Tik Tok, as one of the most popular apps worldwide, not only tops the App Store download charts but also serves as a platform for global users to capture and share the beautiful moments of life. It is a hub for creative exchanges globally and provides businesses with direct access to consumers.

For cross-border sellers aiming to tap into Tik Tok’s international markets, mastering some professional operational skills is crucial, beyond just adapting the monetization methods from domestic platforms like Douyin. Here are six common pitfalls for beginners on Tik Tok that could help you navigate more smoothly in your operational journey.

Pitfall 1: Improper Product Selection

Many newcomers fail to understand that the shopping logic on Tik Tok is similar to that on Douyin, aimed at stimulating the desire to purchase. Successful Tik Tok creators can attract customers by sparking interest through their videos or ads. If the content fails to engage the users, it could lead to potential customer loss.

Pitfall 2: Overusing Mutual Follows and Likes

Many beginners try to meet platform requirements for live streaming or other features by mutually following and liking with friends. This practice might work short-term but can impair the account’s ability to reach more popular content and might even lead to throttling by the platform due to excessive mutual engagement.

Pitfall 3: Posting Too Long Videos

For beginners, creating long videos without sufficient creative and planning skills can be detrimental. Long videos require high quality and engagement to maintain viewer retention and to get recommended for trending spots.

Pitfall 4: Excessive Marketing

If the video content is too promotional, it might be rejected by the audience, leading to poor performance metrics and the account being categorized as low-quality marketing, which can result in throttling.

Pitfall 5: Inappropriate Content

Before posting, it is crucial to thoroughly check the video content for compliance with platform guidelines to avoid any inappropriate elements such as violence or gambling, ensure clarity, and avoid watermarks or third-party advertisements.

Pitfall 6: Misuse of Topic Tags

Many beginners either overlook the importance of tags or use too many irrelevant tags when posting videos, which can hinder video exposure. The correct approach is to combine account positioning with popular trends and choose appropriate tags to enhance video visibility.

By mastering these points and avoiding the listed pitfalls, you will be better equipped to operate your Tik Tok account effectively, become a proficient content creator, and successfully mine the international markets.