9 Things to Do After Uploading a TikTok Video to Maximize Your Reach

In the competitive world of TikTok, simply recording and uploading videos isn't enough to gain traction. Many creators find themselves stuck in what's commonly known as "200-view jail" because they miss crucial optimization steps after uploading their content. This guide will walk you through nine essential actions after uploading every TikTok video to maximize your reach and grow your audience faster.

Does Recording in the TikTok App Matter?

Let's address a common myth first: contrary to what many TikTok "gurus" claim, recording your videos directly in the TikTok app won't get you more views. TikTok doesn't prioritize videos based on where they were recorded.

Many successful creators, myself included, record with their phones or cameras and edit videos on their computers before uploading. I've experimented extensively with this approach and consulted hundreds of TikTok creators who confirm that recording location has zero impact on view counts.

However, the following steps impact your visibility—so don't skip them!

1. Add Title Text to Stop the Scroll

The most important optimization step is adding compelling title text to your videos. Think of this as the TikTok equivalent of a YouTube thumbnail. When users scroll through their For You Page, they make split-second decisions about whether to watch your content.

Title text instantly communicates what your video is about, giving viewers a reason to stop scrolling. With a strong verbal hook, this simple addition can dramatically increase your watch time and view count.

If you could only implement one tip from this guide, adding title text should be it. It's that powerful for increasing engagement.

2. Create Longer, Keyword-Rich Descriptions

After adding text to your video, it's time to write your description. Longer, keyword-rich descriptions significantly improve your video's performance for several reasons:

They help TikTok categorize your content correctly
They contain important keywords for TikTok's search algorithm
They increase watch time as viewers read your description while the video plays

Don't worry about creating lengthy descriptions from scratch—AI tools like ChatGPT can help generate keyword-rich descriptions based on your video topic. Just provide your video title, field, and target audience information to the AI, and it will create a description containing relevant search keywords for you.

Pro tip: Make the first line of your description a question that directly addresses your target viewer, such as "Are you stuck in TikTok's 200-view jail?" This approach instantly engages viewers while incorporating important keywords.

3. Implement TikTok SEO Strategies

TikTok's search engine optimization (SEO) is becoming increasingly important for visibility. The platform uses various signals to categorize your content and show it to interested viewers.

To implement effective TikTok SEO:

Before recording, identify your main keyword or topic
Use that keyword and related terms throughout your content:
In on-screen text
In your verbal script
In your video description
In your hashtags

When TikTok properly categorizes your content, it shows your videos to viewers who are genuinely interested in your topic. This leads to higher engagement rates, longer watch times, and ultimately, more views.

Important note: Please do not waste your time trying ineffective “tricks” such as typing text on the screen and swiping it away. TikTok has explicitly stated that such actions will not improve SEO performance.

4. Enable Auto-Captions

Always use TikTok's auto-caption feature when uploading your videos. This serves multiple purposes:

It boosts your TikTok SEO by processing your spoken words for categorization
It improves viewer retention by creating visual movement that keeps the attention
It makes your content accessible to viewers watching without sound
It allows people to enjoy your content in sound-sensitive environments (like waiting in line or watching discretely alongside others)

The more watch time you accumulate, the more views TikTok will grant your content. Auto-captions are a simple way to increase that watch time by keeping viewers engaged longer.

5. Use Strategic Hashtags (But Not Too Many)

Let's clear up some misconceptions about hashtags:

You don't need hashtags to grow on TikTok
Hashtags won't magically make a video go viral
Once your account is well-established, hashtags become less important

That said, when you're starting, hashtags are valuable signals that help TikTok understand your content and show it to the right audience. Here's how to use them effectively:

Use no more than five hashtags per video
Find relevant hashtags by searching keywords related to your video topic
Focus on hashtags with 10k - 100k uses (the sweet spot for visibility)
Avoid oversaturated hashtags with millions of uses
Skip useless hashtags like #FYP and #viral that may confuse the algorithm

For more specific hashtag options, try searching "long-tail" versions of your keywords, such as "TikTok growth 2025" instead of just "TikTok growth."

6. Keep Videos in Drafts for Consistency

Despite persistent rumors, keeping videos in your drafts won't hurt your performance. Maintaining a stockpile of ready-to-publish content in your drafts is a smart strategy for several reasons:

It helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule even on busy days
It allows you to post when you're not feeling creative or motivated
It signals to TikTok that you're a reliable creator, which can boost visibility

TikTok explicitly favors consistent creators over those who post sporadically. Having drafts ready ensures you never miss a day, which can significantly impact your growth trajectory.

7. Add a Video Cover

Before publishing, select a video cover that communicates your content. The simplest approach is to use a frame that shows your title text.

Video covers may seem like a minor detail, but they greatly impact long-term growth. When viewers discover one of your videos and visit your profile, clear covers make it easy to identify other content that interests them. Think of covers as thumbnails for your TikTok profile page.

For brand consistency, consider selecting one cover style and using it for all your videos.

8. Reply to Every Comment

After publishing, make it a priority to respond to every comment on your videos (at least until your account grows too large to manage this). This practice creates a feedback loop of engagement that significantly boosts your visibility.

When viewers see that you actively respond to comments, they're more likely to:

Ask questions
Share thoughts
Engage with your content
Return to check your responses

Additionally, comment activity increases watch time as people read and respond while your video plays in the background. This extended watch time signals TikTok to push your content to even more viewers, creating a snowball effect of growth.

9. Maintain Consistency Over Time

The final step isn't a one-time action but an ongoing commitment: stay consistent with your posting schedule. TikTok's algorithm rewards creators who show up regularly with higher visibility and more followers.

Try to:

Post at the same times each day
Maintain a consistent content style
Keep implementing all the previous optimization steps

Consistency signals to the algorithm and your audience that you're a committed creator worth following.

Conclusion

The difference between TikTok's success and stagnation often comes down to what happens after you hit the record button. By implementing these nine post-upload optimization steps, you'll dramatically increase your chances of breaking out of the dreaded "200-view jail" and building a thriving TikTok presence.

Remember that none of these tactics can substitute for genuinely engaging content—you still need strong video ideas, compelling hooks, and valuable information. However, when combined with great content, these optimization strategies will help ensure your hard work reaches the maximum possible audience.