How to Get More Followers on TikTok in 2024

If you downloaded TikTok a few years ago, when it was fairly new, you’d definitely remember your feed being filled with those awkward dance and lip-sync videos. Finding anything worthwhile besides entertainment was next to impossible. However, times have changed, and the app has evolved for good reasons. 

According to Forbes, GenZs (who make up the majority of users) nowadays are increasingly choosing TikTok over Google for their daily dose of information like DIY hacks, dining spots, shopping recommendations, and even the latest news. [1]  What’s even more astounding is the average time spent on the app — a whopping 56.8 minutes per day. [2]  Clearly, this means that TikTok is now the best place to grow as a creator.

But — and we don’t mean to burst your bubble — as of 2024, you’re up against 1.56 billion active accounts. [3] That number is only increasing as we speak. With such fierce competition, getting recognized and gaining followers on TikTok is far from straightforward. 

If it were, we’d all be famous overnight. And those sites that promise to boost your numbers for a few hundred bucks? Well, you’ll only end up with bots and fake profiles that will hurt your reach.

So, what can you do to be found and, even better, followed on TikTok? 

In this article, we’re dishing out 10 actionable strategies that industry leaders like ASUS have implemented to get over 37k unique eyeballs on their socials. Plus, we’ll introduce you to The Influencer Marketing Factory, an award-winning company that has successfully grown numerous TikTok accounts through influencers, paid ads, and organic content. 

Why Is a Large Follower Count Crucial?

To answer this question, we’ll need to understand how the app works.

When a user launches the app, they are shown two tabs on the homepage — “Following” and “For You Page (FYP).” The first offers a limited view of videos from accounts the user has chosen to follow. The latter, on the other hand, acts as a discovery medium, showcasing trending content from across the globe that the algorithm thinks viewers might enjoy.

Since the FYP is completely handled by the algorithm, there is no direct way to manipulate it or guarantee a spot. However, having a high follower count increases your chances of being featured. 

Here’s how: More followers mean your posts show up in more feeds, potentially leading to higher engagement through likes and shares. This kind of positive interaction signals the algorithm that your content is intriguing and worthy of being promoted to new individuals via the FYP.

Furthermore, having a substantial following enhances your profile’s credibility and trustworthiness. It implies that a larger audience is interested in what you post, which can make new visitors more likely to take the information you share seriously — an excellent example of social proof in action.

Why Should You Refrain From Buying Followers?

Just as the age-old saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” a successful TikTok account takes effort and time to grow. Creators who’ve made it to the top did so through original material and genuine engagement, not shortcuts.

For example, Khaby Lame, the fresh prince of TikTok, who now has a following of 162.6 million and is the face of brands like Hugo Boss, had a rough start. [4] When he first began posting, his close friends and family advised him to find a more stable job and not waste time, as he was barely getting views. 

Despite the initial struggles, Khaby persevered by consistently creating short, funny, wordless skits about everyday problems that people relate to. His unique style and authenticity eventually caught the world’s attention, and his account blew up. 

But if you still think that acquiring a few hundred followers won’t do any damage, here are three reasons to rethink:

• Low Engagement: As mentioned earlier, buying fake followers off the internet does more harm than good. Since these profiles are inactive and not operated by humans, you won’t receive any real engagement. In simple words, it means no likes, shares, or comments. Essentially, whatever you post would be similar to talking to an empty room.
  
• Algorithm Penalties: Next, you may consider tricking the system by creating an illusion of high engagement by purchasing likes and comments. However, the algorithm is way smarter than you think. It’s specifically engineered to detect and penalize inauthentic behaviors, including sudden spikes in follower counts. And once your account is flagged and placed on the app’s shadowban list, it will severely affect the visibility of your content. Worse yet, it could trigger a review process that may even lead to your account being suspended for breaching TikTok’s policies. [5] 
  
• Damaged Reputation: Lastly, let’s talk about credibility, which is king of the social media space. If your actual audience suspects that your follower base is padded in some way, it can break their trust in you. Trust, once lost, is hard to win back. They may even begin to question the authenticity of your past content and label you as fake. Moreover, brands and other creators would not want to tie themselves with someone who has a reputation for dishonesty, as it puts a negative impression on them as well.

Okay, now let’s get into the heart of our discussion — 10 ways to get more followers on TikTok in 2023.

