How to get more views on TikTok: 20 proven strategies for 2026

So you want to know how to get more views on TikTok. Cool. Let me guess: you’ve been posting consistently, your content is decent, but your views are stuck at 200 while some guy’s cat content hits 2 million. Fun times.

The ultimate man behind this curtain is none other than TikTok’s algorithm, which is actually pretty straightforward once you understand what it wants. To appeal to said man, this guide covers 20 actual strategies that work in 2026, from the technicalities nobody talks about to the creative tactics that separate viral content from digital tumbleweeds. If you’re tired of posting into the void, keep reading.

What is a “view” on TikTok?

Before we dive into the best way to get TikTok views, let’s clear up what actually counts as a view on this platform.

On TikTok, a view is counted the moment your video starts playing. That’s it. No three-second rule, no “watched until the end” requirement. The second someone scrolls onto your video and it autoplays, boom, that’s a view.

This means:

• Autoplay counts
• Repeat views from the same person count (if someone watches your video 10 times, that’s 10 views)
• Your own views don’t count (sorry, refreshing your own video won’t help)

So if your video has 500 views, it doesn’t necessarily mean 500 different people saw it. It means your video was watched 500 times total. The low barrier to entry for what counts as a “view” is actually good news for creators just starting out.

The real challenge is then getting people to watch beyond those first few seconds. Understanding how views work is the first step in figuring out how to get a lot of views on TikTok consistently.

Also read: The ultimate guide to get YouTube views: 16 tactics you need

How much does TikTok pay per view?

No, you shouldn’t  just quit your day job based on TikTok view counts alone. 

TikTok’s Creator Fund, which is the platform’s primary direct payment system, currently pays between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views. To put this in perspective, if your video about ranking marvel villains by their potential as roommates gets 500,000 views, you’re looking at anywhere from $200 to $500.

Here’s the math:

• 1,000 views = $0.02 to $0.04
• 100,000 views = $2 to $4
• 1 million views = $20 to $40

Now, before you get discouraged, understand that successful TikTok creators make money through brand deals, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling their own products or services, not through the Creator Fund. Views are valuable because they build your audience and credibility, which opens doors to actual revenue streams.

The Creator Fund is basically pocket change. The real value of learning how to get more views on TikTok videos is in building an audience you can monetize in smarter ways.

Also read: How much does TikTok pay per view: Creator earnings guide

Should you buy TikTok views?

Short answer: no.

Slightly longer answer: absolutely not.

Look, I get it. You’re trying to figure out why you’re not getting views on TikTok, and buying views seems like a quick fix. But here’s the brutal reality: purchased views are worthless.

Here’s what happens when you buy views:

• Your view count goes up (temporarily)
• Your engagement rate tanks (because fake viewers don’t engage)
• TikTok’s algorithm notices the weird metrics
• Your reach actually decreases
• You’ve wasted money that could’ve gone toward better content creation

TikTok’s algorithm is smart. It tracks not just views but also watch time, likes, comments, shares, and completion rates. Fake views mess up all these signals, telling the algorithm your content is poor even if it isn’t.

Plus, TikTok actively removes fake engagement. So those purchased views? They’ll disappear, and you might get shadowbanned in the process. We’ll teach you how to get free TikTok views that actually matter instead.

The big question: Why am I not getting views on TikTok? 

This is the million-dollar question, and honestly, there could be several reasons why your TikTok videos are not getting views.

First, let’s address the most common culprits. Your content might not be hooking viewers in the first 3 seconds. TikTok users scroll fast, so if you don’t grab attention immediately, you’re done. Check your analytics and see where people are dropping off.

Second, you might be posting at the wrong times. If you’re uploading when your target audience is asleep or at work, your initial engagement will be weak, and the algorithm won’t push your content further.

Third, shadowbans are real. If you’ve used copyrighted music, violated community guidelines, or gotten reported, TikTok might be limiting your reach without telling you. This is frustrating but fixable; clean up your content and stay compliant.

Fourth, your niche might be too broad or too competitive. Trying to be everything to everyone means you’re not anything to anyone. Narrow your focus and create for a specific audience.

How to fix low views on TikTok 

Not getting views on TikTok doesn’t mean you should give up. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the problem:

Run a content audit: Look at your last 20 videos. Which ones performed best? What did they have in common? Double down on what works.

Check your posting times: Switch to a Pro account if you haven’t already, and review when your audience is most active. Post during those windows.

Test different content formats: If talking head videos aren’t working, try tutorials. If tutorials aren’t landing, try storytelling or behind-the-scenes content. The algorithm rewards variety.

