Lessons that brands can learn from Tik Tok content creators

Tik Tok, one of the world’s largest networking platform, has taken the social media world by storm, accumulating 689 million users by 2021. It has grown vastly among the youth and younger generation, but because of its wide range of great features, brands can also jump in and capitalize on it. Having revolutionized content creation and social media marketing, it offers brands a superfluity of insights into engaging audiences effectively. Now Let’s look at some of the lessons that brands can learn from its content creators:

1.MASTERING SHORT-FORM CONTENT CREATION:

Tik tok’s format obliges content creators to curtail their message into short, punchy videos. More like a skit. Brands can then apply this by crafting concise and compelling messages that grab attention quickly.

Instead of long videos, focus on conjuring snappy, engaging content that communicates the brands message efficiently. Develop your content in a way that it catches the viewers attention within 15 seconds of display. Develop videos that fit for both sound-on and sound-off display.

The key to social media marketing is story telling. Develop your content with this end in mind. Brands should use simple, yet effective measures to convey a story with a combination of videos and text overlays.

2 .PICK A MEMORABLE HASHTAG:
Like how most established content creators operate, brands should really entertain the notion of having an eye-catching hashtag that will enable all content using that tag to be discovered easily. Also make use of repetition, as this makes a particular hashtag more shareable as viewers emulate the most popular tags. Here are a few things to consider when developing a hashtag:

•Describe your intention
•Keep your audience in mind
•Focus on short and precise wording
•Execute it through a broader audience more often
•Promote it effectively.

3. DON’T MISS OUT ON TRENDING OPPORTUNITY:
Social Media, particularly Tik Tok, is dynamic and all about trends. Content creators know to always stay ahead of their game, they’ve got to always keep up, if not stay ahead of trends in order to survive. A vital skill that brands should mirror if they are to keep their company relevant and consistent.

Not keeping up with trends could turn out to be a disadvantage towards your brand as you can never know which opportunity you could’ve taken advantage of during then on-going of the trend. Try to set yourself apart and be the first and also be original.

Timing is everything. Look at it from a user’s perspective. Say, something is at its peak of trending and everybody is posting about it and by the time it has passed its peak, it is then you’re starting to engage on it. That’s the last thing you’d like people to think about your brand. Not catching up with trends. Hence it’s important to always remain on the loop, because during a trending event people will be looking for content like yours and with the right hashtag a new audience will come to you.

4.BUILD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY:

Engage in ways that’ll help grow the relationship with your local audience and enhance the feeling of authenticity over your business. Like how local influencers operate, brands can start by creating content that resonates and is tailored to local preferences.

This can be done through many ways such as:

•Researching the community culture, traditions and values to understand what matters most in the community.

• Engage and interact with local community. Listen to their stories and interests and use this information to draft and develop content.

•Use language and slang – Remember you’re dealing with people and it’s okay to be authentic in order to make your content more relatable. So use and understand the local tone and humor that connects with the audience.

Prioritize community interaction, respond to comments, encourage user-generated content, and create opportunities for audience participation. This incredible strategy doesn’t only strengthen brand affinity but also provides insights into customer preferences.

5. ADAPTABILITY:

As we all know trends in tik tok evolve rapidly, spreading like wildfire. This then requires brands to adapt quickly, be agile and ready to swivel strategies based on emerging trends and feedback from consumers.

To adapt to local trends, brands can look into aspects such as cultural sensitivity (to understand local customs, traditions and values), Customer support and feedback, conducting a market research (Research on consumer behavior and trends) and collaborating with local businesses and organizations. In such a dynamic landscape, brands need to assure they have a strong sense of adaptability, agility, and flexibility in order to stay relevant

6. Partnership and Collaborations:

Like in most common cases, if you’re to fully thrive at anything, consider teamwork as it really makes the dream work. Collaborations are inherent to tik tok’s ecosystem, with creators often collaborating to expand their reach and influence. Brands should follow suit and leverage partnerships with influencers and other brands to effectively convey their message and reach potential audiences.

Well calculated collaborations stimulate brand visibility and credibility in the digital space.

Now that as a brand you know how you can learn from content creators, let’s look at some of their real life experiences to gain further understanding. Here’s some of them:

1.ADDISON RAE : Having worked with brands like American eagle, L’Oreal and fashion nova, brands can learn from her ability to connect with younger audiences, especially with tik tok being dominated by a younger generation. Because of her diversification, Addison Rae has expanded her brand into different industries such as music and acting, which shows her versatility. A valuable skill that brands can learn from her.

2. MICHAEL LE: Michael was a former homeless man who used tik tok to turn his life around. Being an addict and homeless for 2 years, Michael had no hope whatsoever till he discovered tik tok. He started creating videos to express himself and share his story.

Because of his Authenticity and realness, his videos went viral and he gained a massive following. He ensured he remains consistent, authentic and creative with his story telling. He used the platform to raise awareness about homelessness and mental health. His inspiring story showcases how tik tok can be a powerful tool for transformation, creativity and engaging with people.

3. LASIZWE DAMBUZA: Known mainly for his comedic sketches and relatable authentic content, lasizwe has a significant following on tik tok. Brands can learn from his ability and skill of creating humorous and yet relevant content that resonates with the audience. Lasizwe is authentic, stays true to himself and always shows his personality. Just like him, brands can learn to be genuine and true to their values, without trying to copy anybody’s skills or tactics. Just mainly being themselves. Another skill brands can learn from his tik tok experiences is his storytelling skills. He shares relatable stories, like his journey from poverty to success, which resonates his audience.

4.SHUDU NDABEZITHA: Known for her fashion-forward style and beauty tips, Shudu Ndabezitha has a strong presence on tik tok. Brands can learn and emulate her expertise in showcasing beauty products and fashion trends in an authentic and engaging manner

5:AVANI GREGG: Avani’s story is another Real-life example that brands can learn from. Like all normal people, she started off working multiple jobs, trying to make ends meet. She then started creating content on tik tok, showcasing her art and personality.

After her videos went viral, she capitalized on the opportunity and started to launch her art career, selling her artwork and collaborating with brands. If there’s anything brands can learn from her is to always stick to your content till you reach the audience you’d like to reach, then from there remain consistent and leverage on the fame to thoroughly promote your brand.

You can learn from their creativity, authenticity, and ability to connect with followers in meaningful ways. And also how these creators, through their stories, have leveraged tik tok to build massive following and engaging with their audience authentically.

Now that as a brand you know how you can learn from content creators and how their stories could guide you, are you ready to escalate your brand’s online presence?

Remember tik tok grants you the freedom for your brand’s marketing campaigns. It’s a great platform and when used effectively, brands can connect with their audience in a smart, casual and fun way.

Do follow us to gain more thorough understanding as to how you can leverage tik tok to create content that aligns with your brand’s values and identity.