I tried to go viral on TikTok and failed miserably.

TikTok's algorithm is a mysterious place for both viewers and creators, often times it putting you into a niched TikTok world created by the algorithm: cooking TikTok, music TikTok, gaming TikTok, streamer TikTok, and so on. All these subniches are curated by the algorithm. In a way, the TikTok algorithm is also curating your mood.
Lots say that TikTok is one of the only apps that make them feel insecure, inadequate, ugly, and terrible much more intensely than other apps like Twitter (that app still makes me feel awful for different reasons), Instagram, and KZbin.
This video began as a trial for me to explore TikTok growth and viral hacks, and to see if I could achieve the same results to see if these viral hacks work for instant fame- but after failure and my constant struggle to be on the app, I decided it was time to showcase failure like we parade around our successes and explore this nuanced topic of mental health and TikTok. Rather than focusing the blame on creators that benefit and take advantage of the algorithm, it is really not their fault for profiting off this system that makes you feel awful about yourself. The video topic began to shift towards one about why TikTok did make me feel terrible for failure so much more intensely than other platforms do- because I know for sure I can't be the only one.
I hope this opens up discussion about TikTok and the way we feel about it.
Sources & Interesting Articles I Read For This:
influencermarketinghub.com/be...
www.voyageandventure.com/how-...
www.theatlantic.com/technolog...
/ how_is_literally_every...
scholarworks.smith.edu/cgi/vi...
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instagram ♡ / itsgabibelle
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spotify ♡ sptfy.com/gabibelle
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other music platforms ♡ biglink.to/gabi
tags: #tiktok #tiktokalgorithm

[@Littlefa3]

Funny enough, that part of her singing to herself would probably make a really good tiktok

[@rbalvedi282]

She should have gone down the Meta TIkTok video of her showcasing herself going viral on TikTok with those BTS

[@UnionParkPlumbing]

I thought the same thing!

[@hinnak2133]

0​@@rbalvedi282

[@Deets-Does-Stuff]

yes!

[@anysaneperson851]

Commenting so the algorithm gods smile down on you, and also, this was an amazing video, very insightful!

[@itsgabibelle]

thank you!!!!!!!!!! 🥲 i appreciate that!

[@JustJamieonYT]

The fact you said "we're so close to 5,000 subscribers" and a year and a few months later you have 360k is so heart warming :')

[@robertgaudet7407]

Turns out she is funny

[@atomdecay]

Look at her now! She's about to hit a milly

[@Mafuyuassahina]

Another year later she has 832k!!!

[@Noythandleswereavailable]

She is at 800k :D

[@ninesdewit3656]

​@Mafuyuassahina And to realise not even a week later, she's at 851K!

[@AAAAAA-qs1bv]

I think a reason for why youtube's algorithm seems so much more forgiving at first glance than tiktok's is that it's designed to keep viewer retention for channels, whereas on tiktok it's way easier to just chuckle at a video a bit and keep scrolling. A large part of the appeal for youtube is that these 'influencers' (god, I hate that term) don't seem like untouchable entities and the platform thrives off making people develop a bit of a connection to the creator they watch - be that something normal or incredibly unhealthy. As for tiktok, I don't personally really use it so I'm not that knowledgeable on this, but from what I've gathered it seems a lot more is dependent on how presentable the video by itself is to a random crowd of people instead of the personality attached to it. This coupled with the short amount of time you have to fit your clip in makes it incredibly hard to add some form of personal element to it that would keep people coming back for more.

[@itsgabibelle]

thats super interesting and I can definitely see that how it can be more surface level on tiktok with the shorter video length and a lot of the content is just lip syncing or dancing, not showing a ton of unique personality. not that it HAS to be that, there is definitely value in just doing a dance trend for funz, but how that translates into followers is interesting!!!

