How the TikTok algorithm works - Explained by the CEO
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Introduction
The recommendation algorithm of TikTok is fundamentally based on mathematics. To illustrate how it operates, imagine you enjoy watching videos numbered one, two, three, and four. Meanwhile, another user, who we will call User B, likes videos one, two, three, and five. Additionally, User C has a preference for videos one, two, three, and six.
Given these common interests—videos one, two, and three—the algorithm identifies that these users might also appreciate videos that are popular among them, resulting in User C being shown videos four, five, and six. This process of leveraging shared interests continues at an expansive scale in real-time across a massive user base of over a billion individuals.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning play crucial roles in executing this recommendation algorithm at scale. The system swiftly learns the interest patterns exhibited by users and, consequently, presents content that is most relevant to them in an efficient manner.
Another notable aspect of the TikTok user experience is how it gathers data on user preferences without necessitating a cumbersome questionnaire. Instead of asking users to answer multiple questions about their interests, the application seamlessly integrates this understanding into the user experience. Users are essentially “voting” with their actions—by watching a video, swiping left or right, or liking and sharing content.
Mathematically, the algorithm takes these interest signals and incorporates them into a formula to match users' preferences through a method known as pattern recognition. This is the core principle behind how TikTok’s recommendation system operates.
Keywords
- TikTok algorithm
- recommendation system
- machine learning
- artificial intelligence
- user preferences
- interest signals
- pattern recognition
FAQ
Q: How does the TikTok algorithm determine what content to show me?
A: The TikTok algorithm analyzes the videos you watch, like, and share to identify patterns in your interests, enabling it to recommend similar content you may enjoy.
Q: Do I have to answer questions about my interests for the TikTok algorithm to work?
A: No, TikTok does not require users to fill out questionnaires. Instead, it collects interest data organically through user interactions within the app.
Q: How does the algorithm scale with over a billion users?
A: The application of AI and machine learning allows TikTok’s recommendation system to process data and learn user preferences in real-time across a vast user base.
Q: What happens if I like the same videos as other users?
A: When users share common interests in videos, the algorithm suggests additional content that has been liked by those users, thereby broadening the content available to you.
Q: Is there a formula used in the TikTok algorithm?
A: Yes, the algorithm uses mathematical formulas to convert interest signals into recommendations, utilizing pattern recognition to match users' preferences effectively.
