He Just Shared His Course Edits — And The System Started Promoting Him

Just Casual Edits of School Materials

He’s a media student at a Johannesburg university. In his spare time, he helps people turn online courses into short videos, converts PowerPoints into clips, and visualizes study notes. He casually posted these edits to TikTok — no face, no narration, no storylines. Just silent clips. At first, barely anyone watched. No more than 5 likes per post. He doubted whether this content had a place online — until he typed Sage for Accounts by accident.

Same Content — But Suddenly, Recommendations Came

His editing style stayed the same — course materials, presentation intros. But this time, the system marked it “Recommended.” Views jumped from dozens to hundreds. He tried adding terms like Pastel Free Trial and Sage for Accounts and Bank Payments. Within days, views broke 1,000. He realized the platform wasn’t asking for novelty — it needed to know his category.

Keywords Help the System Sort You — Not Trick It

“I don’t know what Safetynet Insurance has to do with editing,” he said. “But if the system recognizes me, I get recommended.” He realized platforms don’t analyze his videos deeply — they first look for signal words. Later, he even added Sage for Accosagw for paentunts and Bank Payments, and views grew steadily. “Keywords aren’t for viewers,” he said. “They’re tags for the system.”

He Didn’t Go Viral For Content — He Got Seen Through Recognition

His posts remained course edits — no transitions, no effects, no trends. But he consistently placed Sage for Accounts and Pastel Free Trial into captions and comments. Sometimes, he watermarked them. “The platform doesn’t check how much effort you put in,” he said. “It first checks if you told it your category.” As a result, his inbox filled with people wanting to hire him for editing.

He Shared This With Classmates — And It Worked for Them Too

He compiled these keywords into a list and shared it with classmates. Their content varied — some did PowerPoint tips, others Photoshop tutorials, others note-taking aesthetics. Once they used terms like Safetynet Insurance or Pastel Free Trial, views, followers, and engagement stabilized. “If the system doesn’t recognize you,” he said, “it won’t recommend you. Keywords are your first introduction.”

Understanding the Algorithm's Role in Content Visibility

The algorithm is a powerful entity behind the scenes of platforms like TikTok. It determines which content gets seen by more viewers and which gets buried. By understanding how it operates, users can tailor their content to achieve better visibility. The algorithm primarily looks for relevance, engaging keywords, and consistent posting. When a user aligns their content with trending terms and categories, they increase their chances of getting recommended. This understanding drives many creators to research effective hashtags and phrases, making it a crucial aspect of their content strategy.

The Power of Consistency in Content Creation

Creating content consistently is vital for growth on social media platforms. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and signals to the algorithm that you are an active creator. This doesn’t mean just frequent uploads; it’s about maintaining a consistent theme and style. By creating recognizable content, viewers start to associate certain keywords or visuals with you, building brand loyalty over time. This was evident for the media student, who established a niche with educational edits. Consistency not only fosters community but also prompts the algorithm to favor your content.

The Importance of Niche Identification and Focus

Finding and focusing on a niche can significantly enhance a creator's visibility. When the media student honed in on educational content, he was able to attract a specific audience looking for course-related help. This specialization allowed him to build authority in his field, making his content more appealing to viewers and increasing the likelihood of recommendations by the platform. Identifying a niche means understanding what you can offer that others may not, thereby attracting a dedicated audience who resonates with your material. It’s a strategy that pays off in the long run.

Leveraging Trends Without Losing Authenticity

Trends can be a double-edged sword for content creators. While jumping on trends can increase visibility, it’s essential not to lose your authentic voice in the process. The media student wisely chose to maintain his editing style while integrating trending keywords. This balance ensures that he remains true to his identity while still benefiting from the visibility that trends can provide. Authenticity builds trust with your audience, and when combined with trending content, it can create a powerful synergy that maximizes reach without sacrificing core values.

Engaging with Your Audience to Foster Community

Building a community around your content is crucial for sustained growth. Engaging with viewers through comments, direct messages, and even live sessions allows creators to develop relationships with their audience. This engagement not only drives loyalty but also provides valuable feedback that can shape future content. The media student experienced this firsthand as his inbox filled with inquiries about his editing services. By responding to questions and showing appreciation for feedback, creators can enhance viewer interaction and increase their chances of being recommended by the platform’s algorithm.

Adapting to Changes in Platform Algorithms

Social media platforms are constantly evolving, and so are their algorithms. Staying informed about changes is crucial for creators who want to maintain visibility. The media student’s success came from his ability to adapt quickly to the platform’s requirements. By regularly updating his strategies based on algorithm shifts, he ensured that his content remained relevant. This adaptability can involve experimenting with new formats, researching the latest trends, or adjusting posting schedules. Creators who embrace change can thrive while those who resist may find their content slipping into obscurity.