What TikTok says it uses
TikTok has described its For You recommendations as based on a combination of factors: how people interact with videos (likes, shares, comments, what they watch in full), information about the video itself (captions, sounds, hashtags), and device and account settings.
Creators often describe distribution as happening in waves, with a video shown to a small group first and then wider if it holds attention. TikTok does not publish thresholds, so treat any specific numbers you see quoted with caution.
The signals you can influence
TikTok has said that whether someone watches a video all the way through is a strong indicator of interest. For storytelling content, that makes completion and rewatches the targets: a hook that earns the next second, and an ending worth looping back for.
Comments and shares show active interest. An ending that poses a question invites both.
Hooks for the For You feed
The first frame and the first line have to work together. Put a striking visual or a short on-screen line up front, and deliver the core tension within the first couple of seconds of narration.
Skip slow intros and channel branding at the start. Anything that does not move the story forward is a reason to scroll.
Posting time and frequency
There is no universal best time. TikTok Analytics (on creator and business accounts) shows when your followers are active; test a few windows and compare.
A steady rhythm beats occasional perfection. Several good videos a week gives TikTok more to learn from than one polished video.
Hashtags
Hashtags are one input among many; what is in the video and its caption carries more weight. Use a few specific tags, such as #truecrimestories, #coldcases or #paranormal, rather than a wall of broad ones. Twenty tags look spammy and add little.
Stay in your niche
TikTok learns what an account is about from what it posts and who engages. Mixing unrelated niches early on muddies that picture. Stay consistent with one category while the account finds its audience.