Engage more: Comment on other videos in your niche. Reply to comments on your own videos. The more active you are, the more the algorithm favors you.

Be patient but consistent: Sometimes videos take days or weeks to pop off. Keep posting quality content regularly, and eventually, something will hit.

The key to fixing low views isn’t one magic solution but consistent optimization based on what your data tells you.

20 ways to get more TikTok views

Moving on to business, we’ve put together proven strategies to help you organically get more views on TikTok and build engagement sustainably.

1. Naming is crucial

Your TikTok username and display name matter more than you think. They’re searchable, which means they’re your first opportunity for discovery.

Think about what people might search for when looking for content like yours. If you’re a fitness creator, having “fitness,” “workout,” or your niche somewhere in your name helps. If you’re building a personal brand, keep your name consistent across platforms.

Avoid random numbers, weird characters, or anything that makes you hard to find. “FitnessWithSarah” beats “xoxo_Sarah_2847_” every single time.

Your handle is digital real estate. Use it wisely. This small detail can impact how you get more views on TikTok in the long run because discoverability starts with being findable.

2. Know your audience

Trying to appeal to everyone is a guaranteed way to appeal to no one.

TikTok has incredibly specific subcultures. There’s BookTok for readers, CleanTok for cleaning enthusiasts, PlantTok for plant parents, and thousands more micro-communities. Your job is to find your people and create content specifically for them.

Spend time exploring hashtags in your niche. Watch what performs well. Read the comments to understand what your target audience actually wants. Then create content that speaks directly to them.

Generic content gets generic (read: low) results. Specific content for specific people builds devoted followings. When you know exactly who you’re creating for, figuring out how to get more likes and views on TikTok becomes significantly easier.

3. Profile description

Your bio is also prime real estate for discoverability. You’ve got 80 characters to tell people who you are and what you post about.

Include relevant keywords naturally. If you’re a food creator, mention the types of food you make. If you’re into personal finance, say so. These keywords help TikTok categorize your account and show your content to interested users; essentially, this improves your TikTok SEO.

Do not, however, take this as a sign to stuff keywords. Make it readable and give people a reason to follow. “Simple recipes for busy parents” is better than “food cooking recipes meals easy quick.”

4. Thoughtful captions

Captions on TikTok work both as descriptions and as searchable text that helps the algorithm understand and categorize your content.

Keep captions clear and relevant. Include keywords that describe your video naturally, without writing a novel. TikTok users have short attention spans.

Good caption: “Easy 5-minute breakfast hack for busy mornings” Bad caption: “OMG you guys won’t believe this life-changing morning routine breakfast food hack that literally changed my entire life.”

See the difference? Be specific, be concise, and use keywords, but keep it human.

5. Profile optimization

Your profile is your storefront. If it looks messy, people won’t stick around.

Make sure your:

• Profile picture is clear and on-brand
• Bio accurately reflects your content
• Pinned videos showcase your best work
• Overall aesthetic is cohesive

Consistency in terms of your identity matters as well. If you make DIY crafts but your profile looks like a music page, people will be confused and leave. Your profile should immediately communicate what kind of content you create and why someone should follow you.

A clean, professional profile builds trust. A chaotic one suggests your content will be equally all over the place. This is foundational to getting more TikTok views because people need to trust you’re worth following.

6. Viral music

Using trending sounds is one of the fastest ways to boost TikTok views. When a sound is trending, TikTok actively pushes videos using that sound to more For You pages.

Don’t overthink originality here. If a sound is trending and you can make it work for your content, use it. The algorithm favors trending audio.

Check the Discover page daily to see what’s hot. Pay attention to the little arrow icon next to sounds in videos: it indicates trending audio.

That said, don’t force it. A trending sound that has nothing to do with your content won’t help. Find the overlap between what’s trending and what makes sense for your brand.

7. Carry out research

If you’re not analyzing your TikTok analytics, you’re flying blind.

Switch to a Pro account (it’s free) to access TikTok insights. Look at:

• Which videos got the most views and why
• What times your audience is most active
• Demographics of your followers
• Traffic sources (For You page vs. profile vs. following feed)

This data tells you what’s working. Double down on content similar to your top performers. Post when your audience is actually online. Adjust your strategy based on real data, not guesses.

Also research competitors and successful accounts in your niche. What formats do they use? What hooks? What trends are they riding? The idea is to learn the best way to get TikTok views in your specific category.

8. Employ hashtags

Hashtags help categorize your content and get it in front of interested viewers.

