TikTok Glossary
Every TikTok term, feature, and slang explained. From FYP to Duet to Creator Fund.
A
Algorithm
The recommendation system that decides which videos appear on users' For You Pages. Factors include watch time, engagement, account settings, and content information.
B
Boosted Post
A video you've paid to promote to a wider audience through TikTok's advertising platform. Appears as 'Sponsored' in users' feeds.
C
Creator Fund
TikTok's official program that pays creators based on video views. Requires 10,000+ followers and 100,000+ views in the last 30 days. Pays approximately $0.02-$0.04 per 1,000 views.
Completion Rate
The percentage of viewers who watch your video to the end. A key metric for the algorithm—videos with high completion rates get pushed to more users.
D
Duet
A TikTok feature that allows you to create a video alongside another user's video, appearing side-by-side. Great for reactions, collaborations, and participating in trends.
Diamonds
Virtual currency earned from live gifts that can be converted to real money. 100 diamonds ≈ $0.50 USD after TikTok's cut.
E
Engagement Rate
A metric combining likes, comments, shares, and saves relative to views. Calculated as (Total Engagement / Views) × 100. Higher engagement = better algorithm performance.
F
FYP (For You Page)
The main discovery feed in TikTok where the algorithm shows personalized content to each user. Getting your video on someone's FYP is key to gaining views and followers.
G
Green Screen
A TikTok effect that lets you replace your background with an image or video. Popular for reactions, storytelling, and educational content.
GRWM (Get Ready With Me)
A popular content format where creators film themselves getting ready (makeup, outfit, etc.) while talking to their audience. Often combined with storytime content.
H
Hashtag Challenge
A viral trend where users create videos around a specific hashtag theme. Can be organic or sponsored by brands. Examples include dance challenges and themed content series.
Hook
The first 1-3 seconds of your video designed to capture attention and stop scrolling. Crucial for getting viewers to watch longer.
N
Niche
A specific topic or content category you focus on. Examples: fitness, cooking, comedy, beauty. Having a defined niche helps build a targeted audience.
O
Original Sound
Audio you create yourself for your video, which then becomes available for others to use. Viral original sounds can drive massive follower growth.
P
POV
Point of View—a video format where the creator acts out a scenario from a specific perspective, often addressed directly to the viewer. Example: 'POV: You're at your friend's house and their mom starts yelling.'
R
Repost
Sharing another user's video to your profile or feed, similar to retweeting. Helps spread content and show support for other creators.
S
Stitch
A feature that lets you clip and integrate scenes from another user's video into your own. Used for adding commentary, responses, or building on existing content.
Storytime
Videos where creators share personal stories, experiences, or anecdotes. Often dramatic or entertaining, designed to hook viewers and encourage watch time.
Shadowban
When TikTok limits your content's visibility without notification. Often caused by violating community guidelines or suspicious activity. Videos get fewer views than usual.
Sound
The audio component of a TikTok video, which can include music, voiceovers, or original audio. Sounds can be saved and reused by other creators.
T
Trending Sound
An audio clip (music, dialogue, or sound effect) that's currently popular and being used by many creators. Using trending sounds can increase your video's visibility.
TikTok Live
Real-time video streaming feature available to accounts with 1,000+ followers. Viewers can send virtual gifts that convert to real money.
TikTok coins
In-app currency viewers buy with real money to send virtual gifts during TikTok Live. Creators receive diamonds (roughly 50% of coin value), which convert to cash. Use our Gift Calculator to estimate earnings from coins and gifts.
TikTok Shop
E-commerce feature allowing creators and businesses to sell products directly through TikTok videos and profile. Includes affiliate program for commissions.
V
Viral
When a video spreads rapidly across TikTok, typically gaining hundreds of thousands or millions of views in a short time. Viral videos often appear on many users' FYPs.
W
Watch Time
The total amount of time viewers spend watching your video. Higher watch time signals quality content to the algorithm, increasing distribution.