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In the fast-paced world of TikTok, content creators are constantly innovating to capture the audience’s attention. While the app is flooded with diverse content, some influencers employ subtle tactics that go unnoticed by viewers but keep them glued to the screen.
The ‘Lip Gloss Tactic’
One such strategy, known as the “lip gloss tactic,” involves creators starting their videos by applying lip gloss, a move seemingly unrelated to the content they discuss. But this seemingly simple act is an effective way to hook viewers. Julia Broome, a social media manager, is among those who use this tactic, and she’s not alone. It’s a subliminal technique that subtly draws viewers in without them even realizing it.
@juliabroome Replying to @Michelle Onorato …who already knew this 👀😏💄 #socialmediatips #socialmediahooks #lipglosstactic ♬ Le Monde – Richard Carter
However, the lip gloss tactic is just one of several engagement strategies employed by TikTok influencers. Others include strategically positioning the camera to create the illusion of spontaneity, incorporating audio elements like bracelets that produce satisfying sounds (A.S.M.R.), and ensuring physical movement during video recording to keep the content dynamic.
Behind the power of engagement
The allure of these tactics lies in their ability to make viewers feel a personal connection with the content creators. It’s as if the influencer is having a one-on-one conversation with the viewer, making the content more relatable. For Michelle Onorato, a hospitality marketing professional, these tactics create a sense of intimacy akin to a FaceTime call.
What’s interesting is that not all influencers using the lip gloss tactic are selling cosmetics. They employ it as an attention-grabbing hook to drive engagement while discussing completely unrelated topics. Viewers often find themselves distracted by questions about the lip gloss brand used, splitting the comments section between the topic at hand and cosmetic inquiries.
The landscape of TikTok strategies
These tactics are the lifeblood of the TikTok ecosystem. Influencers like Julia Broome offer advice to aspiring content creators, helping them understand how to create content that aligns with TikTok’s algorithm. It’s a constantly evolving landscape, and as one trend takes hold, another is poised to take its place.
In the end, while these engagement strategies may reveal some of the magic behind viral TikTok videos, they offer a different perspective to viewers. It’s a reminder that, as consumers, we have the power to choose what content manipulates us and what content we genuinely connect with. As TikTok continues to evolve, the key to viral success may lie in the next innovation yet to be discovered
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