Tip 1: Find Your Niche and Stay Consistent

First, find a niche. TikTok is filled with users of varied interests — pick one that excites your passion and puts your expertise on full display. And once you’ve identified one, commit to it. Maintaining a consistent theme not only builds a loyal following but also sets you apart.

Yet, staying devoted to your niche doesn’t imply rigidity. There’s room to grow and diversify within your domain. Experiment with different angles and topics that strike a chord with your audience, all while staying true to your foundational theme.

Why does niche-centric content have such magnetic appeal? Simple: it speaks directly to specific interests, offering tangible value to a distinct group. Followers naturally gravitate towards profiles that reliably deliver content they’re genuinely curious about.

Take photography, for instance. General tips might not stand out, but focusing on something niche like portrait or wedding photography? That could draw a crowd that’s keenly interested in that particular style.

Tip 2: Pinpoint Your Target Audience

Next, Understand precisely who you’re speaking to and ensure the content you craft resonates deeply with them.

Here’s how you can dial in:

• Start by scoping out the competition and influencers in your field. What’s capturing the audience’s attention? Jot down insights from their top-performing videos to fuel your unique content ideas.
• Next, reflect on the content from your other social channels. Although TikTok’s vibe might be different, identifying overlapping trends and themes can guide what could succeed here, too.
• Lastly, revisit your customer persona. Take a moment to realign with their preferences—what are their likes and dislikes? What content would spark their interest on TikTok?

Remember, it’s about experimentation. TikTok thrives on the new and viral; don’t shy away from testing various video styles until you hit the one that truly connects with your followers.

Tip 3: Upgrade Your Video Quality

Sure, TikTok is all about the amateur vibe, but don’t underestimate the power of quality. Invest time in crafting visually stunning, high-definition videos. Also, put in some effort in the editing phase and experiment with different styles and tools. After all, a feast for the eyes keeps viewers hooked.

And here’s a pro tip: You don’t need expensive equipment. Focus on the basics — ensure your filming space is well-lit, your audio is crisp, and your hand is sturdy while filming. These few things alone can significantly make your videos look more professional.

Tip 4: Explore TikTok Ads

If you have the budget and want to ethically bypass the algorithm and land in front of your target audience, then consider running ads. TikTok’s Ads Manager opens a gateway to a global follower base equipped with a suite of tools for targeting, crafting ads, and digesting insights, all designed to optimize your advertising efforts.

Why venture into TikTok ads? It’s relatively fresh on the scene, offering a creative playground with minimal competition, making it easier to capture the right eyes.

• Pinpoint your audience with targeted demographics and locales.
• Re-engage with the ‘Custom Audiences’ feature, designed to connect you with folks who’ve previously interacted with your brand.

At present, these are the various types of ad formats available on the platform:

• In-Feed ads
• TopView (your ad is the first thing users see upon opening the app)
• Brand Takeover (like TopView but with a full-screen twist)
• Brand Hashtag Challenges (engage users with custom challenges on the Discovery page)
• Branded Effect (create your own augmented reality filter)

Tip 5: Add Trending Music to Your Videos

Ever wonder why tracks like Akon’s “Bananza (Belly Dancer)” suddenly become everyone’s earworm? Thank TikTok. It’s no fluke that the current chart-toppers are also smash hits on the app. 

TikTok has become a powerhouse for the music industry, strategically collaborating with record labels to spotlight certain tracks. By syncing your videos with these trending tunes, you boost your chances of lighting up the FYP — not just with dances, but with any creative twist you bring to the beat.

Here’s your quick guide to catching those viral tunes:

Step 1: Jump into TikTok’s video editor.

Step 2: Hit the plus icon at the bottom.

Step 3: Select “sounds.”

Step 4: Scroll to discover what’s hot on the charts!

This way, your content stays fresh, and who knows? Your next video might just blow up and give you loads of followers.

Tip 6: Include a CTA

Consider wrapping up your videos with a prompt that nudges viewers to drop by your profile, dig deeper into your content, or hit that follow button. A perfect way to do this would be to use a sleek text overlay as the video fades out. Try phrases like “Crave more? Follow for updates,” or “Hungry for more? Visit my profile.”

But here’s a heads-up: while it’s tempting to throw a CTA into every clip, overdoing it might sour the experience for your fans. Keep it light and sporadic. They’ll appreciate a gentle push rather than a constant nudge. 

