TikTok Platform Guide

Getting Started With TikTok

Want to learn how to use your TikTok? We've put together a collection of tips and more explaining everything you need to know.

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Where To Start With TikTok

TikTok's discovery-focused algorithm, provides brands with a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience compared to other social media platforms. The algorithm is designed to help content go viral, giving brands a higher chance of reaching a broader audience. This is particularly significant given TikTok's massive user base of over 1 billion active users worldwide, 60% of users being Gen Z, who have recently entered the job market and possess significant spending power.

The short-form video format of TikTok is ideal for product advertising. Businesses can create visually appealing videos showcasing their offerings, accompanied by catchy music that captivates buyers. 88% of users consider sound an essential part of the TikTok experience.

Overall, TikTok offers brands an unparalleled opportunity to drive sales, reach new audiences, and engage customers through its unique video format and powerful algorithm. The platform's rapid growth and Gen Z user base make it an increasingly important channel for brands to consider.

TikTok Platform Image Sizes

Here are the key TikTok image size specifications:

TikTok Profile Photo Size

• Minimum size: 20 x 20 pixels
• Recommended size: Upload a higher-quality photo for future-proofing

TikTok Carousel Image Size

• Recommended aspect ratio: 9:16 or 1:1
• 4:5 aspect ratio also supported
• Recommended resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels

TikTok Video Dimensions

• Recommended aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
• Recommended resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Supported file types: MP4, MOV, 3GP, AVI, MPEG
• Maximum file size: Android: 72MB, iOS: 287MB, Desktop uploads: 500MB

TikTok Video Length

• Supported lengths: 15 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes
• Longer lengths up to 10 minutes are available for some users

TikTok Video Ads Sizes

• Aspect ratios: 9:16 (vertical), 1:1 (square), 16:9 (landscape)
• Minimum resolution: 540 x 960, 640 x 640, 960 x 540
• Recommended resolution: 720 x 1280, 640 x 640, 1280 x 720
• Length: 5-60 seconds, recommended 9-15 seconds
• Maximum file size: 500MB

The key is to use the recommended 9:16 aspect ratio and 1080 x 1920 resolution for the best viewing experience on TikTok. Adhering to these specifications will ensure your videos and images look high-quality and professional on the platform.

When To Share On TikTok

Here are the best times for brands to post on TikTok:

Best Times To Post On TikTok In The USA

• Monday: 12 PM, 4 PM
• Tuesday: 4 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM
• Wednesday: 1 PM, 2 PM
• Thursday: 5 AM, 3 PM, 6 PM
• Friday: 1 AM, 11 AM, 7 PM, 9 PM
• Saturday: 5 PM
• Sunday: 1 AM, 2 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 10 PM

Best Times To Post On TikTok Worldwide

• Monday: 6 AM, 10 AM, 10 PM
• Tuesday: 2 AM, 4 AM, 9 AM
• Wednesday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 11 PM
• Thursday: 9 AM, 12 AM, 7 PM
• Friday: 5 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
• Saturday: 11 AM, 7 PM, 8 PM
• Sunday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 4 PM

Best Overall Times To Post On TikTok

• Between 6 AM to 10 AM and 7 PM to 11 PM EST
• 10 AM to 11 AM mid-week

Best Times To Share On TikTok For SaaS Brands

However, the optimal posting times will vary based on your specific audience's location and activity. Analyzing your account data is key to determining the best times for your brand to post on TikTok.

Posting 3 times per day is recommended by TikTok to reach your audience at their most active times. Quality of content is more important than quantity on TikTok, so focus on creating engaging videos your target audience will enjoy.

TikTok Platform Advertising Capabilities

TikTok offers a variety of advertising capabilities for brands to effectively reach and engage their target audience including the following formats:

• In-Feed: Vertical video ads that blend seamlessly into users' For You feeds
• Brand Takeover: Full-screen video ads that appear when users open the app
• TopView: Full-screen video ads that appear at the top of the For You feed
• Branded Hashtag Challenges: Multi-day campaigns that encourage user-generated content around a branded hashtag
• Branded Effects: AR filters, stickers and effects that users can engage with
• Sparks: Amplify organic TikTok videos as ads

TikTok Advertising Targeting

• Demographics: Age, gender, location
• Interests: Based on users' interests and past engagement
• Behavioral: Based on users' actions like likes, comments, and shares
• Custom: Upload customer lists to target or exclude
• Lookalike: Find users similar to your best customers

With its immersive video format, powerful algorithm, and advanced targeting capabilities, TikTok provides brands with a unique opportunity to reach and authentically engage their audience. The platform's rapid growth and Gen Z user base make it an increasingly important channel for brands to consider.

TikTok Platform Best Practices

Here are the key TikTok best practices for brands:

1. Create High-Quality, Vertical Content: TikTok users prefer 9:16 aspect ratio videos with a resolution of at least 720p. Incorporate audio, whether music, voiceovers, or dialogue, as videos with no sound tend to perform poorly
2. Keep Videos Short & Engaging: aim for 9-15 seconds, but no longer than 34 seconds. Use quick cuts, varied camera angles, and an attention-grabbing hook in the first 3-6 seconds to capture viewers
3. Leverage Trending Sounds, Effects, & Hashtags: stay up-to-date on popular TikTok trends and use relevant hashtags to make your content more discoverable. This helps your brand tap into the app's powerful algorithm
4. Showcase Authenticity & Storytelling: TikTok users respond well to genuine, relatable content. Focus on behind-the-scenes, day-in-the-life, and how-to videos highlight your brand's personality
5. Add Captions: this makes your content more accessible and can boost engagement by 55.7%

By following these best practices, brands can create engaging TikTok content that resonates with users and drives meaningful results.

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