Why do TikTok Videos stop getting Views in 2024?
So why do TikTok Videos stop getting Views? Knowing about the Creativity-Program, which can bring you 30.000 Dollars a month, it is frustrating when you are trying to build-up a channel, but the Views drop to 0. In the fast-paced world of TikTok, where virality can strike within seconds and disappear just as quickly, understanding why your videos might not be performing as expected is crucial for growth. While there’s no single definitive answer, a combination of factors can contribute to your video’s sudden decline in views.
Table of Contents
No Views right after Uploading
If a Video is stuck at 0 Views right after Uploading, it is most likely that the Algorithm have blocked it. I recommend you to read Community Guidelines to avoid Problems. Go to you’r Video from a Phone, then go to Analytics. If you’r video has been blocked by the Algorithms, you will find a Notification there.
1. Algorithm Fatigue:
TikTok’s algorithm, designed to keep users engaged, constantly evaluates each video’s performance. If your video fails to capture viewers’ attention in the initial few seconds, it may be deemed less engaging and pushed further down the algorithm. This algorithm fatigue can lead to a sudden drop in views, especially if your video doesn’t resonate with the platform’s trending topics or user preferences.
Initial Push:
When you upload a video, TikTok shows it to a small group of users. The algorithm is focusing on early engagement metrics:
- Watch Time: How much of the video people watch to the end
- Likes: How many people are into your content
- Comments: Are people sparking conversations?
- Shares: Do people want to pass your video on to others?
Evaluation and Expansion:
Based on these initial signals, TikTok decides if your video is:
- High potential: If those early metrics are strong, it gets pushed to a larger, broader audience.
- Medium potential: Might get shown to some more folks, but not aggressively
- Low potential: Unlikely to get much broader distribution
Cycles of Expansion:
If the larger audience also engages well, the video enters further cycles of expansion – potentially reaching thousands or even millions. This is how videos go viral.
The ‘For You’ Page:
This is the main feed for most users. TikTok’s algorithm curates an endless stream of personalized content here. High-performing content is far more likely to land on the coveted FYP.
2. Content Fatigue:
Repetitive or unoriginal content can quickly bore viewers, leading to a decline in engagement. TikTok users crave fresh and engaging content, so continuously churning out similar content can hinder your video’s performance. Diversify your content, experimenting with different formats, styles, and trends to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
The Algorithm Prefers Freshness:
TikTok’s algorithm is always searching for new and unique content to keep users engaged. Repetitive videos that simply rehash existing trends or ideas are less likely to get the same level of distribution as something original.
User Fatigue:
Users scroll through the ‘For You’ page at lightning speed. If they keep encountering the same type of content (even if it’s initially enjoyable), it quickly becomes boring. This leads to lower watch time, engagement, and signals to the algorithm that your content might not be as valuable.
Competition:
TikTok is saturated with creators. To stand out, you need to offer something different and exciting. Simply copying others won’t cut it.
Lack of Brand Identity:
Unoriginal content makes it harder to build a memorable brand. Users won’t have a strong reason to follow you if your content blends in with everything else they see.
3. Clickbait Titles and Thumbnails:
While attention-grabbing titles and thumbnails are essential for capturing viewers’ interest, relying solely on clickbait tactics can backfire. Dishonest or misleading titles and thumbnails can lead to disappointed viewers who might disengage from your content altogether. Focus on creating genuine and captivating titles and thumbnails that accurately represent your video’s content.
Why Clickbait Can Work (Sometimes):
- Grabs Attention: In a sea of content, clickbait thumbnails with bright colors, exaggerated expressions, or intriguing questions can grab a user’s eye and make them stop scrolling.
- Sparks Curiosity: A well-crafted clickbait title can pique a user’s curiosity and make them want to know more. This can lead to clicks and views.
Why Clickbait Can Backfire:
- Lowers Trust: If the video content doesn’t deliver on the promises of the clickbait title and thumbnail, users will quickly feel cheated and be less likely to engage with your content in the future.
- Hurts Watch Time: Clickbait might get the initial click, but if the video itself is misleading or irrelevant, users will quickly click away, hurting your watch time metrics.
