There’s no denying that TikTok has a compelling appeal for aspiring creators. Whether it’s a broad content creator like Charli D’maelio or a niche “plantfluencer” creator like Garden Marcus, TikTok is an important tool for any creator.

Still, such a popular app can be incredibly intimidating for new creators. Luckily, we’ve put together a proven strategy to get your first 1,000 followers on TikTok. Below we’ll show you how to master this angle with flying colors and what you need to do before you cross the divine 1K mark.

Why the First 1000 are so Important?

Once you have a network, it will grow naturally as long as you take the initiative to build an engaged community. Your first thousand followers will be the hardest to get because you will have to be your advocate and place enormous value on your sympathizers.

It is much easier to grow when you have others to help you validate your personality. Your first thousand followers lay the foundation for your future success and that is why finding your way on the internet takes a lot of time, effort, energy, and discipline.

How to Get Your First 1000 Followers on TikTok?

Here are 6 key principles that will guarantee you get your first 1000 followers on TikTok.

1. Consistency Is Key 

The algorithm is based on density and rewards you for showing up as often as possible. This means that you should try to post valuable content related to your niche daily. This may be the most difficult learning experience that comes with TikTok, but trust the process and know that, like any other skill, it will get easier once you master it.

2. Provide Value

All content you create should inform, entertain, or inspire your followers. Try to imagine what you, as a stoner, would like to bookmark or engage with, and focus on that type of content. There will even be posts that provide more value than others simply because you have a large amount of content to publish, but the more value you can provide, the faster you will grow.

3. Target the Followers You Want

Target your desired followers by curating and aggregating videos within your content niche. With this type of content, you do not have to come up with your idea and you automatically end up with the followers of the creator in question.

4. Join the Community

The more you share with others, the more love you get views on TikTok content. Being a member of the community not only means engagement, but it can also help you find collaborations with like-minded creators. You also have to be a consumer of the app to know what is trending.

5. Learn From Others

Learn from other makers in your community. What kind of hashtags do they use? Which videos generate the most traction? Use these tasks to strengthen your content strategy. Be both consumer and creator.

6. Understand the FYP

TikTok is unique in that it is primarily structured around FYP, which focuses on a certain level of chronicity. This means that the people you see in this algorithmically curated feed are completely different from day to day, and the actual likelihood of content you create is relatively small compared to the content others see.

That’s why you need to produce content in bulk. The more content you produce, the less likely you are to end up on the FYP. Use your analytics to see which content channels are landing on the FYP and try to create more of that kind of content.

You’ve Reached Your First 1000 Followers on TikTok, What Now?

Congratulations! You made it to the promised land. Now it’s time for the real work to start. Here are 5 key actions to take once you pass 1000 followers on TikTok.

1. Take Ownership of Your Data 

It’s important to have a strong follower channel so you can track what content is driving change. A central link in memoirs like Koj is important not only because it can provide you with this valuable data, but also because it serves as a treasure trove that allows fans to interact with your external content without leaving TikTok.

Use the Analytics tab to see which posts drive the most engagement and change with your fanbase.

2. Get to Know Your Fanbase

If you’re suspicious, ask some of your fans what they’re looking for or why they followed you in the first place, and they’ll make it happen. However, if this portends the future, this strategy is perfect for taking you to the next place while communicating directly with your followers.

3. Create Virtual Gestures for Your Fanbase

It’s important to get to know your fanbase better to build a more lasting connection. Create spaces where your fans can learn more about you and connect with you as a person and a brand. This could be the ‘Ask Me Anything’ exercise or challenging you about ‘Dare Me’.

4. Find Your Monetization Opportunities

Passive income from viewers or sponsorships is great, but these forms of income are fleeting and can be destroyed by the algorithm. Develop your forms of reliable monetization to protect yourself as a creator. This could include accepting paid shoutouts for your fans or setting up a gated photo and video store to provide your audience with exclusive monetized content.

5. Rinse and Repeat

It may be tempting to quit when you reach a certain milestone in your social media journey, but resist the urge and stay focused. As long as you stay committed and adapt to the needs of your community, there’s no reason why you can’t succeed as a full-time maker.

Getting your first 1,000 followers on TikTok isn’t easy, but with the help of these strategies, it’s certainly within your reach. Have fun creating your personalized content strategy!