---
name: tiktok-creator
description: |
  Short-form video mastery covering hook techniques, trending format adaptation, hashtag strategy, posting schedule optimization, algorithm understanding, cross-posting workflows, brand deal acquisition, and TikTok Shop integration. Use when the user asks about tiktok creator or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "tiktok social-media marketing content-marketing"
  category: "marketing-sales"
  subcategory: "seo-growth"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Tiktok Creator

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to tiktok creator.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on tiktok creator
- User asks about tiktok creator best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to tiktok creator

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of tiktok creator

## Questions to Ask First

Before creating TikTok content strategically, clarify these:

1. What is your primary goal on TikTok? (Brand awareness, lead generation, product sales, creator fund revenue, brand deals)
2. What niche or topic area will you focus on? Can you name 5 content pillars?
3. Who is your target audience? Age, interests, problems, aspirations?
4. Are you comfortable appearing on camera, or do you prefer faceless content?
5. What skills or knowledge do you have that are inherently visual or demonstrable?
6. How much time daily can you dedicate to creating and engaging on TikTok?
7. Do you have existing content on other platforms to repurpose?
8. What TikTok creators in your space do you study? What makes their content work?
9. Do you have a product or service to sell, or are you building toward monetization?
10. What equipment do you have? (Phone, ring light, microphone, tripod)

## Hook Techniques: The First 3 Seconds

The first 3 seconds determine whether a viewer stays or swipes. TikTok's algorithm tracks this ruthlessly.

### Hook Categories

**1. Pattern Interrupt Hooks**
- Unexpected visual (dropping something, sudden movement, unusual setting)
- Jarring statement: "I got fired for this."
- Breaking the fourth wall: Start mid-sentence, as if the viewer just walked in

**2. Curiosity Gap Hooks**
- "Nobody talks about this, but..."
- "Here's what happens when you..."
- "I tried [thing] for 30 days. Day 1 vs Day 30."
- Show the end result first, then cut to "here's how"

**3. Direct Value Hooks**
- "3 things I wish I knew before..."
- "Stop doing [common mistake]. Do this instead."
- "The [audience] starter pack that actually works"
- "POV: you finally learn how to..."

**4. Emotional Hooks**
- Share a vulnerable moment (authenticity wins on TikTok)
- React to something with genuine emotion
- "The moment I realized..."
- Nostalgic references that trigger shared experiences

**5. Controversy/Debate Hooks**
- "Unpopular opinion: [hot take]"
- "I don't care what anyone says, [statement]"
- "This is going to make some people angry"
- Warning: Use sparingly, must be genuine, not manufactured rage-bait

### Hook Testing Framework

Create 3 versions of the same video with different hooks. Post them 48 hours apart. Compare:
- Watch time (most important)
- Completion rate
- Comments (engagement quality)
- Shares (strongest signal of value)

The hook that keeps viewers longest wins. Use that pattern for your next 5 videos.

## Trending Formats and How to Adapt Them

### Identifying Trends Early

**Where to spot trends:**
1. TikTok's Discover page (trending sounds and hashtags)
2. TikTok Creative Center (official trend data)
3. Your For You Page (what's appearing repeatedly)
4. Competitor accounts (what are they trying?)
5. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts (trends cross-pollinate)

### Trend Adoption Framework

```
Spot trend (Day 0)
  --> Analyze why it works (Day 0-1)
    --> Adapt to your niche (Day 1)
      --> Film and post within 48 hours of spotting
        --> Too late after 7-10 days for most trends
```

### Evergreen Formats That Always Work

| Format | Structure | Why It Works |
|--------|-----------|-------------|
| Before/After | Show transformation | Visual proof, satisfying |
| Day in My Life | Time-lapse of activities | Voyeuristic appeal |
| Tutorial | Step-by-step on screen | Pure value delivery |
| Storytime | Narrative with text overlay | Emotional engagement |
| Get Ready With Me | Doing something while talking | Casual, approachable |
| Stitch/Duet | React to another video | Borrowed audience |
| Green Screen | You over a background image | Commentary format |
| POV | Acting out a scenario | Relatable humor |
| List Reveal | Counting down items | Keeps viewers watching |
| Challenge | Attempting something specific | Participatory energy |

### Niche-Specific Format Adaptation

Whatever the trending format, ask these questions:
1. How does this format's structure translate to my niche?
2. What is MY version of this trend?
3. Can I add unique value while using the trending sound/format?
4. Will my audience find this relevant, or am I forcing it?

