The Best Practices for Running TikTok Challenges

Understanding TikTok Challenges

TikTok challenges have become a big part of how people engage on the platform. They involve a specific task, dance, or activity that people are encouraged to do, usually with a unique hashtag. These challenges can go viral fast, giving individuals or brands a chance to connect with a wider audience. If you’re looking to run your own TikTok challenge, knowing the best practices can help you get the results you want.

Keep It Simple and Fun

TikTok is all about quick, digestible content. If your challenge is too complex or requires a lot of steps, people will likely skip it. A simple concept that's easy to understand and execute has a much higher chance of going viral.

• Focus on a clear, easy task. If it involves a dance, keep the moves simple and catchy.
• Encourage creativity. While simplicity is key, leave some room for people to put their spin on the challenge.
• Avoid complicated rules. The fewer rules, the better. A simple, straightforward approach is always best.

Make It Relatable

Your challenge should resonate with a wide audience. If people can see themselves taking part, they're more likely to jump in. Think about what excites people or connects with them on an emotional level.

• Tap into trends. TikTok trends change quickly, so keep an eye on what’s popular and see if your challenge can tie into one of them.
• Relate to current events. Whether it’s a holiday, viral news, or something else in the cultural zeitgeist, tapping into that can make your challenge feel more relevant.
• Appeal to everyday experiences. Challenges that focus on real-life moments often get more attention than overly produced ideas.

Use a Catchy Hashtag

The hashtag is key to getting your challenge to spread. It makes your challenge easy to find and allows others to jump on the bandwagon. When creating a hashtag, make sure it's short, memorable, and unique.

• Keep it short and easy to spell. If people have trouble remembering or typing the hashtag, it’ll be harder to get traction.
• Ensure it’s unique. Check that your hashtag isn’t already in use for another challenge or brand.
• Make it relevant. Your hashtag should give people a hint about the challenge, but still leave enough to spark curiosity.

Set a Clear Call to Action

A clear call to action (CTA) will guide people on how to participate. If you don’t give clear instructions, they might not know how to get involved or what to do next.

• Explain the challenge clearly. In your video or post, briefly explain what the challenge is and how people can join.
• Encourage people to tag others. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ask participants to tag friends to keep the challenge going.
• Tell people how to use the hashtag. Make sure people know exactly how to use the hashtag to stay part of the challenge.

Leverage Influencers

Partnering with TikTok influencers can help get your challenge off the ground. Influencers already have a large following, and they know how to engage their audience effectively. By involving influencers, you increase the chance of your challenge going viral.

• Choose influencers that align with your brand or theme. Their followers will be more likely to join the challenge if it feels natural for them.
• Allow influencers creative freedom. Let them put their own spin on your challenge. This adds authenticity and can lead to a more organic connection with their audience.
• Track the influencer's success. Monitor how the influencer's content performs to see what worked and how you can improve.

Keep It Visual and Shareable

The most successful TikTok challenges are highly visual. People like to share things that are easy to look at, fun, and entertaining. Whether it’s through a dance, a funny moment, or an aesthetic visual, make sure your challenge is something people will want to share with their followers.

• Use bright colors or interesting settings. A visually appealing challenge stands out more and is more likely to be shared.
• Encourage creativity in video production. People love adding their personal touch to challenges, whether it’s through editing or unique locations.
• Use music wisely. TikTok is known for its music, so make sure your challenge involves a song that fits well with the mood of the challenge.

Make It Inclusive

A challenge that anyone can participate in is likely to get more traction. The more people who feel like they can take part, the more likely it is to grow.

• Avoid niche challenges. Challenges that are too specific or only appeal to a small group won’t get the same amount of attention as ones that appeal to a broader audience.
• Encourage all skill levels. Your challenge should be something anyone can try, whether they’re a seasoned TikTok creator or just someone having fun.
• Create opportunities for different types of content. Allow people to join in with whatever works for them—whether that’s through a dance, a funny moment, or a creative take on the challenge.

Provide Incentives

While TikTok is a platform driven by fun and creativity, a little incentive can go a long way in getting people to take part. If people feel like they have something to gain by participating, they’ll be more motivated.

• Offer rewards. Whether it’s a shout-out, a chance to be featured on a larger account, or even a small prize, a reward can get more people involved.
• Create a sense of competition. If appropriate, turn the challenge into a friendly competition with winners who get extra recognition.
• Be transparent about the incentives. Make it clear how people can earn rewards or recognition. The more transparent you are, the better.

Engage with Participants

Once people start taking part in your challenge, be sure to engage with them. Respond to comments, like their posts, and share the best submissions. The more you interact with participants, the more likely they are to continue engaging with your challenge and promoting it to their followers.

• Like and comment on participant videos. Showing appreciation can encourage more people to join.
• Share your favorite videos. Highlighting standout entries can help give them the attention they deserve and inspire others to join in.
• Keep the conversation going. Regularly engage with your challenge participants to keep the momentum high.

Time It Right

Timing is crucial when running a TikTok challenge. If you launch your challenge at the wrong time, it might get lost in the shuffle of other content. Look for the right time to make sure your challenge gets the attention it deserves.

• Launch during peak TikTok hours. Posting when most people are active can increase the chances of your challenge being seen.
• Take advantage of seasonal events. Holidays or events can be great times to launch a challenge, as people are already in the mood to engage with relevant content.
• Don’t wait too long to start promoting. Once you’ve launched your challenge, keep the momentum going by regularly sharing content that encourages people to participate.

Monitor the Challenge’s Performance

Once your challenge is live, it’s important to track how it’s performing. Monitoring the success of your challenge allows you to see what’s working and what isn’t. This can help you make adjustments and improve future challenges.

• Track the hashtag. Use TikTok’s analytics to monitor how often your hashtag is being used.
• Analyze engagement. Look at how many people are liking, commenting, and sharing challenge posts.
• Adjust if needed. If the challenge isn’t getting the response you hoped for, tweak your approach and try again.

Conclusion

Running a successful TikTok challenge doesn’t require an overly complex strategy. Focus on keeping it simple, fun, and engaging. With the right approach, your challenge can reach a large audience and bring in lots of participants. By following these best practices, you’ll have the tools you need to create a TikTok challenge that resonates with people and stands out on the platform.