- Goes Against the Algorithm: Ultimately, the TikTok algorithm prioritizes content that keeps people watching. Clickbait that deceives viewers isn’t likely to get them to stay engaged for long.
Alternatives to Clickbait:
- Intrigue, Not Deception: Use titles and thumbnails that pique curiosity without resorting to outright lies or misleading information.
- Focus on Benefits: Highlight the value your video offers viewers. What will they learn, be entertained by, or gain from watching?
- Keep it Concise: Attention spans are short on TikTok. Keep titles short, clear, and easy to understand.
- Showcase Your Personality: Use your thumbnail and title to show your unique style and personality. This can be more enticing than generic clickbait.
4. Hashtag Strategies:
Hashtags serve as powerful tools for reaching a wider audience, but using irrelevant or overused hashtags can actually hinder your video’s discovery. Instead of relying on generic hashtags, conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant and trending hashtags that align with your video’s content.
How Irrelevant Hashtags Hurt Your Reach
- Misleading Users: When you use hashtags that don’t truly reflect your video’s content, you’re attracting viewers who aren’t interested. They’ll likely click away quickly, hurting your watch time metrics and signaling to the algorithm that your video isn’t relevant.
- Not Reaching the Right Audience: Hashtags are a way to categorize your video and get it discovered by people interested in that topic. Irrelevant hashtags mean you’re not reaching the people who would genuinely enjoy your content.
How Overused Hashtags Hurt Your Reach
- High Competition: Hashtags with millions of posts are like shouting into a crowded room. Your video gets buried amongst a sea of others, making it hard to get noticed.
- Lack of Specificity: Overused hashtags are often too broad. They don’t effectively communicate what your video is about, making it harder for the right audience to find you.
Tips for Using Hashtags Effectively
- Research Relevant Hashtags: Look for hashtags that are popular but not oversaturated. Tools like TikTok Trends or popular hashtag lists can be helpful for finding trending hashtags.
- Target a Mix of Broad and Niche Hashtags: Use a few broad hashtags to cast a wider net and some niche hashtags to target your ideal audience.
- Consider Long-Tail Hashtags: These are more specific phrases (e.g., #funnycatvideos vs. #cat) that can help you reach highly engaged viewers.
- Track Your Performance: See which hashtags are driving the most views and engagement. Refine your strategy over time.
5. Engagement Deficiency:
TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes videos that generate high levels of engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares. If your audience isn’t actively interacting with your videos, the algorithm may view them as less appealing, leading to a decrease in views. Encourage audience engagement by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and fostering a sense of community around your content.
- Signals of Value: When people engage with your video, it sends a strong signal to the algorithm that the content is interesting, entertaining, or valuable. This makes TikTok more likely to showcase it to more users.
- The Virality Loop: Engagement fuels virality. Likes, comments, and shares help your video spread to new audiences, who are then more likely to engage as well, triggering further algorithm-fueled growth.
- Watch Time Also Matters: While likes and comments are crucial, the algorithm also considers watch time and completion rate. Videos that keep people watching until the end are prioritized, as this indicates the content is enjoyable.
6. Shadowbanning:
In rare cases, TikTok may temporarily restrict your video’s visibility due to violations of its community guidelines. This process, known as shadowbanning, prevents your video from appearing in the For You Page or search results for specific keywords. To avoid shadowbanning, ensure your content adheres to TikTok’s guidelines and avoids sensitive or controversial topics.
Signs of a Shadowban:
- Sudden and significant drop in views or engagement.
- Your videos not appearing in hashtag searches.
- Inability to gain new followers.
Why Shadowbans Might Happen:
- Violating Community Guidelines: Even unintentional violations, like using copyrighted music or content deemed inappropriate, can trigger a shadowban.
- Spammy Behavior: Posting too frequently, using bots, or following/unfollowing large numbers of accounts rapidly can be flagged as spam and restrict your reach.
- Algorithm Updates: Sometimes changes to TikTok’s ranking system can temporarily impact creators unintentionally.
How to Fix a Shadowban:
- Review Community Guidelines: Make sure you’re not accidentally violating any rules (https://www.tiktok.com/community-guidelines?lang=en).
- Take a Break: Some creators suggest logging out for a few days to reset the algorithm.
