Many entrepreneurs have flirted with the thought of making an attempt TikTok, however sure misconceptions have stood in the way in which.

As an illustration, is not it only a platform for teenagers? Particularly, teenagers who lip-sync?

To assist curb the confusion, we have rounded up an inventory of frequent TikTok myths that will help you determine whether or not it deserves a spot in your marking roster. Let’s dive in.

Fable 1: TikTok’s viewers is just too younger.

Manufacturers mistakenly assume that TikTok is only for teenagers and younger adults. Though it initially exploded in reputation with the Gen Z crowd, TikTok is shortly “rising up.” In truth, 36% of TikTok customers in 2021 had been between 35 and 54 years previous, a ten% enhance from the 12 months earlier than.

On high of that, 50% of Millennials report visiting TikTok within the final three months, together with 38% of Gen X-ers, in response to HubSpot’s 2022 Shoppers Tendencies Report. We predict these numbers will proceed to rise as TikTok cements itself as a mainstream social platform.

Fable 2: TikTok is only for lip-synching and dancing.

Whereas all these movies actually exist on TikTok, it is solely the tip of the iceberg. As its viewers has grown extra numerous, so too has its content material.

These days, you’ll find movies that hit virtually any area of interest. For instance, a number of the hottest TikTok classes embody cooking recipes, magnificence tutorials, health routines, life hacks, and even pet movies. This additionally means TikTok can work for quite a lot of manufacturers throughout totally different industries.

For instance, Ryanair, a European airline, is a fan favourite on TikTok with virtually two million TikTok followers. DuoLingo, a language studying app, is one other favourite with over 4 million followers. Then there’s Crimson Bull, a well-liked vitality drink, with virtually 7 million followers. These are wildly totally different manufacturers, from totally different industries, which have constructed a wholesome viewers on TikTok.

Curious which manufacturers are successful on TikTok? Try this beneficial information to get impressed.

Fable 3: In case your model is “severe,” TikTok is not for you.

TikTok has a repute for being quirky — but when your model is on the intense facet, do not let this scare you away. As a substitute, attempt approaching your model from a special angle.

For instance, check out Planet Cash, an NPR-backed podcast that covers advanced subjects concerning the financial system. Not probably the most entertaining subject on the planet, proper? But, it is raked up virtually 750,000 followers.

From gentrification to mortgages, no subject is just too severe for Planet Cash to deal with with a humorous spin. Want convincing? Check out the next video that asks, “Is free delivery actually free?”

In case you really feel your model is just too “severe” for TikTok, take a notice from Planet Cash and method your model — and the content material you create — from a special lens. On the finish of the day, it is about sharing worth and delivering it in an attractive means — and that is a objective virtually any model can attain.

Fable 4: You want a number of followers to go viral.

On TikTok, anybody can go viral. Even accounts with a handful of followers can spark hundreds of thousands of views on a terrific video.

Its viral nature is a direct results of its algorithm. How does it work? The algorithm pinpoints customers which will take pleasure in your content material based mostly on their earlier watch historical past, hashtag searches, and present location. Then, it should push your video to their feed. If sufficient individuals have interaction with it, the algorithm will share it to much more individuals. Subsequent factor you already know, you will have a viral hit.

Here is an instance: suppose you publish a video of your self mountaineering a mountain. The algorithm exhibits your video to customers who dwell close by, in addition to those that just lately looked for mountaineering trails on the platform. It notices lots of people “liking” and commenting on the video, so it shares it to extra customers.

Lengthy story quick, when you’re frightened you will not get any traction on TikTok, it is useful to keep in mind that the algorithm is in your facet, enabling you to achieve extra individuals outdoors of your rapid followers.

Fable 5: As a result of TikTok movies are shorter, customers are much less engaged.

TikTok is understood for its quick, bite-sized content material. Nevertheless, this creates an phantasm that customers do not spend a lot time on the platform.

Luckily, this could not be farther from the reality. In truth, TikTok has an common consumer session of 10.85 minutes, far exceeding some other social media platform. On high of that, customers within the U.S. open the TikTok app 8 occasions a day on common.

Fable 6: TikTok is a fad.

Will TikTok meet the identical destiny as Myspace and Tumblr? Whereas it is too early to name, I would argue that it would not actually matter.

For one, short-form video is dominating the social media panorama. If TikTok meets its demise, shoppers will nonetheless crave this content material. The viewers could bounce to a brand new platform, or migrate to an present one. Both means, you continue to have to know the way to create partaking, snackable content material — and TikTok is the main platform to hone this talent.

Second, when you construct your model accurately, no rise or fall of a single platform will topple it. In case you construct a powerful group round your model, it should grow to be unshakeable. However so as to do that, it’s essential go the place your viewers is — and, for proper now, that could be TikTok.

Again To You

Let’s finish with one last fantasy: it is too late to affix TikTok.

That is unfaithful, particularly in case your viewers is energetic there. Additional, its excessive engagement charges, stellar progress potential, and highly effective algorithm can take your digital advertising to the subsequent stage. That mentioned, time is of the essence. Manufacturers that set up a presence on TikTok now can keep forward of the curve.