How To Leverage TikTok for Success
- Brianna Augustine
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Information for this Blog post was found on Hubspot, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social.
If you've ever lost hours scrolling through dance challenges, DIY hacks, or oddly satisfying cleaning videos on TikTok, you're not alone. But what if you could flip the script and start creating content that grabs attention, especially if you're looking to dip your toes into digital marketing?
TikTok isn’t just a platform for entertainment anymore. It’s become one of the most powerful tools in the world of social media marketing. And the best part? You don’t need a massive budget or a marketing degree to get started. If you’re a student with curiosity, creativity, and a smartphone, you already have what it takes.
We’ll help you understand how the platform works, how to beat the mysterious algorithm, and how to nail your timing to boost engagement.
Understand the Platform
TikTok might seem like all fun and games, but behind the scenes, it’s a goldmine for brands—and that includes personal brands like you. Whether you're building a resume or launching a side hustle, TikTok can help you stand out.
Why Students Should Care
TikTok has over 1 billion active users, and many of them fall into the Gen Z and millennial demographic—aka, your peers.
It's not just big brands that go viral. Every day, creators with authentic content get just as much (if not more) attention.
Tips to Get Started:
Create a Business Account: This gives you access to analytics, ad tools, and more flexibility.
Explore TikTok Features: Use trending sounds, effects, and filters to make your videos more engaging.
Find Your Niche: Whether it's study tips, mini vlogs, or funny skits, lean into what you enjoy and can do consistently
Work With The Algorithm - Not Against It
If you’re wondering how TikTok decides which videos go viral and which ones flop, you're not alone. The algorithm is the secret sauce behind the “For You” page (FYP)—and it doesn’t care how many followers you have.
How the Algorithm Works:
TikTok’s algorithm considers:
User interactions: likes, comments, shares, watch time.
Video information: captions, hashtags, and sounds used.
Device/account settings: language preference, country, and device type.
This means your content could reach thousands of people even if you’re just starting.
Tips for Algorithm Success:
Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds—attention spans are short.
Use strong captions and 3–5 relevant hashtags.
Engage with comments and other creators.
Post regularly, even if it’s just once or twice a week. The more you post, the more data TikTok has to understand who your audience is.
Myth Busted: Followers don’t equal views. On TikTok, it’s content quality and engagement that gets you seen
Master Your Timing
You might be making great content, but if you’re posting it when no one’s online, it might never take off. That’s where timing comes into play. Sprout Social analyzed thousands of posts and found that:
Tuesdays through Thursdays at 2 PM and 3 PM (local time) are peak engagement windows.
Weekends are more hit-or-miss, depending on your niche.
Timing Tips:
Start with the best general times and tweak from there.
Once you’ve posted a few videos, use TikTok’s built-in analytics to see when your followers are most active.
Schedule posts or set reminders to hit those sweet spots.
Student Hack: Batch-create content on weekends or evenings, then schedule it throughout the week so you're consistent even during exams.
Wrapping it All Up
TikTok marketing isn’t about chasing trends mindlessly—it’s about understanding the platform, working with the algorithm, and mastering your timing. Combine these three elements, and you're already ahead of most new creators. Remember:
Know your platform.
Learn how to beat the algorithm.
Post with timing in mind.
And here’s the best part: You don’t have to be a pro to start. The TikTok community loves raw, relatable content. So start where you are. Use what you have. And don’t forget to have fun with it.
Disclaimer: No AI was injured in the production of this content. AI (ChatGPT) was used as a tool to supplement, enhance, and make suggestions in writing this blog post.
Resources
Bump, P. (2023, June 20). How to Use TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide. Blog.hubspot.com.
Keutelian, M. (2024, August 21). Best times to post on TikTok in 2024. Sprout Social.
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT model (GPT-4). Retrieved April 21, 2025, from
McLachlan, S. (2024, March 4). 2024 TikTok Algorithm Explained + Tips to Go Viral.
HootSuite. https://blog.hootsuite.com/tiktok-algorithm/
I guess it's say to say now, TikTok is still in business in the United States. It was intriguing to read up on how the algorithm works. It relies heavily on interactions and engagement makes sense. Also, on hashtags which I'm sure helps narrow niches. Lastly, also very region focused. I'm sure China's TikTok is a lot different then the United States TikTok.