TikTok isn’t just a social media platform—it’s a cultural powerhouse. And if you want your brand to thrive, mastering TikTok trends isn’t optional—it’s essential. With new algorithm updates, evolving content formats, and shifting user behaviour, staying ahead means knowing the latest TikTok engagement tips that will keep your brand on top.
Let’s break down the strategies for TikTok content creation that will help you boost TikTok interaction and stay relevant in 2025.
Master Today’s Techniques for Boosting TikTok Interaction
1. Understanding TikTok’s 2025 Algorithm
TikTok’s algorithm is like a mystical genie—hard to predict but incredibly powerful when understood. This year, the platform is focusing even more on niche-driven content and longer engagement signals (a fancy way of saying: that the longer people watch, the better your video performs). If you’re not already paying attention to how TikTok distributes content, now’s the time to start.
One major shift is the rise of carousels. Yes, TikTok is flirting with an Instagram-style approach, where static images in a swipe-through format are seeing impressive engagement rates. In fact, TikTok states that compared to videos, carousels can get:
- 2.9x more comments
- 1.9x more likes
- 2.6x more shares
It’s a game-changer for brands that may not always have video content on hand.
Another big move? The new ‘Explore’ tab. Think Pinterest, but make it TikTok. Instead of autoplay videos, it features carousels in a Pinterest-style feed, making it easier to browse visual content at your own pace. Why now? Carousels are outperforming videos with more comments and more shares. It’s a huge opportunity for brands that invest in SEO-driven TikTok content (yes, TikTok SEO is a thing now).
And, of course, watch time is king. TikTok’s algorithm favours videos that keep users glued to their screens. If your audience is watching your video to the very end—or even better, replaying it—you’re far more likely to land on the coveted For You Page.
2. Creating Engaging Content
The scroll is ruthless, and if you’re not hooking viewers in the first three seconds, they’re gone. That’s why having a strong visual or audio hook is essential. Start with a bold statement, a surprising fact, or an intriguing question. The goal is to stop the scroll and immediately grab attention.
Once you’ve got them watching, storytelling is your best friend. Even in a ten-second video, having a clear beginning, middle, and end keeps viewers engaged. Whether you’re using humour, suspense, or emotion, structuring your content well increases the chances that people will watch to the very last frame.
And let’s talk about call-to-engagement (CTE). Forget the traditional “Like & follow for more” line. Instead, try engagement-driven prompts like “Drop a 🏆 in the comments if you agree” or “Tag someone who needs to see this.” Getting viewers to interact with your content directly tells TikTok’s algorithm that your video is worth pushing to more people.
3. Engage First, Reap the Rewards
Engagement on TikTok isn’t just a one-way street—it’s all about building connections! By actively commenting, liking, and interacting with other creators’ content, you’re not just boosting your visibility but forming relationships that will come full circle. Think of it as planting seeds—those small acts of engagement can lead to meaningful collaborations and a growing network of people eager to support your content.
The more you engage with others, the more likely they will check out your content and return the love. It’s a simple way to get your name out there and increase the chances of others discovering your page. So, take a few moments each day to interact with other creators—you never know where that next connection could take you!
4. How Saves Help
When users save your video, it’s more than just a thumbs-up. It’s a signal to TikTok’s algorithm that your content is worth coming back to. Saves show that people find value in what you’re sharing, which can help your video get more exposure. The more saves you get, the higher the chances of your content popping up in more feeds.
Focus on making your content save-worthy—the more people want to hold on to it, the more TikTok will reward your content with higher visibility!
5. Interaction with your audience
TikTok isn’t just about broadcasting—it’s about conversation. The more you engage with your audience, the more TikTok rewards your content.
One of the best engagement hacks? Replying to comments with videos. If someone leaves a comment that sparks discussion, turn it into a new video response. Not only does this encourage further conversation, but it also gives you fresh content ideas directly from your audience.