[@lolnyny]

I agree with the idea that KZbin is more channel focused, but not for the same reason you name. Tiktok opens on the for you page and not on the following page, it encourages diversity over binging one person's content or even keeping up with who you follow, or at least it does it way less than KZbin. However I totally disagree with the take that people feel more reachable on KZbin. Personally I view tiktok as having the same place KZbin once had online. KZbin is now populated by corporations and celebrities and has evolved to show longuer and longuer content which feels like it fills the place cable TV used to have a little bit. Meanwhilst Tiktok is accesible to everyone and we once again have something that seems to have died out on youtube : your everyday teenager filming videos in their bedroom. Tiktok is not satured with the high production value and company prescence that KZbin is and feels a lot more simple, and it allows people that feel more real to have a place in the spotlight.

[@znamekop]

This is such an insightful video, goober. I hope you know that ALL of your content amazes and inspires me!

[@russonauta]

This physical beauty-based social ratings might be the cause to 50% of my mental illness. That's why I hate TikTok in general.

[@itsgabibelle]

i saw a reddit comment (i know) that was pretty interesting. you have the most pretty people fighting for the top spot on tiktok. you have a minority of people all gathered and fighting for a select spot on the app. it makes it seem like “everyone” on the app is a supermodel making us feel inferior and mediocre

[@heythereitshoagie]

Lowkey think Gabi would make an amazing social psychologist, she breaks down algorithms and how social psych topics influence media use really well

[@NadjaDelyona]

"Stupid fake pngs" haahhahahahahha I absolutely LOVE your humor, its so relatable. This video was prolly SO much work and I really appreciate that you still posted it even tho you weren't very high spirited with the experiment. It honestly inspired me and made me laugh. I found your channel cuz i wanted to cover "red dress" after watching penguinz0 video and see if I can turn it into a "good" song just for myself at home and I was curious if somebody already had done it. xD Turns out we have a lot in common, maaaan you look like the friend I've been searching for here in germany lol. With your editing skills, storytelling and personality your channel will keep on growing! And I'm looking forward to seeing that.

[@itsgabibelle]

thank you SO MUCH!!!! I want to see that cover!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ im so glad you enjoyed the vids :-)

[@jessenorth7203]

I recently discovered your content, I appreciate the effort you put into videos and the style of videos is fascinating!

[@itsgabibelle]

thank u jesse :-) i appreciate that!!!

[@GUNKSHOTT]

Learned a thing or two about the algorithm from this video, despite never using TikTok, what you explained sounds very much alike the KZbin algorithm. Definitely will come in hand. Keep it up

[@itsgabibelle]

thanks for watching! :-)

[@lovein102]

Love this video cause lowkey shows the biggest thing about tiktok is just wanting to spend your time like that like these people are really making these videos every day multiple times a day like that’s lowkey the elimination round

[@IsitheScribe]

As a creator trying to transition from TikTok to KZbin this video was super helpful to watch. So many creators don’t post about their failures and good content doesn’t always go viral. Thanks and btw you’re hilarious! Recently stumbled upon your waffle house video and LMAO

[@Kay-po4pl]

Been listening to Issa Great Day all morning and it’s really brought up my mood. I’ve been struggling with burn out, but your songs have such positive calm energy that encourage me to take care of myself, take a moment to breathe, and walk just a few minutes longer to the library so I can enjoy the changing leaves. Thank you 💗

[@itsgabibelle]

omg that’s so sweet thank you so much 🥲💕 take care of yourself, you come first, and dont forget to stop and enjoy what’s around you right in this moment ✨❤️

[@TheXenoRex]

This video is interesting because I'm watching it and you're at +300K subs now on YT. I know you don't correlate views/subs to worth BUT I think it's awesome that your work is getting the recognition and exposure you deserve. I'm so glad the algorithm finally got round to recommending you to me, it only did it a couple of days ago and I feel like I've just binged your entire channel. Thanks Gabi, you and your work are awesome :) (and very funny!)

