These Are the 7 Things You're Not Doing on TikTok - But You Should

If TikTok seems like an app for Gen Z dance challenges, you have seriously missed the memo. It's one of the most powerful platforms for brands and creators right now—and if you're not profiting, you're probably using it wrong. The competition is fierce, but the opportunity is equally real: TikTok now accounts for over 25% of the average time spent on social media by U.S. users, according to Insider Intelligence. That's more than Instagram, more than Facebook. It's where the action is.

So, what’s holding your content back?

Probably one—or several—of these 7 missteps. The good news? Every single one is fixable. Here’s what you’re not doing on TikTok, but absolutely should be.

1. You’re Not Buying TikTok Views to Kickstart Momentum

The perception of popularity heavily influences how viewers interact with your content. When users stumble upon a video with thousands of views, they're more likely to watch it and even engage. It's human psychology—people follow crowds. So if you're struggling with low numbers despite good content, a strategic visibility boost might be exactly what you need.

That’s why savvy creators know where to buy TikTok views. PopularytyBazaar is one of those places: real targeted engagement, instant effect and solid guarantees. Because it’s not about faking popularity—it’s about feeding the algorithm what it loves: attention. When TikTok sees engagement, it rewards your video by pushing it to more people.

Here’s why it works:

  • Creates social proof instantly
  • Signals relevance to TikTok’s algorithm
  • Increases organic reach by boosting discovery
  • Encourages more users to stop and watch

In fact, 68% of U.S. TikTok users say they’re more likely to watch a video if it already has high view counts. Views create views—especially when you’re trying to break through early noise.

2. You’re Ignoring the Hook

The first impression is everything on TikTok. If the first few seconds don’t spark curiosity or emotion, the viewer will simply swipe past. Don’t save your best moment for last—lead with it. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping stat, a relatable confession, or an unexpected question, your opener needs to hit hard.

Your hook should:

  • Ask a question (“Did you know this TikTok secret?”)
  • Start mid-action
  • Flash a bold statement across the screen

The algorithm pays close attention to watch time. If your intro is weak, your watch time drops, and TikTok stops promoting you. It’s that simple. So whether you're starting a tutorial or a storytime, ditch the long intros and get right to the point.

3. You Don’t Post Consistently Enough

Consistency builds trust with both the algorithm and your audience. The more regularly you post, the more data TikTok has to understand what kind of content works for your audience. It also gives your followers a reason to come back. Think of it like a TV show—if viewers know when to expect new content, they’re more likely to tune in.

Posting 3–5 times per week is the sweet spot, but consistency isn’t just about volume. It’s also about:

  • Keeping your niche focused
  • Posting at similar times
  • Keeping content quality high

Set a content calendar. Batch create videos. Automate captions. The more consistent you are, the more likely TikTok is to keep feeding your content to new users.

Plus, regular posting gives you more chances to test formats, sounds, and topics—and find what works.

4. You’re Not Using High-Retention Formats

High-retention videos perform better not just because people watch them longer, but because they often rewatch or share them. TikTok’s algorithm loves content that gets replays, so think of ways to make your viewer pause or go back—easter eggs, surprise endings, or looping edits work well.

To increase retention:

  • Use captions or on-screen text to guide the story
  • Include a “twist” or payoff at the end
  • Keep the energy moving with quick cuts or camera movement

High-retention content includes:

  • Storytimes with cliffhangers
  • “Wait for it” moments
  • Mini tutorials

Always give viewers a reason to stay past the first 3 seconds—and ideally, watch until the end.

5. You’re Skipping Trends (or Overusing Them)

Trends are a visibility cheat code—but they only work if they align with your message. Mindless trend-chasing might get you fleeting views, but blending trends with your own storytelling builds lasting engagement. It’s not about jumping on every trend, but mastering how to adapt trends to your content voice.

Use trends to:

  • Boost exposure while they’re hot
  • Stay relevant within your niche
  • Connect with broader conversations

But always customize them to fit your vibe. Add your branding. Shift the context. Make it yours. Remember, trends are a vehicle—not the destination.

6. You Don’t Tell People What to Do

Calls-to-action don’t need to be salesy—they just need to be clear. Many viewers enjoy your content but don’t think to like or follow unless actioned to. According to a recent U.S. marketing study, accounts that use CTAs in captions and on-screen text see 32% more engagement on average. You can’t afford to skip this. A well-placed CTA boosts engagement, encourages return visits, and builds community. You’re not being pushy—you’re being helpful.

Try CTAs like:

  • “Follow for part 2”
  • “Tag someone who needs to see this”
  • “Hit the like button if you relate”

7. You’re Not Targeting the Right TikTok Audience

You wouldn’t speak the same way to Gen Z as you would to millennials—and TikTok is overwhelmingly Gen Z territory. If your tone, visuals, or humor feel off to your audience, they’ll scroll away before giving your video a chance. Tailoring content to your ideal viewer isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Here’s what the numbers say:

  • Gen Z makes up 60% of TikTok’s global users, and in the U.S., users aged 18–24 are the most active demographic.
  • U.S. users spend an average of 55.8 minutes per day on TikTok, more than on any other social media app.

If you’re not tailoring content to these groups—through tone, humor, music, and trends—you’re likely getting buried in the feed. Analyze your current followers, explore TikTok’s analytics tools, and adjust your content to resonate with your core audience.

Targeting the right TikTok audience doesn’t just boost views—it improves watch time, comments, shares, and long-term growth.

Final Thoughts

TikTok rewards those who play the game—and these seven tactics are the unspoken rules. You don’t need a ring light or a dance degree. You just need smart moves, consistency, and a little firepower to get going.

So if you’re tired of posting into the void, fix what’s missing. Start by investing in TikTok views to put your content on the map.

From there, hook better. Post often. Deliver value. And watch your numbers go from “meh” to massive.