TikTok: strategies for producing authentic and engaging content

Find a TikTok agency to develop authentic and engaged content strategies can be a real challenge for brands!

TikTok is THE social network of the moment, and businesses can't miss out anymore. With more than 1 billion active users every month, TikTok offers a golden chance to reach a large and varied audience, in a fun and creative way. But let's be honest, posting videos without a strategy is not enough. You have to create authentic and engaging content to really get attention. In this article, we'll show you how to produce authentic content on TikTok, maximize your engagement, and build a loyal community around your brand.

The importance of authenticity on TikTok

Definition of authenticity

For a brand on TikTok, authenticity is be true, natural, and transparent. It means showing the real behind the scenes, sharing heartfelt stories, and do not mask the flaws. It's avoiding overly scripted or ultra-polished videos and preferring raw moments, real testimonies, and authentic experiences that truly reflect brand values. TikTok users are looking for content that doesn't play a role but who truly share the essence of the brand.

image source: Washington Post 

Role of authenticity in user engagement

Authenticity is crucial for engagement on TikTok. When a brand is authentic, it establishes an emotional and trusting connection with its audience.

Why authenticity is essential

Create a relationship of trust

Users are more likely to trust a brand that is honest and transparent. This trust is reflected in increased loyalty and a desire to support the brand.

Focus on interaction

Authentic content encourages more interaction. Users feel more connected and are more likely to like, comment, and share videos that resonate with them in a personal and authentic way.

Stand out from competitors

In a constant flow of content, authenticity allows a brand to stand out. Authentic videos capture attention and stay in memory longer than generic or overly polite content.

Humanizing the Brand

Showing the human side of the brand means showing that there are real people behind it. Users love to see the faces, to know the stories, and to understand the creative processes.

Long-term commitment

An authentic approach promotes lasting commitment. Users are more likely to return to a brand that they perceive as authentic, which reinforces long-term loyalty.

Strategies for producing authentic content

Effective storytelling techniques

Storytelling is one of the most powerful techniques for capturing attention on TikTok. It creates an emotional connection with the audience and makes brand messages more memorable. Here are some effective storytelling techniques:

Personal narration

Sharing personal stories or anecdotes can make your content more relatable. TikTok users appreciate authentic stories that show the behind the scenes and the real life behind a brand.

The story arc

Using a classic narrative structure with a beginning, middle, and end can help keep viewers interested. Start with a situation or problem, expand the story with interesting details, and conclude with a resolution or lesson learned.

Direct interaction with followers

Engage the audience in the story by asking questions, asking for feedback, or launching challenges. It's what encourages users to engage with the content and feel part of the brand community.

Humor

Humor is also a great way to get and keep attention. Funny stories or humorous situations can make content more engaging and memorable.

Examples of success on TikTok: the case of Duolingo on TikTok

Duolingo is a perfect example of a brand that stood out on TikTok thanks to a content strategy based on authenticity.

We explain to you how they achieved it with 3 key concepts :

1. Self-mockery : Duolingo often laughs at its own challenges and shares the frustrating moments of its users. Result: the brand is more human and accessible than ever
2. Quirky humor : The brand uses sometimes absurd humor to make language learning more fun. Their videos are often hilarious and very shared.
3. Proximity to the community : Duolingo regularly interacts with its followers, responds to their comments, and creates content in collaboration with them. This proximity helps build a loyal and committed community.

image source: Indy1000

The results:

Thanks to this approach, Duolingo saw a rapid increase in followers, proving the appeal of its authentic content. Videos generate a high engagement rate with lots of likes, comments, and shares, which shows an active and engaged community. Additionally, Duolingo's popularity on TikTok has likely contributed to a significant increase in signups for their app.

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How to integrate authenticity into your videos

Here are some tips for successfully offering authentic content to your audience on TikTok:

Show me behind the scenes

Share videos from behind the scenes of your business. Show how your products are made, introduce your team, and share everyday moments. It's what humanizes your brand and creates a stronger connection with your audience.

Be transparent

Don't be afraid to show the challenges and failures you're going through. TikTok users especially value transparency and sincerity. Sharing your struggles can make your brand more relatable and trustworthy than ever.

Use real testimonials

Remember to include testimonials from customers or employees. Personal stories and real experiences add a healthy dose of authenticity and show that you value your customers and your team. Why deprive yourself of it?

Adapt to trends while staying true to your identity

Follow popular trends on TikTok, but what you really need to do is find ways to adapt them to your brand. You show that you are up to date while staying true to who you are.

Interact with your audience

Respond Respond to comments, ask questions, and challenge. To build a sense of community and engagement, you need to involve your audience more in creating content.

By adopting these techniques, you will be able to create viral content on TikTok: authentic and attractive content. You will succeed in attracting a loyal audience and strengthening your visibility on the most dynamic platform on the planet. Remember, authenticity and commitment are the keys to turning your followers into true brand ambassadors.

One last tip: create content that suits you!