**Rule**: Only jump on trends you can authentically connect to your niche. Forced trend participation looks desperate.

## Hashtag Strategy

### The Hashtag Stack (Use 3-6 Per Post)

```
Layer 1 (1-2 tags):  Broad/trending    #fyp #viral #trending
Layer 2 (2-3 tags):  Niche-specific    #smallbusinesstips #bakingfromscratch
Layer 3 (1-2 tags):  Ultra-specific    #sourdoughstarter #homebakerycost
Optional:            Branded hashtag   #[yourbrand]challenge
```

### Hashtag Research Process

1. Search your niche keyword on TikTok
2. Note the hashtags top creators in your niche use
3. Check view counts on hashtags (10M-500M is the sweet spot)
4. Avoid hashtags with 1B+ views (too competitive, you'll drown)
5. Track which hashtags correlate with your best-performing videos
6. Rotate hashtags -- don't use the same exact set every time

### Hashtag Mistakes

- Using only mega-hashtags (#fyp has billions of posts)
- Using 15+ hashtags (looks spammy, clutters caption)
- Using irrelevant trending hashtags (algorithm detects mismatch)
- Never changing your hashtag strategy (algorithm may shadow-limit)

## Posting Schedule Optimization

### Optimal Posting Frequency

| Growth Phase | Posts Per Day | Why |
|-------------|--------------|-----|
| Launch (first 30 days) | 1-3 | Test content types, feed the algorithm data |
| Growth (30-90 days) | 1-2 | Quality over quantity, refine what works |
| Established (90+ days) | 1 (consistently) | Maintain momentum without burnout |
| Scaling | 1 main + 1-2 repurposed | Different angles on proven topics |

### Best Posting Times (General Guidelines)

The best time is when YOUR audience is online (check TikTok analytics after 1,000 followers). General patterns:

- **Weekday mornings**: 7-9 AM (commute scrolling)
- **Lunch breaks**: 12-1 PM
- **Evening wind-down**: 7-10 PM (highest overall activity)
- **Weekends**: 10 AM - 12 PM (lazy morning scrolling)

### The Content Calendar Framework

```
Week 1 Plan:
  Monday:    Educational (tutorial or tip) - highest value
  Tuesday:   Trend adaptation - ride current wave
  Wednesday: Storytelling (personal narrative)
  Thursday:  Behind-the-scenes / raw content
  Friday:    Engagement post (question, poll, challenge)
  Saturday:  Repurposed/remix of best performer this week
  Sunday:    Batch film next week's content
```

## Algorithm Understanding

### How TikTok's Algorithm Distributes Content

```
Phase 1: Initial pool (200-500 views)
  Algorithm tests: Watch time, completion rate, replays

Phase 2: Expanded pool (1,000-10,000 views)
  Algorithm tests: Shares, comments, follows from video

Phase 3: Broader distribution (10,000-100,000 views)
  Algorithm tests: Sustained engagement ratios at scale

Phase 4: Viral (100,000+ views)
  Only if engagement ratios hold at each expansion phase
```

### The Signals That Matter Most (Ranked)

1. **Watch time / completion rate**: The single most important metric
2. **Rewatch rate**: Viewers watching again signals high value
3. **Shares**: Strongest positive signal (viewer vouching for your content)
4. **Comments**: Especially lengthy, meaningful comments
5. **Follows from video**: Viewer wants more after seeing this
6. **Saves**: Viewer intends to return to this content
7. **Likes**: Weakest signal, but still positive

