You can earn $$$ without spending a cent on paid ads.

How? Organic TikToks. But, only if you know how to use them.

I took notes of what worked for me:

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1// Content

First of all, let’s discuss the actual content you’re about to film.

TikTok doesn’t like videos that feel like ads (or ads that feel like ads, for that matter).

The entire platform is built on fun, creativity, and engagement. To sell a product on TikTok, you first need to entertain.

The best performing content on TikTok is UGC-style videos. Actual people showing or using the actual product in real life.

If you start getting too salesy before building a following, it will backfire.

2// In-app editing

All of my TikToks edited in-app performed better than edits on software like Premiere.

TikTok is made for fun, organic, and entertaining content and has the filters and effects for it. Check trending videos in your niche to get a feeling of what edits could work best for you.

I recommend filming a vertical video with your regular phone camera, in case you make it lengthier. Then, you can simply transfer the video to TikTok and start editing.

The maximum length you’re allowed is 60 seconds, but I recommend sticking to short and catchy (15 to 20-something sec. maximum).

3// Lighting

Great lighting is crucial for shooting TikTok videos.

If you can, get one of those ring lights that you can move around as needed. It’s not a must, though.

To shoot without extra lights, you’ll have to use other lights and angles in your home, or simply take advantage of the Sun.

4// A hook

A great hook during the first 2-4 seconds is what makes or breaks your video.

The hook of a TikTok is like a headliner. It has to draw people in and catch their attention.

If your hook sucks, it doesn’t matter how good the rest of your video is because nobody will stick around long enough to watch it.

Remember Joseph Sugarman’s words in “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook”:

“The sole purpose of the first sentence in an advertisement is to get you to read the second sentence.”

The same applies to TikTok videos. The sole purpose of your first 2-3 seconds is to get people to continue watching the next 2-3 seconds.

And so on, until (hopefully) the very end of your TikTok.

5// Layers and effects

Use layers to place yourself in front of a different background or add multiple elements behind you.

I’ve seen videos go viral in a weird way:

- There’s a layered object behind the person
- Nobody can agree on what exactly it is
- Sparks a discussion in the commend section
- TikTok sees this as increased engagement
- The video goes viral quickly

Layers are powerful when used correctly. Explore them.

The same goes for tons of other native TikTok effects.

For instance, some of my robot voice TikToks performed much better than normal ones. Take a note of that.

6// Video preview

Before publishing a TikTok, you’ll be able to choose a part of the clip to use as a preview.

I recommend choosing one that shows the product if you’re selling one.

My trick is to write a few catchy words as a description (text overlay) that shows in the preview so that people know what video they’re opening when they’re scrolling your feed.

7// Niche

Don’t produce content for everyone. You can’t expect everyone to like you (on TikTok and in life).

If you haven’t chosen a specific product yet, you should still know the direction you’re heading or your broader niche.

When you start producing funny cat content, your audience will expect to see that on your feed.

And, later on, you’ll probably have the best success selling cat products to your audience (they likely have cats or pets in general).

So, make sure there’s a niche or a theme to your videos.

8// Trends

On TikTok discover, you can find trending sounds, hashtags, challenges, dances, effects, and similar.

If you can tie your product to any of these trends, you increase your virality chances by default.

When you’re working with organic TikToks, your best bet to sell is to go viral on FYP feeds.

You can find trending sounds directly on the app, or on this link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/65LdqYCLcsV0lJoxpeQ6fW

9// Sex sells

No, I’m not talking about thirst traps (unless you can somehow connect your product to them).

I’m just saying - TikTokers love aesthetically pleasing products but also humans.

Don’t underestimate the power of beautiful influencers when you’re doing outreach for product promotion.

This is a fact, so I had to mention it. Use it in a way that feels appropriate to your product.

10// Text overlay

Of course, TikTok is known for its audio and dances. But, there are still people who prefer to scroll with audio off.

To not lose this large portion of the audience, always place an overlay of text or closed captions to your videos.

Naturally, don’t cover your main product shots with the text overlay, but place it on-screen carefully.

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