Unlike older algorithms that recommend content based on long-term follow history, TikTok's model prioritizes recent engagement. This 'TikTokification' across platforms means algorithms can now find an audience for off-niche content if it aligns with a viewer's immediate, short-term interests.

While TikTok excels at creating one-off viral moments, it fails to provide tools for building a sustainable audience and business. Serious creators increasingly use the platform as a launchpad for initial exposure before migrating their audience to platforms like YouTube, which offer superior community-building and monetization features.

Due to the "TikTokification" of platforms, algorithms now favor a single piece of content's potential to engage anyone, regardless of who created it. This means sticking to a strict niche is no longer required for high views and reach, though it remains important for gaining followers.

The common frustration of being stuck at 200 views isn't a punishment. It's TikTok's algorithm testing your content on a small sample audience. This "safety zone" allows you to experiment and refine your skills without widespread visibility until you create something that resonates.

The new US-based TikTok entity faces a critical challenge beyond data security: content balkanization. Separating US users from the global content feed could severely diminish the app's value, as international creators are key to the user experience. This logistical problem of cross-border content sharing is a major hurdle.

The deal creating a U.S. entity for TikTok has 'spayed' the platform by removing its 'weapons grade' intelligence-gathering and propaganda algorithm. Lacking its original secret sauce, the new version will likely see its cultural dominance fade, eventually becoming a less relevant platform akin to Yahoo.

The algorithmic shift on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook towards short-form video has leveled the playing field. New creators can gain massive reach with a single viral video, an opportunity not seen in over a decade, akin to the early days of Facebook.

TikTok's key metric, "play duration," is a combination of watch time and finish rate. This means a 60-second video watched to completion is more valuable to the algorithm than a 5-minute video that viewers abandon halfway through. Aim for high completion percentages, not just length.

Adam Mosseri details TikTok's 'exploration-based ranking,' which systematically auditions new content by guaranteeing initial views (e.g., 100, then 1,000). This methodical system for surfacing hits from unknown creators has been adopted by Instagram and YouTube as the primary way to break new talent.