Since its meteoric emergence on the social networking scene, TikTok has become a must-have for brands seeking visibility and engagement. With over 3.5 billion downloads worldwide and a user base exceeding one billion monthly actives, the Chinese social network is shaking up the codes of digital marketing and redefining content strategies. Why such success, and how can brands capitalize on this dynamic? Here's how.

The rise of TikTok: a digital 'revolution'

TikTok isn't just a short video app; it's a cultural phenomenon. In just a few years, the platform has transformed the way users consume video content. Its strength lies in its hyper-personalized recommendation algorithm, capable of capturing each user's attention from the very first seconds.

This ability to captivate is the work of Zhang Yiming, founder of ByteDance, parent company of TikTok. Starting from a simple observation - the difficulty of finding relevant content via traditional search engines - Zhang Yiming relied on artificial intelligence to offer a flow of information based on user interaction. Toutiao, a news aggregator, was an immediate success, before TikTok (Douyin in China) followed suit.

TikTok: more than a social network, a cultural phenomenon

Unlike competitors like Instagram and Snapchat, TikTok has won over a broad audience, from teenagers to adults. Initially popular with 13- to 20-year-olds, the platform is now attracting more and more people in their thirties and forties. This democratization of the audience offers invaluable opportunities for brands wishing to broaden their target.

One of TikTok's secrets lies in its “snack content” culture: short, punchy and addictive videos. On average, a TikTok user consumes a video in less than 8 seconds, which is why it's so important to capture their attention from the very first seconds.

Why invest in TikTok? Unprecedented opportunities

1. Dazzling virality

Thanks to its recommendation algorithm, TikTok gives every video a chance to go viral, even for accounts without subscribers. In this way, a brand can reach millions of views in just a few hours, without any advertising budget.

2. Exceptional ROI in Paid Media

TikTok offers lower costs per thousand impressions (CPM) and costs per action (CPA) than its direct competitors, such as Facebook or Instagram. This enables brands to quickly test campaigns at lower cost, while maximizing their visibility.

3. A committed and creative public

Unlike other platforms, where users are largely passive, TikTok encourages participation and content creation. This paves the way for User Generated Content (UGC) strategies, where consumers become brand ambassadors.

Challenges: TikTok, a balancing act for brands

Despite its many advantages, TikTok also presents some significant challenges:

A volatile audience

Loyalty on TikTok remains a major challenge. Users consume content frenetically without necessarily subscribing to an account, which makes organic growth more complex.

A difficult conversion

While TikTok generates massive engagement, converting this engagement into sales remains a challenge. Brands need to redouble their creativity to encourage users to click on a link or make a purchase.

A time-consuming investment

To succeed on TikTok, you need to be constantly on the lookout for trends and produce content on a sustained basis. This requires human resources and a considerable investment of time.

The keys to success on TikTok: strategies and tips

1. Grab attention in under 2 seconds

On TikTok, it's all about the first few seconds. The aim is to stop the “infinite scroll” by surprising the user right from the start of the video. Use punchy hooks, attractive visuals and on-trend music to maximize impact.

2. Use Trends to your advantage

Trends are the lifeblood of TikTok. Participating in a popular trend maximizes the visibility of your content. Adapt challenges or memes to your industry to stay authentic while riding the viral wave.

3. Humanize the brand

TikTok is the kingdom of authenticity. Users are looking for spontaneous content, far removed from polished advertising and corporate speak. Highlight your teams, showcase your company behind the scenes, and don't hesitate to play the humor card.

4. Encourage engagement with calls to action (CTAs)

Encourage users to like, comment, share or subscribe by using clear, direct calls to action. For example: “Identify a friend who needs to see this!” or “Subscribe for more content like this”.

5. Integrate viral music and creative effects

Music is the lifeblood of TikTok. Use the hottest tracks to capture attention and boost engagement. CapCut, the integrated video editing tool, offers a host of creative options to energize your videos.

Case studies: Successful brands on TikTok

• Merci Handy has succeeded in building a community of over 500,000 subscribers in record time, relying on humor and an offbeat approach, while remaining true to its brand universe.
• My Jolie Candle found advertising costs half those of Facebook, while reaching an audience it would not have reached elsewhere.

TikTok, a must for bold, intrepid brands

TikTok isn't just a fashion phenomenon, it's a powerful lever for brands wishing to anchor themselves in the zeitgeist and reach an audience in search of authenticity. To succeed, however, it's not enough to copy and paste strategies from other platforms. TikTok demands boldness, creativity and total immersion in its unique culture.

For brands that dare to play the game, the rewards can be spectacular. And for those who are still hesitating, the question is no longer “if” they should launch on TikTok, but “how” they will succeed.

Want to launch your brand on TikTok? Intrépide Studio can help you develop a tailor-made strategy to maximize your impact on today's most dynamic platform. Contact us today!