[@letchab7353]

If anything, you at least learned something about yourself and what really makes you happy. I did love those snaps of you singing TikTok views. They were entertaining and felt natural. Keep pursuing your passions. It's where you will thrive the most.

[@closuitm]

Really liked it even tho wasn’t sure I rly cared about how to go viral, I was just curious what your take on it would be. The insight at the end rly rounded it out for me.

[@carolinepi]

I found your channel today and I'm literally a sTaN now bEsTiE 💅content so good that hAs mE dEad I- 💀 no, but seriously, I'm marathoning your channel, and you bring such great insight about the subjects, honestly, there's not a single video that I don't agree with you. and about this video specifically, I did a similar experiment but on Twitter + Instagram lol basically I would do just cringy stuff + thirst traps with a sprinkle of e-girl. some of my short videos gained so much attention and views that I appeared on a video of a huge commentary youtuber in my country, I gained a bunch of hate too just for existing lol. long story short, it kind of worked, but I got tired of exposing myself and got traumatized by ~the straight men~ so I deleted everything, it was a great time of course 4/10 anyways bestie keep going and I love your music too, your voice is angelical 💙 you're such a queen iconic legend and that's on PeRiOdT ✨

[@itsgabibelle]

omg, it’s the double sided sword people dONT see about ~egirl-ing~ LMAO 4/10 would not recommend to a friend 💀 u are so kind thank you so much for this incredible experience of reading your comment(s) 🥲🖤

[@jcryan3891]

✨The content floweth gracefully✨

[@itsgabibelle]

:-) hi

[@Cove_Blue]

Feeding the algorithm gods. TikTok seems like it's just not as fulfilling but I am an ancient on there so... Also they don't like disabled creators so I quit using it.

[@itsgabibelle]

i was also personally not creatively fulfilled either on the app. some people are though and to each their own! everyone finds a different medium that inspires them. also yeah… theyve been shady about ableism and how their algorithm promotes certain people over others based on appearance

[@Holldizzle]

This was super insightful and very timely for me personally! I recently started my channel...but my videos are kinda all over the place. IDK if I'm trying to be funny, or educational, or what. I should probably just try to be myself. Thanks for the reminder to have fun throughout the process. I really love making videos, but have felt a little bummed out lately. PS your editing is always so fun and lively. I really dig your commentary style, too. First saw you on Twitch. It's been awesome to see your channel grow!

[@itsgabibelle]

I 100% can relate!!!!!! Right now i’m walking the line between comedy and actual social commentary and I’ve always struggled with the limbo and it makes me feel not alone hearing you’re going through the same thing 💕🥲 also THANK YOU SO MUCH I’ve gotta get back on Twitch!!!!! I’ve sort of been taking a break to focus on youtube!

[@Holldizzle]

@@itsgabibelle 🤗🥲 I think your humor and commentary mesh well together! I think the infusion of both those things in your videos is what makes you YOU. Thanks for struggling through it to make good content! 🤣 Also, the thought of juggling multiple platforms as a content creator makes me loopy 🙃 - what about streaming on KZbin? Will the algorithm gods smiles upon you for doing so? Good luck and keep doin' you!

[@ahmadqureshi750]

Second time watching this through, loved it so much! I hope you blow up here and TikTok!

[@itsgabibelle]

thanks for watching i'm glad you enjoyed :-)

[@barbarareynolds329]

I don't understand why you're not more well known, you're truly an amazing and inspirational creator!!

[@NoCussingChick]

Thank you for posting this. I genuinely loved it and saw the reality of tiktok. I needed to see this and I guarantee other people did too

[@nothingnoonenowhere2336]

I actually really needed the message of this video. The marketing of a project I finished has been making me so miserable that I forgot that I love what I do, and that's why I do it. Capitalism: making you hate yourself for not properly monetizing your passion in life!

