With over a billion verified users, TikTok is fast becoming the most popular online social media platform. Which is why it was a very big deal when the New York Times released a leaked document outlining the app’s algorithm. The document, called “TikTok Algo 101”, was created to explain how TikTok works to less tech savvy employees of the company. ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has acknowledged the document’s authenticity.
So what does it tell us about why TikTok is so addictive? There are two key takeaways:
The first is that their algorithm isn’t much different from the ones used by other social media platforms. The second is that while some users are amazed at how much TikTok seems to know about them (and how quickly), the app’s algorithm prioritizes the same things as other apps and platforms. Those metrics are retention—whether a user comes back and how often—and time spent on the app.
One major reason why TikTok is so successful where other video apps have failed is that they make it very easy to create content, with readily accessible sounds, music, filters, text, and more. If your practice isn’t producing TikTok content, it might be something you want to consider. Check out this veterinarian’s very popular vids for inspiration!