TikTok works by letting users upload content on the app, which it then displays to other users on their For You Page and Explore Page. The TikTok algorithm personalizes the experience for each user by determining the best content to display to them based on a variety of factors.
It uses machine learning to understand your preferences based on how you engage with content on the platform. The algorithm factors in the accounts you follow, the content you view and engage with, the time you spend on each video, and more.
Based on this, it refines the recommendations to show you content that you’re most likely to enjoy. The learning happens in real-time, meaning that it will adapt its recommendations as your preferences and behavior change over time.
For example, if you’re following a lot of beauty and skincare accounts and consuming a lot of content related to those topics, the algorithm will recommend similar videos from creators in that space. However, once you start losing interest and pick up a new hobby, such as crocheting, you may notice the algorithm displaying more content related to said hobby.
To get a more in-depth understanding of how the platform works, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on the TikTok algorithm.