The algorithm may be king, but creativity is still queen—and she dances. Whether you’re promoting music, a podcast, or your dog’s birthday party, here are five ways to win at TikTok and Reels in 2025.
1. Treat your hook like a headline.
You’ve got 1.2 seconds before someone swipes up like your video’s last season’s news. Start with a face, a question, or an absurd visual. “What if Bob Dylan ran a coffee shop?” Now I’m watching.
2. Recycle with rhythm.
Your 60-second clip can live nine lives. Trim it to 30. Post the outtakes. Use the same sound with new visuals. If Beyoncé can remix herself, so can you.
3. Don’t chase trends—bend them.
Everyone’s doing the latest filter or audio, sure. But put your twist on it. If the trend is dancing in your kitchen, film it in the library. Backwards. With your grandma. Boom. Viral.
4. Subtitles are the new headline.
Auto-captions are fine. But stylized, bold, word-by-word pop-up captions? Even better. Keep them punchy, readable, and on beat. Silent scrollers are still watching. Give their eyes a show.
5. Go live or go home.
TikTok Live and Instagram Broadcast Channels aren’t just for Q&As anymore. They’re backstage passes, listening parties, dress rehearsals, album drops. If you’re not using it, someone else is… and they’re getting your fans.
In a world of swipes and scrolls, make them stop. Make them laugh. Make them listen. And remember—there’s no such thing as posting too much. Just post too little you.