### Algorithm-Friendly Content Practices

- **Loop your videos**: Make the ending connect back to the beginning (drives rewatches)
- **Encourage comments**: Ask a question, create debate, use "comment if..."
- **Create save-worthy content**: Tutorials, lists, references people bookmark
- **Reply to comments with video**: Generates new content and engagement
- **Post consistently**: The algorithm favors active creators
- **Use TikTok's native features**: Effects, sounds, stitches, duets all signal platform loyalty

### What Hurts Your Algorithm Standing

- Deleting videos frequently (signals low quality)
- Long periods of inactivity
- Watermarks from other platforms (Instagram Reels logo, etc.)
- Extremely low engagement ratios
- Reported content or community guideline violations
- Posting identical content repeatedly

## Cross-Posting Strategy

### Platform Adaptation Guide

| Original (TikTok) | Instagram Reels | YouTube Shorts | Notes |
|-------------------|----------------|---------------|-------|
| Vertical 9:16 | Same | Same | Same aspect ratio everywhere |
| TikTok watermark | Remove or re-upload | Remove or re-upload | Platforms penalize competitor watermarks |
| TikTok sounds | May not transfer | May not transfer | Re-add music natively on each platform |
| Hashtags | Fewer, different set | Different set | Each platform has different hashtag dynamics |
| Caption style | Can be longer on IG | Short for YT Shorts | Adapt captions to platform norms |

### Cross-Posting Workflow

```
1. Film content WITHOUT any platform-specific elements
2. Edit in a platform-agnostic tool (CapCut, InShot)
3. Export clean version (no watermarks)
4. Upload natively to TikTok first (primary platform)
5. Upload to Instagram Reels within 24 hours (different caption)
6. Upload to YouTube Shorts within 24 hours (different title)
7. Optionally: Create a carousel version for Instagram feed
8. Optionally: Extract audio for podcast or Twitter clip
```

### Tools for Cross-Posting

- **CapCut**: Edit once, export without watermarks
- **Later** or **Buffer**: Schedule across platforms
- **Repurpose.io**: Auto-distribute to multiple platforms
- **Canva**: Create static versions for LinkedIn/Twitter

## Brand Deals and Monetization

### Monetization Milestones

| Follower Count | Revenue Opportunities |
|---------------|----------------------|
| 0-1,000 | Affiliate links, own product promotion |
| 1,000-10,000 | Micro-influencer deals ($100-500/post), TikTok Creator Fund |
| 10,000-50,000 | Brand partnerships ($500-2,000/post), TikTok Shop |
| 50,000-100,000 | Significant brand deals ($2,000-5,000/post) |
| 100,000-500,000 | Major partnerships ($5,000-20,000/post) |
| 500,000+ | Enterprise deals ($20,000-100,000+ per campaign) |

### Rate Card Framework

```
Base rate calculation:
  Followers x $0.01-0.05 = per-post starting rate

Adjustments:
  + 50-100% for exclusive content (can't post elsewhere)
  + 25-50% for usage rights (brand uses your content in their ads)
  + 25% for tight deadlines (under 1 week)
  + Variable for whitelisting (brand runs your content as paid ad)

Deliverables to define:
  - Number of posts (1 video, 3-video series, etc.)
  - Revision rounds included (1-2 standard)
  - Usage rights duration (30 days, 90 days, perpetual)
  - Exclusivity period (can't work with competitors for X days)
  - Content approval timeline
```

### Pitching Brands (Proactive Outreach)

```
Subject: TikTok Partnership Proposal - [Your Handle]

Hi [Brand Contact],

I'm [Your Name], a TikTok creator with [follower count] followers in the
[niche] space. My audience is primarily [demographic] who are interested
in [relevant interest to brand].

My content averages [average views] views per video with a [engagement rate]%
engagement rate. My audience demographic closely aligns with your target
customer.

I have an idea for a [type of content] featuring [product/brand] that I
believe would resonate with my audience while authentically showcasing
[specific benefit of their product].

Attached is my media kit with detailed analytics. I'd love to discuss
a partnership.

[Your Name]
[TikTok handle with link]
[Media kit attachment]
```

