Always On: How to get creative on TikTok

Always On: How to get creative on TikTok

February 3, 2021

TikTok For Business, Editorial Team

Best Practices

The following is part two of a two-part series around Always On TikTok. Discover our first article about how to develop your brand's TikTok strategy here.  

TikTok runs on creativity, and brands are no exception. We recently looked at hundreds of the best Business Accounts on TikTok, and came up with a few hints and tips to help your brand achieve creative success. We hope they can inspire your creative process.

Content evolves fast on TikTok. New trends are born and new storylines come into play each and every day. Watch 10 TikToks daily to know what's happening on the platform and read the comments to understand how people show up on TikTok and connect with one another — be a part of the community. It always pays to be informed.

Whether it's paid or organic, outstanding content on TikTok is often built on these four guiding principles. So, when creating TikToks, stay:

Authenticity is key on TikTok. Brands don’t have to be perfect - our users don't expect you to be. Just have fun and add some humor to your content.

TikTok celebrates storytellers. So, let your brand’s creative side run free, and tell captivating stories.

Popular videos on TikTok come in all shapes and sizes — some are lighthearted and humorous, others slick and sophisticated. But they are all entertaining.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with unique shooting styles, new editing techniques or unusual storylines. The TikTok community craves originality.

It's hard to underestimate the value of having a strong organic presence on TikTok. But great organic content is rarely created in isolation - many of the best videos take inspiration from existing trends and are co-developed with the community. To create impactful organic content and bring your brand story to life, build on the four I's:

Engaging with existing and upcoming trends can be the best way to go - especially for brands just joining the TikTok community. So get involved with a hashtag, use an original sound that keeps cropping up in your For You feed, or get creative with the latest added effects.

Whether it's with creators, brands or other users - the TikTok community loves to interact. Leverage collaborative features like Duet, Stitch and Reply to Comments to connect with a wider audience, and partner with TikTok Creators to champion your brand message and further engage your audience.

Trends on TikTok have a life of their own. They evolve, take on different forms, explore different storylines and add new plot twists. Prove your TikTok credentials and make a name for yourself by taking an existing trend to the next level. Add your own twist, re-work an original sounds, or just create your own and get others on board.

When you're a pro at having fun on TikTok, you will start developing your own style. Embrace it. Turn it up to 11. Be experimental and introduce new, inspiring, educational and surprising elements to your storylines. Explore new ways of shooting and editing, and showcase the unique skills of your organization or the exceptional people who work there.
 
There is no single path to success on TikTok, but there are common themes shared among those who do well. Brands that embrace rich storytelling, creativity, positivity and authenticity make the deepest connections with our community.

Just remember, no matter what you do on TikTok, don't forget to have fun. Don't Make Ads. Make TikToks.

To get involved and learn more about taking that first step, head over to set up your TikTok Business Account. For more best practice and insights on creating TikTok Ads, check out:9 creative tips to drive auction ad performance