Tip 7: Incorporate Relevant Hashtags

Scanning through TikTok’s trending tags, you’ll notice many are sponsored by brands. These companies aren’t just throwing hashtags into the wind; they’re strategically propelling these tags with solid marketing dollars to create buzz. Tapping into these hashtag challenges is a smart move, especially if you’re eyeing future collaborations with brands.

The process? Simple. 

Look up a hashtag, absorb the creativity others have displayed, and then infuse it with your unique flair. For example, Hyundai initiated the #TheallnewSANTAFE, urging creators to post videos with the car. These branded challenges offer a platform to align your content with your niche while catching the eye of potential brand partners.

But if you plan on cross-posting your TikTok video on Instagram, remember to tweak the hashtags and captions, too — each platform’s audience has its own vibe. For more savvy tips on managing content across TikTok and Instagram Reels, don’t miss our deep dive into “TikTok vs Instagram Reels.”

Tip 8: Timing is Everything

Shot a killer video? Don’t rush to hit that “Post” button just yet. Timing isn’t simply a detail — it can make or break your video’s success.

So when’s the magic hour?

Target the golden hours when your audience is buzzing on the platform. Typically, these slots are between four and five PM mid-week, but your followers might tick differently. But remember, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

• Analyze: Dig into your TikTok analytics. Which past videos popped off? At what specific time did they do it?
• Trial and Error: Launch A/B testing with similar content. Shift your posting schedule and monitor which gets more play.
• Watch It Grow: Post and observe. Rapid gains in views and engagement can signal you’ve nailed it.
• Consistency Wins: While mastering the perfect time is great, regular posting keeps your audience hooked. Consistency trumps perfection every time.

Tip 9: Stay Relevant to Trends

Trends are massive on TikTok. If you’ve ever scrolled through, you might’ve noticed many videos seem cut from the same cloth, rocking the same beats or memes. That’s the trend in action, and it’s gold for visibility. 

Here’s a pro tip, though: while re-creating a trend, anchor yourself with originality. What unique value are you offering to your followers? It’s about not just blending in but standing out.

Tip 10: Collaborate With Social Media Influencers

Last on the list, but definitely not to be overlooked — influencer marketing isn’t just for Instagram; it’s big on TikTok, too. With a legion of “TikTok-famous” creators out there, partnering with influencers can significantly amplify your presence.

Bear in mind, though, that this strategy comes with its own price tag. Depending on your budget, you might consider starting with micro-influencers. They often have a highly engaged audience on TikTok, making them an ideal choice for kicking off your campaign.

Finding influencers, launching a campaign, and tracking performance are not as easy as they sound. Plus, it’s time-consuming. That’s why the best option would be to get in touch with a TikTok influencer agency. And that’s where we step in.

The Influencer Marketing Factory

At The Influencer Marketing Factory, we’re not just another agency; we’re your ultimate collaborator in carving out your brand’s image on TikTok. 

Our track record speaks volumes, with accolades like finalist spots at The Drum Marketing Awards USA and high-profile nods in Forbes and Business Insider. But it’s our dedication to cultivating a vibrant and varied talent pool that really makes the magic happen. 

Our agency doesn’t just find influencers; it nurtures visionary minds, connecting them with brands that celebrate and elevate their creativity. This means you get access to a team that’s not only talented but also tailor-fit to amplify your brand’s unique narrative.

Still on the fence? Check out these case studies.

• For Educational Insights’ Playfoam Pluffle, we onboarded 10 TikTok creators, who together had 14.8 million followers. The campaign exploded to 2.5 million views, spotlighting the product’s blend of fun and learning.
  
• Sony Music’s “Me Gusta” anthem by Shakira and Anuel AA soared on TikTok thanks to our strategy involving influencers across two countries, which amplified the hashtag to 12 million reaches, sparked 19,100 user-generated videos, and racked up 6.9 million views.
  
• With Ren Skincare, we leveraged TikTok to highlight the soothing prowess of the Evercalm Rescue Mask through influencers like Edward Zo, garnering 68,000 views that showcased the mask’s natural appeal.

Eager to learn more about how you can use TikTok to promote your business? Read our TikTok Marketing 101 guide to get more ideas to amplify your brand’s message. And if eCommerce is your focus, don’t miss our insights on “TikTok Shops for eCommerce,” where we focus on how TikTok can drive your sales.