How I Got 20,000 TikTok Followers in One Week

I had zero followers. Seven days later, I had 20,000.

I didn't cross promote through other channels. I didn't buy advertising, spam an email list, or beg via social media. Honestly, I didn't even tell anyone I had a TikTok account.

So how did I do it?

Every day, hundreds of millions of 25 to 50 year olds spend hours on [TikTok] looking for content that's relevant to them.

— Alex Monéton

Zero marketing strategy

I had no strategy. I followed simple advice for the videos themselves—keep your message concise, add subtitles, end with call-to-action—but did nothing to spread the word.

Why my content resonated

My videos were short, interesting things I've learned about my disorder, ADHD. Here is why I think it resonated and helped me build an audience:

  1. Straightforward educational content

    Forget the viral dances, my videos were a quick thought and explanation about something unique I've learned that has been important to my understanding of ADHD.

    People want to learn about themselves. Teach them what you know.

  2. Captive audience

    People with ADHD are dopamine deficient and are attracted to atomic content platforms like TikTok.

    Know where your audience is likely to gather.

  3. Shared experience

    People want to belong, and I revealed aspects of ADHD that help explain the unique experience we live.

    Help your audience feel understood.

When you create content, you stack your odds.

Sometimes, you strike gold.