Use a mix of:

• Trending hashtags (#fyp, #viral, whatever’s hot)
• Niche hashtags (#BookTok, #FitnessTips, specific to your content)
• Mid-range hashtags (10k-500k posts, less competition)

Don’t use 30 hashtags. TikTok isn’t Instagram. Aim for 3-5 relevant hashtags that accurately describe your video.

And please, don’t just use #fyp and call it a day. That’s lazy and ineffective. Be strategic. Proper hashtag use is a simple but effective tactic when learning how to increase TikTok views.

9. Stay engaged with the trends

TikTok is trend-driven. Participating in relevant trends is non-negotiable if you want consistent views.

But here’s the key: be selective. Not every trend will work for your brand or audience. Choose trends your target audience is already participating in.

When you find a good fit, add your unique twist. The accounts that blow up on trends don’t blatantly copy but put their own spin on it.

Trends have a short shelf life. Jump on them early, within the first 2-3 days if possible, before they’re oversaturated. This strategy directly impacts why some TikToks don’t get views while others explode.

10. Cross-marketing

Don’t let your TikTok content live only on TikTok.

Share your videos on:

• Instagram Reels (remove the watermark for better performance)
• YouTube Shorts
• Facebook
• Twitter/X
• Pinterest (surprisingly effective for certain niches)

You’re already creating the content. Why not multiply its reach? Cross-promotion helps you figure out how to get more views on TikTok videos by driving traffic from other platforms back to your TikTok profile.

This also helps build your audience across platforms, which protects you if TikTok’s algorithm suddenly decides to hate you (it happens).

11. Time is the key

Posting at the right time can dramatically impact your initial views, which signals to the algorithm whether to push your content further.

Generally, the best times to post are:

• Early morning (7-9 AM)
• Lunchtime(12-2 PM)
• Evening (7-11 PM)

But these are generalizations. Check your analytics to see when YOUR audience is most active and post then.

Consistency also matters. Pick a posting schedule you can actually maintain. Three quality videos per week beats seven rushed ones. Timing isn’t everything, but it’s a significant factor in how to boost TikTok views effectively.

12. Be a part of challenges

TikTok challenges are engagement goldmines if you’re trying to figure out how to get a lot of views on TikTok.

Popular challenges get pushed hard by the algorithm. When you participate, your video has a chance to be featured on the challenge page, exposing you to a massive audience.

You can also create your own challenge, though this is advanced level and requires an existing audience to get traction.

Participate by adding something unique. The challenge entries that go viral are the ones that bring something fresh to the table.

13. Collaborate with influencers

Collaboration exposes you to a new audience that already trusts the person you’re collaborating with.

You don’t need to collaborate with mega-influencers. In fact, micro-influencers (10k-100k followers) often have better engagement and are more likely to collaborate.

Reach out to creators in your niche with similar audience sizes. Propose a duet, stitch, or joint video that benefits both of you.

Collaboration is about building community. And TikTok rewards community engagement. This is one of the smarter approaches to how to get famous on TikTok because you’re leveraging existing audiences.

14. Be concise and direct

TikTok rewards completion rate. If people watch your entire video, the algorithm pushes it to more people.

The longer your video, the harder it is to maintain attention. Keep videos under 60 seconds when possible. Under 30 seconds is even better for certain content types.

Hook them in the first 3 seconds or they’ll scroll. No long intros, no slow builds. Start with the payoff, then explain.

Every second matters. Cut the fluff. Understanding why my TikTok video is not getting views often comes down to length and pacing.

15. Quality is king

Shaky footage, bad audio, and poor lighting kill views faster than anything else.

You don’t need expensive equipment, but you do need:

• Stable footage (use a tripod or prop your phone)
• Good lighting (natural light or a cheap ring light)
• Clear audio (built-in mics are usually fine; just avoid noisy environments)
• Basic editing (cuts, text, captions)

Quality signals professionalism. Poor quality signals amateur hour, even if your content is good, so you have to make sure your videos look like thought was put into them, because people can tell.

16. Gather attention

The first 3 seconds of your video determine whether someone keeps watching or scrolls.

Use attention-grabbing hooks:

• Start with a surprising statement
• Show the end result first
• Ask a compelling question
• Use pattern interrupts (sudden movements, cuts, sounds)

Text overlays at the start work well: “Wait for it…” or “This changed everything” or “Nobody talks about this but…”

You’re competing with infinite content. Give people a reason to stop scrolling. A weak hook is often the answer to why are my TikTok videos not getting views.