[@Reluctic]

My cousin always picked meta knight. I don't talk to him anymore 😤

[@jennydelantar1869]

2 years later, I found your channel. Your channel is what my boyfriend and I's first binge this year. Sending love to you, Gabi. You're doing great on your channel. 💕

[@Griselda_Puppy]

LOVE your videos, you so deserve to go viral! (also, would you mind please sharing with me what brands & shade/shades of eyeshadows you're wearing? You make the eye makeup you put on, look absolutely gorgeous!) Thank you!! 💗

[@vixenv80]

How do you not have millions of subs?? Your channel is such perfect entertainment!

[@ADHDWOOHOO]

The KZbin algo kinda scares me, because it's completely figured out what I like. I was binging standup comedy and your Bad Comedy Specials video popped up aaaaaand here I am.

[@napalm4724]

0:23 my entire life

[@anxiousabsol]

I've been occasionally clicking on your videos and enjoying the background noise (bc these are genuinely good videos) and I'm starting to pay attention and enjoy the content in its entirety. The "so yeah please subscribe" part made me realize that uh.... I should have already?? So thanks for the content and keep it up!!

[@hobistinyheartbag]

This is actually really encouraging thank you! 💜

[@lonneke9158]

Lately I started watching your videos and you've becoming one of the most inspiring content creators I've known. Your passion for music (and the industry), social experiments, mental health awareness, media literacy on social media inspires me. And you have such an amazing personality, I'm super excited for more content and definitely keep following you! X

[@HalfDuck]

It can go both ways. KZbin feels like an impossible struggle for me, my account is 15 years old and I can barely get 1k views, it feels my videos must be extremely uninteresting since its just guitar stuff. But I made a Tiktok recently and got millions of views on those SAME videos, while knowing absolutely nothing about Tiktok lol. Different content and talents work for different platforms.

[@codymclendon8770]

POV: gabi’s realization to stay on youtube ❤ i love your videos Gabi!

[@thewiredtongue]

Really enjoyed that one :) glad that you didn’t abandon it because it was one of my favourites 👍🏼

[@witchinthewack6121]

I'm really new to your channel and have only watched a few videos, just I'm already subscribed! This is such a fantastic video and I completely agree that the way it feels tiktok equates the amount of views to the worth and quality of your work can be so detrimental. The emptional highs of one of your videos randomly spiking in views are overshadowed by the lows of 9/10 videos flopping

[@madman22828]

Great video! Your storytelling and editing is top notch :)

[@ZaxUnderdark]

It comes through that you do this bc you enjoy it, and we watch bc we can tell! Keep up the great work

[@KenMakesMistakes]

I tried having a TikTok for a month. I also tried uploading KZbin Shorts. It felt really good when a video did well, but it never felt like it was because of the quality; some really good ones would get nothing, and it was instantly demoralizing. I do not blame you for quitting the experiment, but thank you for still making this video. Mistakes and failures are worth discussing and learning from.

[@outloud_overthinking]

Love your content. You are one of the kindest and most likeable people on KZbin. I definitely see, that your videos are the true labour of love)

[@TheLivingPepsi]

gabi you don't have to make yourself suffer for us!!

[@itsgabibelle]

do it for the vine

[@hrgunit]

what a beautiful conclusion! I am very optimistic about the YT algorithmic since these honest (and still slightly funny) creators chanel blew up

[@SteMegManzaroli]

I just recently discovered your videos and now I’m absolutely subscribing bc you deserve more recognition!!! And if you’ll keep doing TikTok I’ll follow you even there 😉 love your content!

[@kevinsongxin2551]

I realize this statement must be hella ironic but how does this high quality video have so little views

[@itsgabibelle]

LOL thank you so much!!!!

[@SuzukiZuriko]

I love your vids! 🥺💙 It felt so real about struggle.

[@linaforrestal9209]

Looooved the last bit of the video!