Don’t ignore DMs, either. While TikTok’s direct messaging feature isn’t as widely used as Instagram’s, it’s a great way to build relationships with engaged followers. Answering questions, responding to feedback, or even dropping a quick thank-you message can go a long way in building brand loyalty.
Mastering TikTok Trends: Stay Ahead to Engage
1. Identifying Emerging Trends
The brands winning on TikTok aren’t just following trends—they’re predicting them. Keeping an eye on what’s trending now is important, but knowing what’s about to take off is even more powerful.
One of the best ways to spot trends early is by following trendspotting creators. Accounts like @queenoftrendalerts regularly break down what’s gaining traction. Checking your For You Page daily is also a must—if you see the same sound or format popping up repeatedly, chances are it’s about to blow up.
TikTok’s Creative Centre is another goldmine. This built-in tool tracks trending sounds, hashtags, and creators, giving brands a head start before a trend reaches saturation.
2. Leveraging Trends for Your Content
Jumping on a trend isn’t enough—you must make it your own. The key is to adapt trends to align with your brand’s message. If a popular challenge or audio doesn’t quite fit your niche, tweak it slightly to make it relevant.
Planning trend-based content in advance is smart but always leave room for reactive content. The best TikTok strategies balance pre-planned videos with real-time, off-the-cuff content that capitalises on what’s trending right now.
And don’t forget about pop culture. Whether it’s a viral meme, a major TV moment, or a celebrity controversy, tapping into what people are already talking about is a surefire way to boost engagement.
3. Brands That Keep Up with TikTok Trends
One thing is clear: the brands that succeed on TikTok are the ones that know how to jump on trends at just the right moment—and, more importantly, adapt them to fit their unique voice.
Take Sisters and Seekers, for example. They tapped into the ‘Hozier’s Yell’ trend to showcase their stunning clothing line. The result? A trend-perfect, product-driven post that feels natural and on-brand. It’s all about tapping into the moment and making it your own!
Then there’s Aldi Supermarket, which saw the viral’ rock, paper, scissors date night’ trend and thought, “Why not?” They adapted this trend to promote their Bilash curry range…very clever!
Ninja Kitchen UK kept it simple and relevant with the ‘This is my emergency contact’ trend. It’s quick, easy, and effective for staying front and centre in the minds of their audience.
Scrub Daddy took on the broad ‘morning routine’ trend. The beauty of this trend is its versatility—you can make anything fit into it, including a scrub. It’s about showing the brand’s playful side while connecting with a common daily routine.
M&S didn’t miss a beat, using a trending sound to spotlight their iconic Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar products. This trend was perfect for capturing attention and showcasing beloved products in a fun, relevant way.
And let’s not forget Waitrose, who kept it light and humorous by jumping on the ‘when two worlds collide’ sound. The result? A fun, relatable piece of content that taps into their audience’s sense of humour. (Who is that diva, by the way?)
These brands are doing it right: spotting trends, making them their own, and staying relevant. In 2025, it’s all about understanding your brand, finding the perfect trend match, and delivering content that feels authentic.
The Future of TikTok Engagement
What’s Next for TikTok?
With TikTok’s recent updates, it’s clear the platform is testing new formats and pushing beyond its video-first roots.
Carousels are dominating engagement, and the introduction of the ‘Explore’ tab suggests TikTok is investing more in search-driven discovery. That means optimising your content for keywords is more important than ever.
One thing’s for sure: the brands that stay adaptable and embrace change will thrive. TikTok isn’t slowing down, and neither should you.
Conclusion
Mastering TikTok trends and staying on top of TikTok engagement tips is the key to success in 2025. From optimising for the algorithm and crafting compelling content to boosting TikTok interaction through comments and trends, there’s plenty to keep your strategy fresh.
The TikTok landscape is evolving—is your brand keeping up? If you want to take your TikTok strategy to the next level, we can help. At Hummingbird, we specialise in creating high-impact social media strategies that get results. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Recommended read: TikTok for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Growing Your Brand