### FTC Disclosure Requirements

- All sponsored content MUST be disclosed
- Use #ad or #sponsored in the caption (visible without clicking "more")
- TikTok's branded content toggle must be enabled
- Verbal disclosure in the video is best practice
- "Thank you to [brand] for sponsoring" is sufficient
- Failure to disclose can result in FTC fines and platform penalties

## TikTok Shop

### Setting Up TikTok Shop

1. Apply through TikTok Shop Seller Center
2. Requirements vary by region (typically 1,000+ followers for affiliate)
3. Connect your product catalog or choose affiliate products
4. Product links appear as orange shopping bag icons on videos

### TikTok Shop Content Strategy

- **Product showcase videos**: Demonstrate the product in use
- **Unboxing/review format**: Authentic reactions drive trust
- **Comparison videos**: Your product vs alternatives
- **Behind-the-scenes**: How the product is made (if applicable)
- **Live shopping**: Real-time product demonstrations with buy links

### Affiliate vs Own Products

| Model | Commission | Control | Best For |
|-------|-----------|---------|----------|
| Affiliate (others' products) | 5-30% | Low | Creators without own products |
| Own products | 100% (minus fees) | Full | Creators with physical/digital goods |
| Hybrid | Variable | Medium | Diversified revenue approach |

## Content Production Workflow

### Batch Filming Process

```
Preparation (30 min):
  - Review content calendar for the week
  - Gather props, outfits, products needed
  - Set up filming area (lighting, background, phone mount)

Filming Session (2-3 hours):
  - Film 7-10 videos in one session
  - Change outfits between videos (looks like different days)
  - Film multiple takes of each hook (test different openings)
  - Capture extra B-roll for future use

Post-Production (1-2 hours):
  - Edit all videos (CapCut or TikTok native editor)
  - Add text overlays, music, transitions
  - Write captions and select hashtags
  - Schedule uploads across the week
```

### Equipment Essentials

| Item | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|------|--------------|---------------|
| Phone | Any phone from last 3 years | iPhone Pro (best video quality) |
| Tripod | $15 phone tripod | DJI OM gimbal ($120) |
| Lighting | Window + $20 ring light | Elgato Key Light ($180) |
| Microphone | Phone mic + quiet room | Rode Wireless Go II ($300) |
| Background | Clean wall, simple setup | Aesthetic set design |

## Analytics and Iteration

### Key Metrics to Track Weekly

| Metric | What It Tells You | Action If Low |
|--------|------------------|---------------|
| Average watch time | Content quality | Improve hooks, shorten videos |
| Completion rate | Pacing and value | Cut filler, tighten edit |
| Share rate | Viral potential | Create more share-worthy content |
| Follow rate | Profile appeal | Optimize bio, pin best videos |
| Comment rate | Engagement depth | Ask questions, create debate |
| Profile views | Content driving curiosity | Ensure bio converts to follow |

### The Testing Mindset

- Every video is an experiment
- Track what works in a simple spreadsheet: topic, format, hook type, performance
- Double down on formats that work, abandon what doesn't
- Test one variable at a time (hook style, video length, posting time)
- 1 in 10 videos will outperform -- that is normal, not failure

## Common Mistakes

1. **Overthinking production quality**: Raw, authentic content often outperforms polished content
2. **Copying trends without adding your niche angle**: Trend + unique perspective = growth
3. **Posting inconsistently**: The algorithm rewards daily or near-daily activity
4. **Ignoring comments**: Reply to every comment in the first hour after posting
5. **Not studying your analytics**: Data tells you exactly what your audience wants
6. **Giving up after 30 days**: Most creators see real traction at 60-90 days of consistent posting
7. **Using TikTok like Instagram**: Aesthetics matter less than energy, authenticity, and hooks
8. **Not having a clear niche**: "A little bit of everything" accounts grow slowly
9. **Deleting underperforming videos**: Leave them up -- they can resurface weeks later
10. **Ignoring audio quality**: Bad audio kills watch time even on short-form content


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Tiktok Creator deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with tiktok creator for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete tiktok creator framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
