How do TikTok's algorithms decide what videos to show you?

TikTok uses special rules to choose which videos you see, just like a teacher picks which games to play at recess.

Imagine your phone is like a toy box full of different kinds of toys, each video is a toy. TikTok wants to find the toys that make you laugh the most. So it tries out different toys and sees which ones you pick up first, play with the longest, and even show to your friends.

TikTok starts by showing you lots of different videos, like trying out a bunch of new games at recess. It watches what you do:

• If you tap on a video, that means you like it.
• If you watch all the way to the end, that means it really caught your attention.
• If you share it or comment, TikTok knows it’s something special.

Then, it starts showing more of the toys (videos) you liked, just like your teacher might let you play with your favorite game longer if you’re having fun!

TikTok keeps learning and changing what it shows you, so your toy box always has new surprises.