how i build my Tiktok feed @ an ultimate learning platform

1. story time:

yesterday I was shared sharing opinions on Tiktok, roughly about how it is useless and filled with garbage content.

i was like, ” the universe is calling me to write about this….”

disclaimer: i’m not encouraging you to use Tiktok, but rather be cautious on how you are consuming your content on social media, regardless of the platform.

2. so, why do I like Tiktok?

• many good content creators are using Tiktok as their main platform.
• short video format has a lot of value for me in my work and fits well with my leisure time.
• Tiktok has a lot of reminders for users on content consumption, e.g. daily usage report, setting reminders to turn off the app, setting reminders for bedtime (and it works really well for me!)

3. so, how i build my Tiktok feed?

as for now, i have two methods: one is mine, one is from my friend (a full time corporate HR + a part-time baker).

let’s go with the baker’s methods first:

Method 1: Have multiple accounts.

with each account serves a different purpose, e.g:

Account 1 only follows content based on personal development interests. as for my friend, it would be cakes, cake recipes, food trends.

Account 2 only follows entertainment content, e.g. cats, dogs, stand-up comedy.

Account 3 only follows content based on professional topics, e.g: edtech, marketing, HR, technology.

And you switch accounts based on your energy and purposes.

Method 2: Design your own content hierarchy

Thanks to my current class of Design for Web 2.0, i gradually improve this 8-step method from the original 5 steps that i had. #kudos-to-eme6414!

• Step 1: List down the [topics] that you are interested in.
  
• Step 2: Use the search tool with the keyword “top Tiktok influencers in [topic].”
  
• Step 3: Look up these accounts on the platform. [IMPORTANT] Watch a few videos before pressing follow to ensure that the content algorithm understands you. 🫶 Unless when you’re already a fan.
  
• Step 4: Repeat step 2 with the keyword “top Tiktok hashtag in [topic].”
  
• Step 5: Repeat step 3, switch to the hashtag section, select “Favorite” for the hashtags you like.
  
• Step 6: Grab a paper or open an Excel file and start scrolling through “for you,” while simultaneously writing a diary of the first 20 videos in 4 columns:

• Step 7: Ensure purposeful interaction with each video:
  • Like: if you like this type of content.
  • Subscribe: if you like the content creator.
  • Skip: if you like this type of content but not this particular video.
  • Not interested (hold on the screen for 1 second to see the broken heart icon): if you don’t like this type of content.
  • Report: if you find the content harmful or inappropriate.
  • Comment: if you really like this content.
  • Save/bookmark: if you want to revisit this content.

• Step 8: Build folders for content you want to revisit, e.g.:
  • Weekly folder: includes videos I want to revisit weekly to move to other folder
  • “For reference” folder: includes professional content.
  • “For interest” folder: includes content based on interests, e.g. plants, home decoration, technology.
  • “For life-long-love” folder: includes content about… cooking and food. =))
  • “For idolizing” folder: includes content creators I love.
• These folders can be adjusted for public or private use. ​

Small tips:

1. Recently, when Tiktok was widely banned in the US, I had to create a Notion page to keep track of the content creators I liked, check if they were using other platforms besides Tiktok.
2. We can also “exchange” these saved lists with our friends to share the knowledge and expand your recommended content list.

let’s conclude:

this article is based on my personal experience, temporarily setting aside accusations of data security, manipulative algorithm, content control to focus solely on something I can change at this moment: content consumption behavior.

if social media is seen as a tool, I believe that as long as you use it actively, purposefully, and control it well, you will have a great tool.

and if you’ve made it this far, thank you – sincerely.

as of this week – i’m on a 30 day writing challenge. each day – a new post.

my dream? to have at least one of these blog to be useful for you. that – is the kind of thing i’m living for. ! ❤

see you tomorrow!