- Delete Suspicious Content: If you suspect a specific video triggered the shadowban, delete it.
- Switch to a Pro Account: This can give you more analytical insights into your performance.
- Contact TikTok Support: A last resort if other methods fail.
Important Notes:
- TikTok hasn’t officially confirmed shadowbanning: They refer to temporary drops in viewership being part of normal fluctuations.
- Prevention is Key: The best way to avoid a shadowban is to stay within the Community Guidelines and avoid spammy tactics.
7. Account Growth:
New accounts often face initial challenges in gaining traction, as the algorithm prioritizes established accounts with higher engagement rates. Building a loyal following takes time and consistent effort. Continue creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and promoting your account across other social media platforms.
8. Algorithm Updates:
TikTok frequently updates its algorithm to improve user experience and engagement. These updates can sometimes affect the performance of existing videos, even if they were initially successful. Stay informed about algorithm changes and adapt your content strategy accordingly to maintain relevance and optimize your videos for the latest algorithm.
How Updates Change the Rules
- New Ranking Factors: TikTok occasionally introduces new factors into their algorithm that determines which videos get promoted more aggressively. A previously successful video might suddenly perform less well if the algorithm update starts prioritizing a different aspect of content. For example, an update might start giving more weight to video completion rate or the use of specific trending sounds.
- Shifts in Content Preferences: Even small tweaks to the algorithm can lead to changes in the type of content that becomes popular on the platform. A certain editing style, topic, or format might suddenly be favored. Existing videos that don’t fit the new ‘trend’ might see lower visibility as a result.
- Technical Glitches: Occasionally, algorithm updates can cause unintended bugs or glitches that temporarily affect video performance in unintended ways.
What Creators Can Do
- Stay Informed: Follow official TikTok creator accounts, blogs, or industry news to be aware of announced updates, as well as any wider trends that users are picking up on.
- Analyze Your Data: Track your video performance (especially if you have a Pro account) to spot any significant changes in views or engagement. This can help identify correlations with algorithm updates.
- Adaptability is Key: Be prepared to experiment and adapt your content strategy based on observed changes. Don’t be afraid to try new formats or hop on emerging trends that seem to be getting algorithmic favor.
- Focus on Quality Over Everything: While algorithm shifts can be unpredictable, creating high-quality, engaging content is always a winning strategy in the long run.
9. Timing and Competition:
The timing of your video’s posting can significantly impact its performance. Posting during peak hours when users are more active can maximize engagement and attract more viewers. Additionally, consider the competitive landscape of trending topics and hashtags to ensure your video stands out from the crowd.
Here’s why:
- Peak Audience Activity: People are more likely to be scrolling on TikTok during certain times of the day and specific days of the week. Posting when your target audience is most active increases the chances of immediate views and higher engagement.
- Initial Burst Matters: TikTok’s algorithm pays close attention to those early engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares) after a video is posted. If your post aligns with a time when lots of your core audience is online, you’re more likely to get this initial boost that signals success to the algorithm.
- Content Type: The best time to post depends partially on the type of content you create. For example, if your videos cater to a working audience, posting midday on a weekday probably isn’t ideal.
How to Find Optimal Posting Times
- Analyze Your Audience: Look at your analytics (especially with a Pro account) to see where your followers are located and when they seem to be most actively engaged with your content.
- Research General Trends: While your specific audience is most important, there’s data available on generally ‘good’ days and times to post on TikTok. These can serve as a starting point for your experimentation.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Post at different times and track your results. Over time you’ll pinpoint what works best for your specific content and audience.
Important Notes
- Consistency is Important Too: While posting at the right time helps, it’s not a magic solution. Consistent posting trains the algorithm and helps build a loyal audience.
- Quality Content is Still King: A perfectly timed video that’s boring or irrelevant still won’t go far. Focus on creating great content first and foremost!
10. Patience and Persistence:
Building a successful TikTok presence requires patience and perseverance. It takes time to develop a loyal following and establish yourself as a creator within the platform. Don’t get discouraged if your videos don’t immediately go viral. Keep experimenting, refining your content strategy, and engaging with your audience, and you’ll eventually see the fruits of your labor.