How to Grow on TikTok in 2025 (According to Science)

Introduction

The social media landscape is ever-evolving, and TikTok is at the forefront of that change. With new data provided by Metrol, we now have insights into which post formats work best, optimal video lengths, engagement rates, and more, all aimed at helping you grow your TikTok account in 2025.

Understanding the Data Set

Metrol analyzed over 87,000 personal and professional TikTok accounts, reviewing more than 1 million videos and 73,000 images and carousels. A unique aspect of this study is the differentiation between personal and professional accounts, allowing for tailored insights based on your account type.

Posting Frequency

One of the most common misconceptions about TikTok is that you need to post multiple times a day to gain traction. However, the data from Metrol suggest otherwise.

• Professional accounts with over 50,000 followers post approximately 6.67 times per week, while personal accounts in the same category post about 5.96 times per week.
• On the other hand, tiny accounts tend to post only once or twice a week.

This indicates that while frequency matters, it's more about consistency rather than quantity.

Optimal Video Length

Video length can greatly affect engagement and views. According to the findings:

• Videos between 2 to 5 minutes garner the highest number of views.
• This is followed by videos of 1 to 2 minutes and 5 to 10 minutes.
• In contrast, very short videos (under 60 seconds) tend to perform poorly in terms of views.

It's essential to focus on delivering valuable content. Users appreciate content that provides genuine insight rather than quick snappy clips.

Engagement Rates

Engagement is a critical metric, particularly if you aim to collaborate with brands. Here’s a breakdown of average engagement rates based on account size:

• Tiny accounts: <4%
• Small accounts: 4.41%
• Medium accounts: 4.14%
• Big accounts: 5.1%
• Huge accounts: 5.84%

Interestingly, personal accounts see slightly higher engagement rates than professional accounts, which is something to consider when choosing the type of account to create.

Traffic Sources

Understanding where your views come from can help in strategizing your content:

• Approximately 63-78% of all video views come from the For You page, depending on account size.
• Smaller accounts also see a noteworthy percentage of traffic—about 5.95%—coming from search results.

Leveraging SEO within your content can help the tiny accounts poorly reliant on the follower base.

Best Times to Post

Timing your posts can influence visibility. According to Metrol:

• Saturday early hours (like 3:00 AM) and late Monday morning are hot times.
• Posting during lunch hours (e.g., 1 PM) and evenings (around 5 PM to 11 PM) also tends to result in higher engagement.

Additional Insights on Content Formats

While TikTok primarily focuses on videos, the study also revealed data on carousels and images. Professional accounts see an engagement rate of 5.85% for carousels, while personal accounts score 7.06%. Though carousels are posted infrequently (about once a week), they can yield significant engagement when they do.

Takeaways and Best Practices

1. Video Length: Aim for 2 to 5-minute videos to maximize views.
2. Posting Strategy: Consistency matters more than quantity—focus on posting quality content.
3. SEO Optimization: Ensure your keywords are present in your profile and content.
4. Engagement: Aim for higher engagement rates by posting content that resonates with your audience.
5. Community Building: Foster a loyal following by encouraging interaction and creating community-centric content.

These insights from Metrol's research can guide you in refining your TikTok strategy for 2025. Remember, the key to growth is quality content that serves your audience's needs.

---

Keywords

TikTok, video length, engagement rates, posting frequency, community building, SEO, content strategies, user interaction, Metrol report.

---

FAQ

1. How often should I post on TikTok for growth?

• Professional accounts with over 50,000 followers typically post about 6.67 times per week, while smaller accounts may only post once or twice a week. Consistency is crucial.

2. What is the best length for TikTok videos?

• Videos between 2 to 5 minutes receive the highest average views. Shorter clips under 60 seconds tend to perform poorly.

3. When is the best time to post on TikTok?

• The best times include early Saturday mornings around 3 AM and late Monday mornings. Posting during lunchtime and evenings is also effective.

4. How can I improve my engagement rates on TikTok?

• Focus on creating valuable content that resonates with your audience, utilizes SEO optimization, and encourages community interactions.

5. Do carousels and images perform well on TikTok?

• While less frequently posted, carousels can yield significant engagement, with personal accounts seeing an average engagement rate of 7.06%.