How to get on TikTok's ForYou Page

8 September 2020, 14:51

JoJo Siwa shows fans what she looks like without her ponytail in TikTok video

By Sophie Thompson

Every TikTok users goal is to get a spot on the For You Page (FYP). Here's exactly what you need to be doing to improve your chances of going viral on the app.

For every Charli D'Amelio-wannabe, TikTok's For You Page is your best shot at achieving viral fame. But how exactly do you land a spot on there?

You may be releasing video after video, wondering how and why the Sway House hasn't scouted you yet, but you could be making some slip ups.

Don't worry though, we're here to help, and guide you on your way to TikTok success.

The For You page is largely based on algorithm but there are things you can do to improve your chances. Picture: Jim Spellman/WireImage/Mustafa Murat Kaynak

What is TikTok's ForYouPage?

Sometimes known as simply "FYP", the For You Page is the page you land on when you open TikTok. It's the place where content goes viral, and millions of others are exposed to your hard work (we know how long it takes to learn those dances, trust us).

It's the equivalent of Instagram's Explore page, if you like.

Most big users on the platform (from the likes of Addison Rae to Chase Hudson) all appeared on that page a number of times before they got their big break. Having increased exposure also means you'll gain followers quicker, and may even be seen by brands who want to partner with you.

All of Charli D’Amelio and Lil Huddy’s TikToks together

How to get on TikTok's FYP (For You Page)

It's no secret that there's a lot of mystery surrounding this, as it's largely based on algorithm, and there's no one recipe to success.

However, there are definitely a number of things you can do to improve your chances.

1) Quality over quantity!

This might seem like a given, but don't upload videos that are low-quality and not easy to watch. A lot of people who earn their spot on the For You Page may only have a couple of videos on their account, so spamming people with content won't improve your chances.

If you're uploading clear, digestible clips for your followers, they're more likely to watch through to the end. Which leads us onto our next tip...

2) Keep your videos short

The algorithm relies on people watching your videos through until the end. And what better way to ensure that, than to make them as short as possible?

We're not talking 3 seconds of course, but don't waffle on where you can.

3) Add sound or music

TikTok (and Musical.ly) started as lip syncing apps - so there's no shortage of challenges and voice overs you can join in with. Naturally, we're now all hooked on dance challenges, and it turns out that it could actually be boosting your profile while you get down to 'WAP'.

Music genres or even videos with some form of background music are reportedly preferred by the algorithm, so adding a trending song from the platform's vast library may just increase your chances.

4) You're never too cool to engage

From Loren Gray to Dixie D'Amelio, even our favourites with millions of adoring fans have accepted they're never too big to engage with their followers. Whether it's replying to and liking comments, or even following them, these subtle additions don't just build a community, they help boost their engagement and ultimately, get them on the For You Page.

5) Hashtag it!

#ForYouPage and #FYP are both popular hashtags that you will have seen floating around, and apparently they do improve your chances of getting onto the page (although TikTok have never confirmed this).

If you're taking part in a challenge or your video has a specific theme, add a hashtag in the caption, because either way, it's going to expose you to a lot more people.

6) Keep up with the trends

From Jason Derulo to Megan Thee Stallion's iconic 'Savage' dance, there's no shortage of challenges on TikTok. Whether it's singing, dancing or comedy that's your thing, there's inspiration out there for us all.

Take a look at your For You Page. Is something coming up a lot? Then try it!

Others who want to take part in the challenge or learn a routine may even turn to your video for inspiration, boosting your views.

If you want people to watch to the end, it's also helpful to structure your video so that viewers only see the outcome in the final moments. You could even do a 'like for part 2' if you really wanted to slyly get those views up, but it can annoy followers if it's loyalty you're trying to build.

Think you're ready to give it a try? Good luck!