You have downloaded TikTok. You have heard about it in the news. Maybe a friend sent you a viral dance or an oddly satisfying cleaning video. And now, you are curious.
TikTok has become the place for content that is fun, fast and endlessly addictive. From cooking hacks to book recommendations, TikTok has transformed how we discover, share and even shop. But if you are brand new, the platform can feel like organised chaos.
That is where this guide comes in. Whether you are just browsing or thinking about using TikTok to grow your business, this beginner-friendly walkthrough will help you get your bearings.
We will cover:
- What TikTok actually is
- How the layout works
- How to explore content
- Creating an account
- Following, liking and commenting
- Saving videos and sharing
- Basic video creation tips
- How to use TikTok safely
- What businesses should know
Let us get started.
What Is TikTok and Why Is It So Popular?
TikTok is a short-form video app where users create and share content up to 10 minutes long, although most videos are under 90 seconds. The platform is designed to serve you highly engaging, personalised content based on what you watch and interact with.
Unlike traditional social media, TikTok is less about following your friends and more about discovering content from creators around the world. The algorithm is the star of the show.
Some key features:
- Content categories include food, fashion, comedy, pets, business tips and everything in between
- The algorithm learns what you like and tailors your feed accordingly
- Audio plays a major role, music, voiceovers and sound effects set the tone
- Trends move fast and are driven by users, not brands
Understanding the TikTok Interface
Let us open the app and break down what you see.
1. Home
This is your personalised feed. You will notice two tabs at the top:
- Following: Content from people you follow
- For You: TikTok’s curated feed of content based on your interests
Most people spend their time on the For You page, where the algorithm works its magic.
2. Discover (Search)
Click the magnifying glass to explore trending topics, hashtags and sounds. You can also search for specific content like “easy lasagna recipe” or “small business tips”.
3. Inbox
This is where you will see notifications, likes, comments, mentions and new followers.
4. Profile
Tap the person icon on the bottom right to access your profile. You will find your posted videos, drafts, saved content and bio here.
Creating a TikTok Account
You can browse without an account, but to interact with content or post your own, you will need to sign up.
- Open the app and tap Profile
- Choose to sign up with email, phone, Apple ID or Google
- Pick a username and profile photo
- Add a short bio (businesses often include links or contact info)
- You are ready to go
If you plan to use TikTok for your brand, consider switching to a Business Account. It gives access to analytics, promotional tools and a royalty-free music library.
How to Interact With Content
TikTok thrives on engagement. The more you interact, the more relevant your feed becomes.
Liking a Video
Tap the heart on the right side of the screen.
Commenting
Tap the speech bubble to leave a comment. Be respectful, TikTok has strict community guidelines.
Sharing
Click the arrow icon to send the video via message, copy the link, or post it on other platforms.
Saving
Want to rewatch later? Tap the bookmark icon to add it to your favourites.
Following Creators You Like
When you find a creator you enjoy:
- Tap their username or profile picture
- Hit the Follow button
- Their content will start showing in your Following feed
Following creators is helpful if you are interested in niche content, such as fitness, digital marketing, or book reviews.
What Are Hashtags and Why Do They Matter?
TikTok uses hashtags to categorise content. You will see them in captions, and you can search by hashtag to discover similar videos.
Popular ones include:
- #fyp (For You Page)
- #learnontiktok
- #smallbusiness
- #aesthetic
- #lifehacks
If you are using TikTok for marketing, relevant hashtags help your videos get discovered by the right audience.
Making Your First TikTok Video
You do not need to post right away, but if you are feeling adventurous, creating a video is easier than it looks.
Step-by-step:
- Tap the plus icon in the middle of the screen
- Choose to record now or upload a video from your camera roll
- Add music from TikTok’s library
- Use filters, text, transitions and stickers to enhance your clip
- Write a caption with hashtags
- Choose your audience (public or private)
- Tap Post
Start with simple content. You could share a quick tip, behind-the-scenes footage or something personal.
What Are TikTok Sounds?
Sounds are a core part of TikTok culture. They include:
- Music
- Voiceovers
- Original audio clips
- Trends or memes
Using trending sounds helps your video become more discoverable. When you watch a video you like, tap the sound at the bottom and save or use it in your own creation.
Safety and Privacy Settings
TikTok has robust privacy options for users of all ages.
Key settings to review:
- Private Account: Only approved followers can see your videos
- Comment Filters: Block offensive words or limit comments entirely
- Restricted Mode: Filters out mature content
- Time Management: Set daily screen time reminders
To access settings:
- Go to Profile
- Tap the three dots in the top corner
- Choose Settings and privacy
Navigating TikTok Trends Without Getting Lost
TikTok trends change rapidly. You do not need to follow every dance or meme to be successful. Instead:
- Choose trends that align with your brand or personality
- Add value to your audience
- Put your own spin on popular formats
- Be authentic rather than perfect
Even businesses can participate without dancing. Many use TikTok for storytelling, tutorials or product showcases.
Why TikTok Matters for Small Businesses
If you are a business owner or thinking of becoming one, TikTok can be a powerful growth tool.
Some reasons to consider using it:
- Reach new customers organically
- Humanise your brand
- Showcase your products or services in action
- Build community and engagement
- Drive traffic to your website or online store
Success stories are everywhere, from cafés that went viral to candle brands that sold out overnight. Get guidance from a marketing consultant who understands how to align TikTok content with broader business goals.
Examples of Easy Content for Beginners
Still unsure what to post? Try one of these:
- A day in the life
- How to use your product
- Before and after transformation
- Customer testimonial
- Quick win or tutorial
- Common myths in your industry
- Tools you use daily
Remember, TikTok rewards creativity, not polish. Need help crafting a strategy around this kind of content? A marketing strategist can help you plan content that builds brand recognition and generates leads.
Should You Hire a Social Media Manager?
You may enjoy browsing TikTok, but running a consistent presence is another story. If you are:
- Unsure what to post
- Inconsistent with content
- Struggling to gain traction
- Wanting to grow fast
- Hoping to use TikTok as part of a larger strategy
It might be time to bring in help. A social media manager can:
- Research relevant trends
- Write and design content
- Schedule and post consistently
- Monitor performance
- Build community
- Test hashtags and formats
If you are serious about using TikTok to grow, this is not something to leave to chance.
Still Not Sure Where to Start?
We connect businesses with professional social media managers who understand content, timing and trends.
Whether you need help starting out or scaling your TikTok presence, we will find someone who can manage the platform while you focus on running your business. Hire a social media manager from Cemoh today and turn your TikTok into a lead-generating, brand-building machine.