fun of and were meme worthy, hashtags are a must in social media. We see them all over every Instagram post, Twitter, Facebook and more. They are used to gain more engagement on each post or create a flow of profile visits. But TikTok hashtags are how you go viral in the app. Anyone using TikTok knows how critical it is to use hashtags on every post, and the real TikTokers know the right hashtags to use. If you want views, followers or likes you better be equipped with the best hashtags.  

Though it may seem daunting at first, TikTok will not only be your best new social media addiction but also your next resource for networking, job finding and overall engagement. With the help of these tips you will feel and look like a TikTok pro. For more tips on branding yourself on other social media channels check out this post.