What is more important for success on TikTok – the quantity of the published content or its quality? TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social platforms globally, known for its dynamic algorithm. This algorithm determines which content is shown to users and in what order. So, is there a way for content creators to know how to position themselves on the platform to stand out the most? This is precisely the topic we discuss in today’s article. Quantity vs. quality – which is the better strategy?
Why Do People Prefer Quantity Over Quality?
Focusing on quantity over quality on TikTok can bring various benefits, which is why people often choose this approach. Some of these benefits are:
- Increased Visibility and Engagement: Posting a larger quantity of content increases the chances of reaching a broader audience. The algorithm often gives an advantage to active users. Another benefit is keeping the audience engaged and interested – when content is posted consistently, they are more likely to interact with it.
- Experimentation and Adaptation: Frequent content posting allows influencers to experiment with different topics and formats to see what works best for their audience. This enables them to adapt and improve much faster, knowing what works for their profiles.
- More Opportunities to Create Trends: More content means more opportunities for a video to become a trend. Even less-than-perfect content can attract attention and spread quickly, making such opportunities not to be missed.
Despite these benefits, balancing quantity and quality remains important. Constantly posting low-quality content can alienate the audience and harm the influencer's long-term reputation.
Why Do People Favor Quality Over Quantity?
Focusing on quality over quantity on TikTok has its significant advantages. High-quality content often attracts more attention and interaction. Viewers are more likely to like, comment, and share well-made and thoughtful posts.
- Long-term Value and More Shares: Quality posts have a longer life and value. They can continue to attract an audience even after the initial posting, as the content remains relevant and useful. When people find high-quality and useful content, they are more likely to share it, increasing organic reach and visibility.
- Improved User Experience: The audience better appreciates well-created content – this includes the complexity of good video quality, thoughtful messages, and aesthetically pleasing presentation. This improves the overall viewer experience and helps build a strong personal image on the platform.
- Better Partnerships and Sponsorships: Brands and sponsors prefer to work with influencers who create high-quality content, as this reflects better on their products and services. This can lead to more lucrative and long-term partnerships.
While quantity can increase visibility and rapidly build an audience, quality creates lasting value, trust, and loyalty. The balance between the two is key to success on social networks.
Evolution of TikTok's Algorithm
Initially, TikTok emphasized the quantity of content. Users who posted frequently had a better chance of being noticed, as the algorithm sought new content to promote. This led to a boom in short, often not-so-quality videos, which attracted massive audiences due to their novelty and variety.
Over time, the people behind TikTok's algorithm realized that the quality of content is crucial for the platform's long-term success. New algorithmic adjustments began to be introduced, giving more weight to user engagement – likes, comments, shares, and watch time. This means that high-quality videos that hold viewers' attention and encourage interaction are now also valuable to the algorithm.
Strategies for Success on TikTok
Both sides seem to have reason to position themselves as the better strategy for posting on TikTok. What does this mean for content creators? Which method should they focus on?
Unfortunately, there is no universal answer – everything depends on the specific content and the desires and aspirations of the influencer. However, some strategies can help anyone looking to grow on TikTok. Here are the most critical ones:
- Authenticity and Spontaneity: Many of the most successful videos are shot with minimal equipment and have an everyday look that attracts viewers. Real stories and experiences, honesty, and vulnerability of influencers create a strong emotional connection with the audience.
- Creativity and Originality: The algorithm encourages unique content. Videos that offer new ideas, trends, innovative approaches, or original concepts often receive more attention.
- Engaging the Audience: Videos that provoke reactions from viewers – whether through comments, questions, challenges, or participation in trends – have a better chance of being promoted by the algorithm.
- Consistency: Influencers who manage to maintain a regular posting schedule without compromising quality are more successful in the long run. This creates anticipation from the audience and maintains interest in the channel.
Want the Algorithm to Work for You? Here’s How!
To make the most of current algorithmic trends, it is essential to apply some of the following tips:
- Storytelling: Videos that tell interesting and engaging stories tend to hold viewers' attention longer. This increases watch time, which is a key factor for the algorithm.
- Creating Series: Creating series of videos on a specific topic or story keeps the audience interested and encourages them to return for the next episodes.
- Collaboration: Working with other influencers or brands can expand the audience's reach and bring new followers.
- Data Analysis: Regularly monitoring video statistics to know what works for the channel and what doesn't. Based on this, adapt the content strategy being published on it.
- Following Trends: Key to TikTok is the presence of trends, which are a great stimulus for sharing content. Taking advantage of a current TikTok trend and interpreting it through your perspective ensures a great opportunity for your profile to be seen and followed by many new people.
Influencers should focus on creating high-quality, engaging, and original content that holds viewers' attention and encourages them to take action. It is essential to understand that the consistency of posts also plays a role, but they should not come at the expense of quality. Combining these elements will help influencers stand out on the platform and achieve long-term success.
Want to know how to adapt to the algorythm changes in real time? You should be really in tune with the new trends happening online every day. Here's an article about what to expect in 2024.