If you’re posting videos on TikTok but barely getting likes, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The truth is, TikTok isn’t just about making fun content anymore. It’s also about playing smart with SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).
- Yep, just like on Google or YouTube, TikTok uses search rules to decide who sees your content.
- And the good news? You don’t need to be a tech genius to use TikTok SEO to your advantage.
- A few simple tweaks can help your videos show up more, get discovered faster, and yes, rack up way more likes.
Let’s dive into these easy SEO tricks that can change your TikTok game.
What Is TikTok SEO Anyway?
SEO on TikTok is all about helping the algorithm understand what your video is about so it can show it to the right people. The better TikTok understands your content, the better chance it has to land on the For You Page (FYP) and that’s where the magic happens.
With a little SEO help, you’ll notice more likes, followers, and comments. It’s like giving your content a map that tells TikTok, “Hey, show this to people who will love it!”
Trick #1: Use the Right Keywords in Your Captions
TikTok reads your captions just like Google reads blog titles. If you’re making a video about skincare routines, you should use keywords like “skincare tips,” “clear skin,” or “morning routine” in your caption. These keywords help TikTok understand the topic of your video.
Don’t overdo it, though. Keep your caption short, natural, and focused. Example:
“Morning skincare tips for clear, glowing skin #skincareroutine”
Simple, right? And powerful.
Trick #2: Say Your Keywords Out Loud
Yep, TikTok listens. When you say your main keywords in your video (like “easy smoothie recipes” or “study tips for teens”), the app uses voice recognition to help categorise your content.
So instead of just writing “summer outfit ideas” in your caption, say it in your video too. This doubles your SEO power. It also helps people understand your video faster, which keeps them watching longer. That’s another win.
Trick #3: Add Text Overlays with Your Main Topic
You’ve seen it before: a video starts, and big bold text pops up saying something like “How I Cleared My Acne in 2 Weeks.”
That’s not just for looks. TikTok’s algorithm can read on-screen text. So by putting your main topic right at the beginning in big text, you’re helping the app understand and share your video faster.
Trick #4: Use Smart Hashtags (Not Just Popular Ones)
#FYP, #viral, and #trending might feel tempting, but they won’t do much if they don’t match your content. What works is using hashtags that describe your video.
If your video is about organising your room, use hashtags like #RoomMakeover, #OrganizeWithMe, or #DeclutterTips.
Even better, mix 1-2 big hashtags with 2-3 niche ones. That way, you get the best of both worlds: broad reach and targeted discovery.
Trick #5: Make Content That Matches Search Behaviour
Think about what people are searching for on TikTok. This could be “how to style a white shirt,” “funny prank ideas,” or “easy dinner recipes.”
Use those types of phrases in your captions, voiceover, and text. That way, when someone searches for it, your video is more likely to show up.
And here’s a bonus idea: promote your content with Celebian to boost your reach even further when you’re targeting specific audiences. This approach pairs well with organic SEO, giving your video an extra push while staying true to TikTok’s natural vibe.
Trick #6: Optimise Your Profile Too
Your videos aren’t the only thing TikTok looks at; your profile matters too.
Make sure your username, bio, and pinned videos reflect what your content is about. If you’re all about fitness, include words like “workouts,” “training tips,” or “fit life” in your bio.
The clearer your niche, the easier it is for TikTok to push your videos to the right crowd.
Trick #7: Boost Engagement Signals (It’s Easier Than You Think)
TikTok rewards videos that get:
- Likes
- Comments
- Shares
- Full views or rewatches
To encourage these, try these small changes:
- Ask a fun question at the end of your video (“Which outfit should I wear?”)
- Add a call-to-action in the caption (“Double-tap if you’ve tried this!”)
- Make shorter videos that loop smoothly, so people watch them twice
These little moves tell TikTok, “Hey, people love this!” and the algorithm listens.
Trick #8: Keep Posting Consistently
One viral video is nice. But if you want steady growth, the key is posting regularly. Aim for at least 3–5 times a week. TikTok’s algorithm favours creators who keep showing up.
More posts = more chances to be seen = more likes.
Just make sure you’re not posting random stuff. Stick to your theme, and use what you’ve learned here for every upload.
To Conclude
You don’t need a huge following to go viral on TikTok. You just need smart whitehat SEO and outreach strategies, a bit of creativity, and the patience to keep showing up.
By using keywords in the right places, creating searchable content, and staying consistent, you’ll help the algorithm do its job, and your videos will finally get the attention they deserve.
Now go out there, apply these tricks, and watch your likes grow like never before!
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