tiktok-algorithm-levers

name	tiktok-algorithm-levers
description	Use when optimizing for TikTok For You distribution. TikTok algorithm has specific signals.

TikTok Algorithm Levers

TikTok algorithm signals: watch time, completion rate, shares, replays, comments. Strong signals = wider distribution.

Primary algorithm signals

1. Watch time — total seconds watched per view
2. Completion rate — % who finish video
3. Replay rate — % who watch again
4. Share rate — % who share to others
5. Comment rate — engagement signal
6. Save rate — emerging strong signal (2024+)
7. Profile clicks — interest in creator
8. Follow-from-video — strongest conversion signal

Secondary signals

1. Sound/effect usage — original or trending
2. Hashtags — discoverability + categorization
3. Caption engagement — read-and-act
4. Time of post — when active audience is online
5. Posting frequency — consistent posting helps
6. Account age — older established accounts have boost
7. Content uniqueness — algorithm devalues repetitive

Algorithm-friendly content tactics

1. Hook in first 1.5s — completion rate boost
2. Use trending audio
3. Pose question in caption — comment trigger
4. 'Save this for later' — save trigger
5. Loop content — replay-friendly (last frame matches first)
6. Hashtag mix — 3-5 trending + 2-3 niche
7. Reply to comments early — engagement compound

Where this fits in the X3 empire

TikTok strategy for CardPrepAI shorts.