TikTok isn't just for dance challenges and funny skits, it's a goldmine for businesses too! With over a billion users, it's a dynamic platform to show your brand's fun side, reach new audiences, and even drive sales. It’s about building a genuine connection with your customers. So, if you aren’t on TikTok yet, you're definitely missing out on a huge and engaging crowd eager to connect with your brand.
Here are some hot TikTok marketing trends you'll definitely want to keep an eye on. If you want to catch that success wave, these trends could be your surfboard. So, what do you say? Ready to take the TikTok plunge
#1 User-Generated Content (UGC)
Hey, you know how much we all love to feel like we're part of something bigger, right? Brands are capitalizing on this by encouraging their followers to create their own content related to their products or services. It's a win-win: users get to have fun and show off their creativity, and brands get a boatload of authentic, relatable content. Think of this like a virtual show-and-tell!
#2 Edutok
This is an exciting one! It's all about educational content, which is rapidly gaining popularity on TikTok. Users love videos that can teach them something new in a fun and engaging way. From language lessons to DIY crafts, the possibilities are endless. So, how about learning something new and sharing it with your followers?
This trend turns TikTok into a fun, virtual classroom. Let's say you're a tech brand, you could create videos explaining tech concepts or showing cool tech hacks.
#3 Short-Form Shopping
Imagine if you could buy products directly from TikTok videos. Guess what? Now you can! TikTok has been exploring e-commerce options and has already launched a "Shop Now" button for advertisers. This could totally revolutionize how we do online shopping, don't you think?
Imagine watching a video of someone baking, and you could buy the cool mixer they're using straight from the video. That's short-form shopping! Brands like Levi's have already experimented with this and it's expected to really take off.
#4 Influencer Partnerships
Teaming up with influencers isn't a new concept, but it's definitely a trend that's here to stay on TikTok. A friendly face can go a long way in promoting your brand. Just remember, the key is to find influencers whose vibe aligns with your brand's identity.
Picture your favorite TikTok star wearing a jacket from your brand in their video, talking about how much they love it. That's influencer marketing! An example is Chipotle's partnership with influencer David Dobrik for the #ChipotleLidFlip challenge.
#5 Branded Hashtag Challenges
Remember the viral Ice Bucket Challenge? That's the power of a good challenge! On TikTok, brands often launch their own challenges using unique hashtags. It's a great way to boost brand visibility and engagement. These are like a virtual flash mob. For instance, the cosmetics brand e.l.f created the #eyeslipsface challenge, where users were asked to show off their makeup looks. It was a huge hit!
#6 AR Filters and Effects
TikTok offers a range of augmented reality (AR) filters and effects. They're fun to use and can add a touch of magic to your videos. Plus, you can even create your own branded filters! These are like digital masks or effects you can add to your videos.
A great example is when Taco Bell created their own AR filter that turned users' faces into tacos for a fun, engaging campaign.
@samhairwolfryder Who wants a nice chill acoustic version of Space Man?!! ER WELL SURPRISE!!! IT’S OUT AND YOU CAN GO STREAM IT EVERYWHERE RIGHT NOW love u dreamers
#spaceman #acoustic #fypシ #fyp ♬ SPACE MAN - Sam Ryder
#7 Niche Marketing
Niche communities are thriving on TikTok, from plant parents to foodie fans. Aligning your marketing efforts with specific niches can really help you make a deeper connection with potential customers.
This is like having a conversation with people who have the same interests as you. If you sell eco-friendly products, for example, you could target the "sustainability" niche on TikTok by creating content related to eco-friendly living.
#8 Live Streaming
TikTok's live streaming feature is a fantastic way to build a more personal relationship with your audience. It's like hanging out with friends in real-time, except these friends are potentially thousands of miles away.
Think of this as a casual hangout with your followers, where you can chat, answer questions, or even host virtual events. Many musicians, like Alicia Keys, have used TikTok's live streaming feature to host mini concerts from their homes.
#9 Green Screen
With TikTok's green screen effect, you can transport yourself and your viewers to just about anywhere in the world. How about doing a product showcase on a beach in Bali?
This feature allows you to change your background to anything you like. So, you could be in your living room, but with the green screen effect, you could make it look like you're in a hip coffee shop showcasing your latest product.
#10 Duets
TikTok duets allow you to create content alongside other TikTokers - even if they're not in the same location as you. It's a fantastic way to collaborate and co-create. Duets are like singing a karaoke duet, but with any type of content.
For example, a brand could post a video of someone using their product and encourage followers to make duet videos with their own reactions or response. This was brilliantly used by Washington Post to engage with its followers in a fun and unique way.
@lizzo BRITS PT 3
♬ original sound - lizzo
Earn 100k Likes?
I don’t need to tell you that gaining likes on TikTok often isn't an overnight occurrence. It takes time and persistence. So be patient, like you always should be. I can tell you some of the ways you can get more likes though;
Trending Sounds
Using trending sounds on TikTok can greatly increase the visibility of your content. You can find the current trending sounds from either;
- Sound Library
- Creative Center, or
- “For You” section.
Engaging Thumbnail
An eye-catching thumbnail can attract users to click on your content. Ensure your thumbnail relates to the content of the video and gives a hint of what it’s about.
Video Length
Though TikTok allows videos up to 10 minutes long, many of the most popular videos are 15-30 seconds long. Keeping your content concise may help it perform better.
First Few Seconds
Grab the viewer's attention in the first few seconds. This increases the likelihood they'll watch the entire video, which can boost your video in TikTok's algorithm.
Challenges
Participating in popular challenges is a great way to attract attention. Challenges often get a dedicated page where users can view all the videos associated with the challenge.
Captions and Hashtags
When writing your video's description, make it catchy and include relevant hashtags. Just like on Instagram or Twitter, hashtags group content together and can help more people find your videos.
Cross-Promotion
If you have followers on other platforms (Instagram, X, YouTube), don't hesitate to share your TikTok content there as well.
Emotional Response
Videos that elicit a strong emotional response (funny, surprising, touching) are more likely to be shared and liked.
Experimentation
Don't be afraid to try different content types. Comedy sketches, dance videos, cooking tips, life hacks, and tutorials all perform well on TikTok. Seeing what resonates with viewers can be a process of trial and error.
Consistent Posting
Try to maintain a consistent posting schedule. The TikTok algorithm tends to favor users who post frequently and consistently.
Each of these trends offers a creative way to connect with your audience and increase your brand visibility. It's all about having fun while doing it, and it will be possible for you to earn 100k likes. Good luck, my friend!
