Hard Truths for Aspiring Creators on TikTok

Everybody wants to become a creator on TikTok. Everyone wants to make videos, gain more followers, check them through the TikTok counter, and maybe even earn money through TikTok. But before you dream to be a TikTok creator, there are some hard truths you need to know. Because, if you are serious about becoming a creator, you need to be prepared for the reality too. Come on, let us be open about some hard truths that every aspiring TikTok creator should know.

1. Going Viral Doesn’t Guarantee Long-Term Success

Many creators want to go viral overnight. We understand how exciting it is, but to be honest, going viral overnight doesn’t mean you have got success. This is because TikTok’s algorithm constantly pushes only new content, so today’s viral video can be forgotten even the next day. And one viral video of yours doesn’t ensure your success. You need consistent, engaging content to build a loyal audience.

What to Do Instead?

  • Focus on consistent posting rather than focusing on going viral.
  • Try to maintain engagement even after you lose your viral fame.

2. TikTok’s Algorithm is Unpredictable

Have you ever wondered why some videos get more reach while others flop? Yeah, we can not predict the reason because the TikTok algorithm is unpredictable. And you should also know that you can’t always control what TikTok decides to show.

What to Do Instead?

  • Post consistently, even when your engagement is low.
  • Analyse now and then to see what works best.
  • Keep experimenting with different formats, sounds, and trends.

3. Content Creation is a Full-Time Job 

Many people are stepping into TikTok, thinking it can be a funny thing. But if you want real success on TikTok, you have to enter it completely. This means you have to take videos regularly and edit those videos. Apart from that, you should also start engaging with your audience. You will need to work really hard if you want to see any actual results.

What to Do Instead?

  • Create a content schedule to stay consistent.
  • Get to learn some basic editing techniques to make your videos look good.

4. Not Every Niche Works for Everyone

Some people see content related to beauty, and some want to watch fitness or lifestyle. This is where creators are going wrong! They want to try every niche just because of a niche. So try to understand that a popular niche doesn’t mean it will work for you. If you are not genuinely interested in your niche, you won’t get good results from it.

What to Do Instead?

  • Choose a niche that fits your personality, skills, and interests.
  • Don’t force yourself into a niche just because it’s trending.

5. Hate Comments Can’t be Stopped

No matter how positive or entertaining your content is, someone will always criticize you or have something negative to say. People may criticize your looks, voice, or even content. Some will also try to start arguments in your comments. And on the other hand, some will leave random hateful messages just because they want to create hatred.

What to Do Instead?

  • Ignore those comments and block trolls if you can not handle them.
  • Try to understand and take constructive criticism to improve yourself.
  • Focus on the supportive audience instead of focusing on the haters.

6. Monetization Isn’t Instant

Many new creators think they will start making money as soon as they step into TikTok. But TikTok’s Creator Fund and brand deals do not help you as quickly as you think. It takes time to start earning from TikTok.

What to Do Instead?

  • Explore different monetization options.
  • Build a strong personal brand to attract collaborations.
  • Use TikTok to drive traffic to other income streams.

7. Trends Move Fast

We all know that TikTok trends come and go as quickly as possible. It means what is popular today may not be popular tomorrow. So, if you fail to stay updated, your content can become outdated. You need to be quick to the trend.

What to Do Instead?

  • Spend some time on the For You Page to see what is trending.
  • Follow popular creators in your niche to spot trends early.
  • Put your own style on trends.

8. Being Real Matters

Trends are amazing, but if you copy what others are doing, you will fail to stand ahead of the competition. You need to develop your own style and personality. Apart from that, you need to be yourself to attract loyal followers. 

What to Do Instead?

  • Add your own style to trends.
  • Experiment with new ideas and formats instead of only following trends.

9. Not Everyone Will Support You

Come on, be practical; even some of your friends and family will not sometimes take a moment to like your TikTok videos. You might hear things like. The hard truth is you will have to ignore others and believe in yourself first.

What to Do Instead?

  • Surround yourself with other creators. Check their real followers through the TikTok Counter app to get more information. 
  • Stay focused on your own goals.
  • Keep going, even when no one else is supporting you.

10. Patience is Needed

You would have now understood that success on TikTok doesn’t happen overnight. Know that, most of the successful creators have spent months posting content consistently before they become popular. If you give up too soon, you will never see success.

What to Do Instead?

  • Keep experimenting with your content until you find what works.
  • Stay consistent.

Wrap-Up

TikTok is an amazing platform for creators, but it requires a lot of effort. You need patience and consistency if you are serious about growing as a creator. Understand these hard truths and stay consistent to get what you truly want!

February 15, 2025