17. Increase frequency

The more quality content you post, the more chances you have to go viral and the more data the algorithm has to understand what you create. Although frequency without quality is useless. Don’t post 5 terrible videos a day. Post 1-2 good videos consistently.

If you can maintain quality, 3-7 videos per week is ideal. Some successful creators post multiple times daily, but that’s exhausting and not sustainable for everyone. Find a pace you can maintain long-term. Consistency beats intensity every time when trying to get more views on TikTok sustainably.

18. Use duet feature

The duet feature lets you create split-screen videos with other creators’ content.

Why this helps:

• Your video appears on both your profile and potentially in the original creator’s notifications
• Their audience might check out your profile
• It’s an easy way to add commentary, react, or build on popular content

Duet trending videos, respond to questions, or collaborate without coordinating schedules.

The duet feature is underutilized. Use it strategically to tap into existing viral content and get more likes and views on TikTok simultaneously.

19. Employ spark ads

Spark Ads let you boost organic posts, either yours or someone else’s (with permission). Unlike traditional ads, Spark Ads retain all social features. People can like, comment, share, and follow directly from the ad.

If you have a video that’s already performing well organically, consider amplifying it with a small ad budget. You’re not creating an ad; you’re essentially pouring gas on what is an already burning fire but for good, non-evil purposes.

Start small. Test with $20-50 to see if paid amplification makes sense for your content. This is a legitimate way to boost TikTok views when you’ve already validated the content organically.

20. Make enlightening videos

Educational content crushes on TikTok. People love learning quick, useful things.

Popular formats:

• How-to tutorials
• “Did you know?” facts
• Myth-busting
• Behind-the-scenes of your industry
• Answering common questions

Educational content also has longevity. While dance trends die in weeks, a good tutorial can get views for months or years.

Think about what knowledge you have that others would find valuable. Share it clearly and concisely. This approach helps you get popular on TikTok by providing genuine value rather than just entertainment.

How to get more TikTok views with consistency

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: one viral video doesn’t build a career. Consistency does.

You need to show up regularly, test different approaches, and refine based on results. The creators who succeed on TikTok aren’t necessarily the most talented but the most consistent.

Create a content calendar. Batch film your videos. Schedule posts in advance using tools like ContentStudio. Remove friction from the creation process so you can maintain momentum even when motivation dips.

Track what works. When a video performs well, analyze why and create similar content. Build on your wins rather than constantly starting from scratch.

Remember, TikTok rewards active creators. The algorithm favors accounts that post regularly and engage with the community. Disappearing for weeks and then posting one video won’t cut it.

Consistency gives the algorithm multiple data points to understand your content and audience. More content means more chances to hit the For You page. It’s a numbers game, but you need to play it smart.

Conclusion

Learning how to get more views on TikTok isn’t about secrets or hacks. It’s about understanding the platform, creating quality content consistently, and being strategic about optimization.

If you’re wondering why your TikTok is not getting views, the answer usually lies in one of these areas: content quality, timing, targeting, or consistency. Not getting views on TikTok is frustrating, but it’s fixable with the right approach.

Focus on these priorities:

1. Create high-quality, niche-specific content
2. Post consistently at optimal times
3. Use trending sounds and relevant hashtags strategically
4. Engage with your community and collaborate
5. Analyze your data and adjust

There’s no overnight success. But implement these 20 strategies consistently, and you’ll see your view count climb. The algorithm rewards creators who understand the game and play it well.

The difference between accounts that grow and accounts that stagnate isn’t talent. It’s execution. You now know how to get more TikTok views, how to fix low views on TikTok, and the best way to get TikTok views organically. The only question left is: will you actually do it?

Now stop reading and go create something worth watching.

FAQs

How to get more views on TikTok?

Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds, use trending sounds, post when your audience is active, and keep videos under 60 seconds. Focus on one specific niche. Use 3-5 relevant hashtags. Engage with your community. Analyze what performs best and double down on it. Consistency beats viral chasing every time.

Why is my TikTok not getting views?

Check if you’re shadowbanned (copyrighted content, guideline violations). Your hook might be weak; making people scroll past in 2 seconds. You could be posting at dead hours. Your content might be too generic. Check your analytics, fix the obvious issues, and then post consistently.

Why are my TikTok videos not getting views suddenly?

You probably hit a slump, not a shadowban. TikTok tests every video with a small audience first. If they don’t engage, your video dies there. Analyze your last 10 high-performing videos, find the pattern, and recreate that success. Sometimes the algorithm just needs one win to trust you again.