TikTok has come a long way in so short a time (just over 4 years). The much-loved platform is one of the only Chinese social networks to gain high approval in the western community and the world as a whole. It has a user base of over 800 million as of 2019, and an expected 1 billion in 2020. It is fascinating how far a 15-second video can go, and how many views and engagements it can attract on TikTok.
In this tutorial, we are going to reveal how to get from zero to millions of fans and how to get a verified account on TikTok.
With some 800 million-plus users, it is apparent that carving out a unique identity on this global video-sharing attraction that is TikTok isn’t as easy as it may sound. With high profile names already creating some exceptional attention-grabbing content and achieving millions of views, taking your place among such elites will require guts, skill, and these tips to get you going.
What is a TikTok Verified Badge?
Whenever a TikToker produces incredibly entertaining content, be it a stunt craft, a funny lip-sync, amazing dancing clip or any entertaining content with a set range of views, they can get rewarded with a verified badge. This badge is an indicator that such a creator has surpassed the mediocre benchmark and gained entry into the league of elites. It is, essentially, a medal of honour, used to acknowledge exceptional creativity. The verified badge is also an instant indicator of a high-ranking creator and serves as an authenticator of high profile accounts. This is especially important among celebrities or official pages for organisations where authenticity is of utmost importance.
Not only does the verified badge offer recognition of quality and skill, but it also shines the popularity spotlight on the creator. It is a simple, yet veiled, effort-rewarding system wherein a creator strives to get many views to receive a badge of honour and get more views. This is obviously why many TikTokers vie for verification, and if that is your desire, be sure to check out these pro tips to having your account verified on TikTok.
Difference Between Popular Creator and Verified Account Status
Popular creator badge is a badge of recognition given to profiles that have attained at least a set amount of followers, and do post content that attracts a lot of views, likes and shares. This is done automatically by the TikTok team, who regularly check profiles that meet the criteria, so you can be sure you’ll get it when you qualify (probably after you’ve read and applied these pro tips)
Verified accounts are distinguishable by a small blue badge with a checkmark on the profile. In the past, this was a little crown icon, but has now been replaced by a verified checkmark and the text “Verified Account”. The blue tick appears right next to the usernames as well as within follower lists. The type of verified account shows up next to the checkmark on TikTok profiles.
Know this: though many of the Verified profiles belong to celebrities and pop stars, you too can rise and take your place among the stars.
Requirements for a Verified Account
To be eligible for verified account status, one must be cleared in four areas. Getting all these right puts you in a sweet spot with TikTok to receive the Verified Account.
Authenticity
The first requirement to validate is authenticity. You must have a legitimate TikTok account first (duh!). To climb up the ladder, you must first have the ladder.
Uniqueness
For this, you must ask yourself, “What makes me unique? What makes my content stand out?” Whilst it is generally OK to draw inspiration from your favourite creators, you must be careful of imitations and copy-catting others’ gigs. Find what works for you (and the audience) and carve out your own identity, so that your uniqueness will engrave a lasting impression on your viewers.
Activity
Getting verified on TikTok doesn’t take a one-hit-wonder. No matter how eye-catching a particular content may be, it wouldn’t get you a verification status unless you prove to be very active on the platform. So let your presence be felt on the platform and as you prove activity over a length of time, the fruits of a verified account will abound.
Adherence to Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
This is a no brainer; you must play by the rules of the game. Know the rules; know the terms; master the code and abide by them. Your activities must, in no way, breach the community policy or terms of service and you’d be good to go. Be sure to play fair and clean.
Pro Tips to Getting a Verified Account on TikTok
First things first: there is no straightforward way to verify a TikTok account; you can’t just follow some quick steps and attain verification (unless you’re already a rock star, popular movie actor or model, in which case the rules may favour you). It all depends on your popularity, the quality of your videos, and the engagement they create. Verified accounts are awarded by TikTok.
That said, here are some pro tips to help you get a verified account on TikTok.
Follow the Right Channel
First of all, you must be ready to get verified the right way, via the right channel. Trying to bypass the official route for verification may prove futile and abortive, and even discrediting. You might even lose your account if found doubtful and malicious.
Some sites claim to offer verification on TikTok without the sweat. Don’t fall for such! Work your way to the top.
Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree with this. If there is a working legit workaround towards verification.
Produce High-Quality Videos
With millions of veterans and captivating content being uploaded daily, you must be ready to go the extra mile to have your content stand out and not get lost in oblivion. Pay attention to the details. Remember, no one wants to see blurry or poorly lighted videos. To make sure your videos are of the standard to captivate and grab attention. Just a little extra effort can go a long way. It is just a few seconds of content, so make it count.
Upgrade your Tools
Though tools may not define the craft, Pro Tools can make a world’s difference in your videos and help you stand out from the crowd. You’d be amazed the returns you’d get on using a tripod to keep the occasional shaking at bay, or top-notch lighting and editing facilities. Remember, the TikToker is only as good as his tools.
Produce with the end-user devices in mind
Whilst it is true and non-refutable that the web version of TikTok has gained some popularity over the past years, the mobile app remains the most widely used. As such, content creation should have the end-user device in mind – the mobile phone. For computers, a horizontal (landscape) video will be more appropriate and easily accommodated by the computer screen. However, for mobile phones, vertical (portrait) videos will be much easier to view, and user-friendly as no screen rotation is required. Being user friendly is a quality that will get more views, and consequently, bolster your chances of getting verified.
Acquire verification on other Social Media Platforms
This helps to build your creativity CV and speeds up your chances of getting verification from TikTok. So, also strive to get verified on other social platforms like Twitter, YouTube, etc., and link them to your TikTok Account.
Indulge New Challenges
Engage new challenges. Don’t get stuck in the frenzy of thinking you’ve already attained. Expand your thinking “outside the box” and don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember, your comfort zone isn’t conducive for progress. So, engage new challenges.
Be updated with the Interests and Trends
Trends come and go, and you should be updated on the interests of the season. If viewers are more into comedy gigs, for example, then making a sporting video may not get you the engagement you desire. So, do your research on what’s popular and trending; decipher why the big names get the big game and try to apply those techniques used in featured content on your work. You can find featured content on TikTok’s home page. Tap the home icon from the main screen to visit it, then tap “For you” or “Featured”.
Be Consistent at What You Do
Don’t be that TikToker who posts content once-in-a-while or when you feel like it. Create a system where you post content regularly. When you have a timetable for uploading content, it keeps your viewers hooked, as they know you will not fail to entertain them. With consistency, you can steadily build your fan base.
It helps to use the same username on TikTok as you do on other social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. This branding technique can help you round up your followers from other platforms to TikTok and takes you many steps closer to attaining your goal of a verified account.
Have Fun
TikTok is all about entertainment. So be sure to have fun as you engage on TikTok. Aim your content to entertain and be sure they entertain you as well. Remember, you can’t give out what you don’t have. You can’t spread fun you don’t have.
So there you have it, folks! With these tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of getting verified on TikTok, and finally, fulfil your dream of becoming a superstar.