How TikTok Made Me Realize the Power of Community

TikTok has evolved beyond a simple social media platform—it’s now a space for community building, brand growth, and digital engagement. Through my experience on TikTok, I discovered how its features foster a strong sense of community while driving impactful marketing strategies. One key formula that has guided my content creation journey on TikTok is the HMC Formula:

• H: Hook (0.2 seconds) – Start with an engaging hook that grabs attention immediately.

• M: Message, Solve – Share a clear, valuable message that addresses a problem.

• C: Call to Action – Close with a compelling call to action that encourages interaction.

How TikTok Builds Communities

1. Hook: The Power of Discovery

TikTok's discovery algorithm prioritizes engaging and relevant content, leading to a 59% increase in user engagement compared to traditional platforms (TikTok Marketing Science, 2022). The platform thrives on its ability to connect users with new ideas, trends, and creators within the first few seconds of content exposure.

2. Message: Solving Problems & Providing Value

TikTok’s community thrives on value-driven content. For example, during the holiday season, users are 48% more likely to discover new products and make immediate purchases on TikTok compared to other platforms (TikTok Marketing Science, 2022). This shows the platform’s ability to serve users' needs while also supporting brands' goals.

3. Call to Action: Driving Engagement

A strong call to action is essential to encourage community interaction. TikTok's users are highly likely to act on prompts, with 87% buying gifts for themselves during holiday shopping events—12% higher than traditional platforms (TikTok Marketing Science, 2022).

4. Pro tip: Always read the comments (Social Listening)

Engaging with comments is a form of social listening that provides real-time insights into your audience's interests, needs, and opinions. By actively reading and responding to comments, you can better understand your community's feedback, allowing you to tailor your content accordingly and foster stronger relationships. Social listening not only boosts engagement but also helps you identify new trends and content ideas, making it a crucial part of community building on TikTok

Conclusion: Leveraging TikTok for Community Building

TikTok has taught me that community-building is about sparking genuine engagement and meeting users where they are. The HMC Formula works effectively not only for growing communities but also for achieving marketing goals.

References

TikTok Marketing Science. (2022). US Holiday Research 2022, conducted by Material. TikTok Inc.