The TikTok Algorithm Unveiled – What Makes a Video Go Viral?

If you still think that success on TikTok is a coincidence, luck, or fate – you need to know one thing: the TikTok algorithm doesn’t work like roulette. It simply analyzes data faster than you can say “hey guys, welcome to my channel.”

Good news? You don’t have to guess how it works. You can learn, understand, and even harness it. If you want your video to not end its life at 134 views, but to reach real people – you’re in the right place.

Below, we break down the TikTok algorithm into first principles. Real. Current.

The TikTok algorithm doesn’t read minds – but it analyzes every second. What actions most influence reach?

TikTok doesn’t need to know what you’re thinking – it’s enough for it to know what you’re doing. And precisely. The moment you scroll, stop, click, save, or comment – the algorithm registers each of these micro-actions. They determine whether your video will be shown to 200 people or 2 million.

The most important? 

• Watch time and whether someone watched to the end.
• Then: comment, like, save the video, share with friends. Yes – “share” is worth more than “like”. That’s why it’s so important for the video to provide value, surprise, annoy, or make someone laugh – anything that elicits a reaction.

There’s no “the algorithm doesn’t like me”. There’s: “the algorithm didn’t have a reason to push me further”. Give it one.

You only have 3 seconds – how to build a hook that won’t let the viewer scroll further?

It’s brutal, but true: if you don’t stop the viewer in the first 3 seconds, the video is essentially dead. First impression is everything. TikTok tests your content on a small group. If they don’t react – there’s no second chance. This video won’t go further.

So what works?

• Questions like: “Do you know what 90% of people do wrong on TikTok?”
• Surprises: “Here’s what happened when I stopped scrolling at 3 AM.”
• Transformations: “Before and after 30 days.”
• Dynamic movements, colors, fast editing, large text.

Avoid long introductions, “hey guys” and jokes that require context. You must grab attention before anyone hears the first word. The hook is your billboard. Either it attracts or they scroll.

How does the TikTok algorithm think? From AI analyzing your video to content personalization based on context

TikTok not only knows what you do but also… what you watch, when, from which city, from which phone, and at what time of day. And it’s no joke. Its algorithm acts like an advanced data center – it reads your video like a robot, analyzes sounds, faces, text on screen, and editing styles.

So a good idea is not enough. TikTok scans whether you’re using trendy hashtags, whether the video fits current trends, whether you edit dynamically, and whether you speak the language of your niche. Then it compares this video with millions of others, creates a mathematical representation and matches it to specific users.

And then it asks itself the question: “Who might like this?” And if you’ve done your job well – magic starts to happen. But it’s not sorcery. It’s data.

Which metrics actually drive reach? TikTok isn’t driven by likes, but by data

The platform doesn’t promote videos that people simply “like” – only those that truly engage. What does that mean in practice?

Which metrics matter?

Watch Time.

• This is the absolute basis. TikTok rewards videos that are watched to the end.
• If your 30-second video has an average watch time of 25 seconds – you’re on the right path.
• Time > heart clicks.

Completion Rate.

• The more people reach the end of the video, the better.
• 70% is good. 80-90% – a sign that you are worth showing.

Engagement Rate.

• Likes, comments, shares, video saves – it all counts.
• Most important are shares (because they spread reach) and comments (because they trigger interaction).
• Likes are a bonus, but not a game-changer.

Repeat Views.

• TikTok also measures how many users return to your video or watch it more than once.
• If you have 50%+ repeat views – you are on the right path to going viral.

If you want your video to live long and spread wide – don’t focus on likes, but on whether people stop to watch, watch till the end, save and return.

What makes a video go viral? TikTok algorithms favor more than just trends

A viral hit is not a lottery ticket. The TikTok algorithm rewards certain types of content and behaviors which can be… planned. What influences a video to “explode” in reach?

Emotions (about 50% of “virality”).

• Emotions drive reactions. Reactions drive reach.
• Laughter, surprise, emotion, controversy – each of these emotions boosts engagement.
• Pro tip: plan your content not just for the topic, but also for the emotion.

Hook (about 30% effectiveness).

• The first 3-5 seconds are everything.
• Use questions, surprises, frame changes, movement.
• Don’t be afraid of simple texts like: “You won’t believe what I did…”

Value (15%).

• What does the viewer take away from the video? Did something make them laugh, learn, inspire them?
• The best educational videos are those that look like fun.

Timing & trends (5%).

• The right time of publishing + trendy sound = a bonus boost from the algorithm.

A viral hit is not an accident – it’s the result of a well-thought-out combination of emotions, hook, value, and timing. And it can be repeated.

Close the algorithm. Open the community on RefSpace!

Algorithms are important. But a community is something that provides long-term value. Therefore, if you want to earn not only from viral hits but also build a brand and relationships – start operating beyond TikTok in parallel.

On RefSpace you can:

• Publish your videos (your own Shorts, TikToks, reels)
• Add descriptions and recommended products without fear of bans or reach restrictions
• Gather a group of people who trust you and buy based on your recommendation (without affiliation!)
• Highlight the most important materials, earn on your channel without worrying about reach

RefSpace = Your content center + community + referrals. No algorithmic games. No sponsors. No intermediaries.

If you don’t have your own space yet: Create a Space for free and bring the best from TikTok to your own world.

FAQ

Does TikTok still favor short videos (15 seconds)?

Yes, but only if they have high retention. Videos of 30-45 seconds with a good pace work even better.

What is more important – likes or shares?

Shares. It is the strongest quality signal for the algorithm.

Can I use trending sounds if I’m not creating trends?

Yes. Trending audio gives a boost, even if you’re doing education or lifestyle.

How many videos per week should I publish?

At least 3, optimally 5. Regularity is hugely important.

Does RefSpace work like an affiliation?

No. It’s your space to publish and recommend products.