Getting to Your First 1,000 Followers: Leveraging TikTok Trends and Features

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When you mention TikTok, what likely comes to mind are its trends – dance routines, amusing cat antics, and videos echoing pop culture moments. Figures like Addison Rae, Bella Poarch, and Charli D’Amelio have all risen to fame by riding these trends. They serve as the very heartbeat of the platform, fueling the connections and interactions of users. Yet, what makes a trend? Let’s simplify it. A TikTok trend is a collective surge of behavior, style, or content that captures the attention of the entire user community, for reasons that aren’t entirely known, to be honest. These trends encompass a wide spectrum – from dance challenges and viral memes to groundbreaking concepts that are rooted in pop culture, or something that’s happening on a broad scale. Often sparked by a single user’s imagination, trends gather momentum through the use of hashtags, music, and captions, resonating with a broader audience as they make their way across the platform. In this essay we’re going to talk all about trends and how to leverage them in order to get your first 1,000 followers. This article is a must read for anyone that wants to start off in social media. Let’s get into it. 

Riding the TikTok Trend Wave: Engaging in Popular Challenges

In the past, the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” was hugely popular. This challenge involved pouring a bucket of ice-cold water over one’s head and nominating others to follow suit. The challenge quickly swept through social media. Everyone was doing an “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” video, from celebrities and morning show hosts, to teachers, doctors, students, and other members of the community. Its impact was profound because it drew attention to the cause it supported. This challenge marked a pivotal moment in trend culture, setting the stage for the prominent role challenges would play in shaping platforms like TikTok.

In today’s context, challenges are still a big part of the TikTok experience. While some challenges may be lighthearted or nonsensical, others carry meaningful messages that contribute positively to society. 

You Don’t Need to Do Every Trend 

It’s crucial to exercise discernment when selecting the challenges you partake in. Opt for those that align with your brand and overarching message. Rather than engaging in potentially harmful trends like the “toilet bowl licking challenge” that gained traction on TikTok a few years ago, focus on challenges that resonate with your values and attract an audience in harmony with your content. Building a following of like-minded individuals is how you’ll reach your first 1,000 followers – plus, that will ensure that your platform is cultivated with purpose and authenticity.

Use Trending Songs and Sounds: Enhancing your Video Content

Trending Songs

Curious about the music setting TikTok ablaze today? Well, honestly, it’s a bit of a toss up. TikTok’s musical landscape is diverse. New trending songs appear each and every day. Some songs are brand new, never heard by human ears and others aren’t. Songs that have endured years of obscurity can find new fame within the platform. A prime example is “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. This track had its heyday decades ago but then faded into obscurity, only to be resurrected when featured on the “Stranger Things” soundtrack. That’s what propelled it to trend as audio on TikTok. Incorporating trending songs into your videos can significantly amplify your reach. There are new songs everyday, so check back to see what’s trending now. 

Trending Sounds

What are trending sounds? Trending sounds are popular audio snippets. Some may be lengthy and complex, but the majority are succinct and can be integrated into your content easily. These sounds are derived from movies, interviews, speeches, and even viral TikTok videos. They hold the power to elevate your overall TikTok performance. To harness trending sounds effectively, here are a few key principles:

  • Synchronize Like a Pro: Nail your lip-sync timing.
  • Be precise: Your rendition of the audio should be nothing short of impeccable.
  • Master the Lyrics: Invest a few minutes to memorize the lyrics or words.
  • Seamless Video Editing: If transitions are called for, execute them right. Many trending sounds necessitate quick cuts to different scenes, outfits, or backgrounds.
  • Niche Fusion: Integrate trending audio with purpose. Ensure each sound resonates with and enhances your niche. 
  • Embrace Intentionality: Don’t create random videos solely because a sound is trending.

Exploring TikTok Features and Effects: Standing out from the crowd

Stand out from the crowd by harnessing the many creative tools at your fingertips. These tools include filters, special effects, backgrounds, and basic editing options. These tools allow you to curate content that not only showcases your individuality but also captures the audience’s attention. Let’s delve into some of these tools:

  • Filters and Backgrounds: Filters are versatile. They can enhance your appearance or even transform your look entirely. Background features provide the opportunity to change settings, such as transporting a conversation to a school, library, restaurant (or anything else you can think of). Play around with these options to familiarize yourself with the diverse filters and backgrounds available.
  • Trending Sounds: As we touched on earlier, sounds and music play a pivotal role in connecting with your audience and gaining visibility.
  • Editing on TikTok: Discover the convenience of in-app editing on TikTok itself. While not the most advanced editing software, it serves its purpose.

Collaborating with other TikTok Users: Expanding your Reach 

Isn’t it often said that “collaboration is key”? Well, it’s especially true when it comes to thriving on TikTok. Collaborating isn’t just about working together; it’s about forging connections, nurturing friendships, and expanding your community. The potential for unlocking new, uncharted horizons becomes boundless when you team up with fellow TikTok creators. Here’s why collaborations are an essential ingredient for success:

  • Collabs Expand Horizons: Collaborations broaden your reach and help you connect with fresh audiences.
  • Collabs Help you Get Creative: When creative energies combine and diverse perspectives converge, your content not only flourishes but also resonates more deeply within a wider community.
  • Collabs Create Synergy: Whether it’s a dance duet, a comedic sketch, or some basic dialogue, collaborations create synergy that strikes a chord with your followers and those of your collaborator. These partnerships pave the way for new connections, foster growth, and fortify your presence on TikTok.

Leverage Trends with Socialty Pro

So, now you understand that trends are incredibly important when it comes to getting your first 1,000 subscribers. Collaborate with others to create synergy and expand your reach. Lean into trending audio, dialogue, and music to get known. Use special effects, features, and filters to look the best possible. Try trends and challenges to get noticed and hone in on your overall messaging. Do all of this and your journey to TikTok success will be paved in likes and shares! 

Do It With SocialtyPro

SocialtyPro is the world’s premier “Done for You” organic TikTok marketing agency. We help service and product-based businesses thrive on social media by implementing proven strategies, which focus on the latest trends and the things that actually retain audiences, spur engagement, and cause accounts to go viral. Our methods and strategies are tried and true. We know what it takes to blow-up accounts because we’ve been doing it since the dawn of TikTok. So, if you’re ready to hit the ground running from day #1, call us. We are here to help!  Learn more about SocialtyPro by visiting SocialtyPro.

With SocialtyPro

SocialtyPro is the world’s premier “Done for You” organic TikTok marketing agency. We help service and product-based businesses thrive on social media by implementing proven strategies, which focus on the latest trends and the things that actually retain audiences, spur engagement, and cause accounts to go viral. Our methods and strategies are tried and true. We know what it takes to blow-up accounts because we’ve been doing it since the dawn of TikTok. So, if you’re ready to hit the ground running from day #1, call us. We are here to help!  Learn more about SocialtyPro by visiting SocialtyPro.

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