Do Likes Matter on TikTok? 3 Factors To Consider

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: Mar 18, 2024

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As a content creator on TikTok, do you ever wish to get more Likes on your video posts? Why do you think Likes are crucial? Do Likes matter on TikTok? There have been several arguments about the importance of these elements on the social media platform. 

Like most other social platforms, Likes define a user’s popularity on TikTok. But besides that, this number describes how acceptable a user’s content is. Likes play a big role in a post’s performance, especially the first few hours after publishing. Let’s dive into why this factor counts

A phone in some bushes displays the Like icon in a box.

Why Do Likes Matter on TikTok? 

Likes matter on TikTok because they describe your social status on the app. Usually, profiles with more Likes and engagement are generally more influential. That is why users look for ways to get more Likes on TikTok. However, below are the three most important reasons why Likes are crucial.

1. Likes Indicate Your Popularity on TikTok

If you want to know how popular someone is on TikTok, consider checking their number of Likes. Of course, Likes are usually one of the first indicators of popularity on the social media app. That is why once you start growing your profile and following, your Likes follow suit. 

High numbers of Likes show that the post has reached many people. Not everyone who views your posts Likes or interacts with them. So, you’ll be certain of more views when your Likes are massive.

Unlike other social media sites, TikTok displays your total number of Likes on your profile. This number accounts for all the Likes you’ve ever received on all your posts. This is a major indicator of your success and fame on the platform. While it may not tell the full story, it is a reliable pointer.

2. Likes Increase Your Reach Significantly

The number of Likes you receive on a post determines its subsequent reach to a great extent. The TikTok algorithm factors the total number of Likes your post gathers after the first day or two. If the post appears popular within a certain demographic, the site recommends it to others. 

As a result, your post enjoys a significantly increasing reach over time. But again, the Likes alone do not count in this case. It pushes your TikTok engagement rate higher, prompting the algorithmic response. This response helps you reach your target audience better, pushing your reach further.

This factor accounts for why even smaller accounts have viral posts. It takes off as soon as the initial Likes and engagement are considerable. Now, if you can maintain the buzz on your profile by sharing similar posts, you can replicate the results. 

3. TikTok Likes Describe Your Posts’ Acceptance

People only Like the social media posts that they align with. So, the number of Likes on your TikTok post describes how much people accept your content. Even with high views, you’d get low Likes if your content does not appeal to viewers. 

So, you should browse your TikTok analytics to discover posts with a corresponding Likes-to-reach ratio. These posts are usually the ones that appeal better to your audience. On the other hand, consider cutting down on the type of content that does not perform well. 

Other social platforms like YouTube have dislike buttons that allow users to indicate their negative reactions. Facebook also allows sad and angry reactions to posts. However, that is not the case with TikTok. Here, you can either Like a post or ignore it. Again, users mostly skip posts they don’t like.

Four cubes with alphabets form the word "LIKE."

Can You Earn From Your Likes on TikTok?

You cannot earn directly from your Likes on TikTok. Of course, the social media platform allows content creators to earn directly on the app. You can earn from the TikTok creator fund if you’re at least 18. Also, you must have at least 100,000 views within the past month. 

The TikTok creator fund does not require a specific number of Likes. It also pays variable amounts depending on your number of views and your profile’s performance. While Likes do not come into play here, they help grow your account to the point of monetization.

Your TikTok Likes contribute to your overall engagement on the social media app. If you get more Likes on your posts, you’ll boost your engagement rate. Still, you can earn with your profile with a healthy engagement rate. This rate is the ratio of your total Likes and comments to your total number of views. 

Usually, brands look for influencers with rates of 15% or higher when running promotions. These high rates show that your followers are authentic and active. So, brands predict a higher return on investment (ROI) when creators have higher Likes and comments. So, while you do not receive direct payments for your Likes, you earn from them. High Likes indicate that your followers consist of relevant users. As a result, you can earn from brand influencing and paid partnerships on TikTok.

A hand-drawn heart shape on the sand on a beach.

How To Get More Likes on TikTok

Since Likes are quite useful on TikTok, are you considering getting more on your posts? Well, that is important if you’re thinking about growing your profile or becoming TikTok-famous. But how can you get more Likes on your posts on the app? Let’s jump in.

1. Know Your Target Audience

You must first identify the relevant audience when aiming for more Likes on TikTok. While a specific demographic finds your content interesting, others may not. Your goal should be to target those that better align with your profile. 

To do this, create content that fits in the specific niche that your TikTok audience aligns best with. Consider their preferences and other factors like the post format. Implementing this idea increases your chances of getting more Likes on your TikTok videos. 

2. Use Hashtags Correctly

Using relevant hashtags in your TikTok posts is one way to boost your Likes on the app. Hashtags link millions of posts together, making accessing those about a specific topic easier. Adding these tags increases your posts’ visibility on the social media app.

People browse millions of general and specific hashtags on the app every day. So, picking popular and helpful tags around your niche should be your priority. With these tags, you can also reach your target viewers. Subsequently, you’ll increase your chances of getting more Likes. 

3. Try out Interesting and Funny Captions

Captions play important roles in attracting viewers to your posts on TikTok. They give viewers some ideas about the content of posts. While you can add captions yourself, the app also supports automatic captions

It is also crucial to make your captions interesting and funny since they can increase viewer interest. As a result, you’d get more Likes because people who find the content interesting will Like them. 

4. Create Content on Trending Topics

If you want to attract attention to your posts and profile, go for trending topics. To do this, you’ll have to keep up with current trends. You’ll also have to filter those that best fit into your niche. 

Popular and trending topics usually draw high volumes of searches on the app. And you’ll increase your reach since people look for updates on those trends. Again, your chances of getting more Likes increase when you increase your overall reach.

5. Post Consistently and Use a Content Schedule

You must be consistent with your posts before seeing results on your TikTok profile. After attracting an audience, only your consistency keeps them. So, your quality, frequency, and niche topics must remain in line. Using a content schedule helps with this greatly.

An illustration of a heart shape in a bubble signifying a Like.

Grow Your TikTok Likes With High Social

High Social helps you attract real and organic TikTok followers. This growth service lets you build your community with AI-targeted growth. As a result, you can also enjoy more Likes by hiring this agency. 

Having worked with over 15,000 clients, the agency’s professionals have the needed experience. Besides helping you grow your account, the growth service has also designed several free tools you’d find useful. For instance, you can use High Social’s engagement rate calculator for free.

You can also use its TikTok profile analyzer to learn about your account’s performance. The company helps generate hashtags that are relevant to your profile. On the subject, do Likes matter on TikTok? Yes, they do, and you should go for practices that boost yours.

High Social gives you that massive audience that creates results. It draws users who will Like your posts and engage with your content. So, start growing your TikTok today!

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