[@stevenlerner5515]

you do make a great point, that thumbnail and title matter the most on youtube

[@KamosArthillian]

I absolutely regard you as comedic and funny. 100% the reason I watch you. 👌

[@JBROXSMTOY120]

new subscriber brought here by jarvis, slowly going through your content and i’m loving all of it!!!!!!!!! and omg your tattoos WOW ?? 😍

[@sofi_sunflower]

I liked the ending in a positive note for creators!

[@itsgabibelle]

yay!! I didn’t want the video to be a slow depressing spiral LOL

[@Dahlily]

Omg this video spoke to me. I'm a singer and I've tried posting on tiktok as pretty much everyone says it's the platform to be on right now, but I also lost steam because it seemed like I got no exposure. But I've been thinking of giving KZbin a go just for the fun of it, let's see.

[@RenegadeFem]

Great video :) and girl it’s a struggle lol.

[@BrowniePokemon]

i have tried a lot of things- albeit, not the dancing or anything, but- to gain interaction from Tiktok, and it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack. i have two accounts, and they're pretty small, and that's... okay. Tiktok's algorithm is a fickle, constantly shifting beast, so don't worry about virality. make stuff you like.

[@raviamodernepic]

This channel has great Saturday evening binge content 👍🏾👍🏾

[@kellypatrikc]

I completely dropped off of having an online presence afew years ago for that reason. I don't feel as bad now

[@DreammxCatcherr]

Really enjoyed this one Gabi!

[@itsgabibelle]

thanks ash!!!! 🥲🥲❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@dustinsearle4672]

Hope more people find your channel and love the song

[@IBleedColorz]

0:38 handsome squidward lookin ahh

[@kittyscreativecorner]

To be fair, Danny’s video where he tries to make a viral tiktok song failed haha. I love your videos, they’re so well made and I know you’re going to grow much much bigger!

[@j.robertson]

I found your channel like, 20 minutes ago when I wanted to search the Red Dress song for more lols. Anyway I am about to subscribe because I stan this video and it slaps

[@itsgabibelle]

omg thank you so much i'm glad you liked it!!!

[@thedizzyparker]

Yo seeing this 2 years later Nd hearing you mention reaching 5000 subscribers versus where you are now…just 👏👏👏👏

[@roger1724]

YOU WERE UNDERRATED ON TIKTOK 😭😭😭😭 I love you, new favorite KZbinr

[@Cat-fz1uu]

"I'm not that funny" Damn that got me. You're one of the funniest KZbinrs I watch. My roommate and I love your videos

[@ricksanchez665]

remember me when you're at 5k subs and have much less hair, miss gabi belle

[@KelsieJG__they-them]

Have you heard of Survivorship bias? That's kind of what happens when you see "how to go viral!" success videos (or any "how to be successful" books written by successful people, etc.). Specifically because they're successful (they "survived"), that's why you're mostly going to see the successful ones. You don't see the thousands and thousands of people who did the exact same things and followed that exact advice but it didn't work for them... you don't see them because they failed. So, I'm really glad you decided to make this video, in the end.

[@joriskemper5392]

Lol showing off the tattoo's, accentuating that beauty spot.. And that one still frame face.😂

[@Xero-Studios]

Really like this video❤ glad I found your channel

[@rat3015]

I think the thing with this is that you need to be posting for a while. I mean, think about it. How many viral videos do you see where that's the creators *first* video? I also think going onto a platform with the intention of going viral is almost always doomed to fail

[@stevenlerner5515]

i loved the ad video. it was amazing.... You should make that a corporate ad

[@wolfb3ck]

i love this video ! i have a tiktok (about 20k), my quality is awful however i blew up instantly! i reached my target audience on my first video with niche specific hashtags then slowly shifted onto thing i enjoy more like autism, pop culture etc. i truely feel that no matter how bad your content is on tiktok, depending on your niche it can blow up! the really dumb videos about to to successfully blow up are wrong only BECAUSE they dont take into account so many others things. like fans, niches like alt, furry, cosplay (which arent content quality specific only like outfit/relatability specific) and who its aimed for. if you try again, i would try find a niche you like that allows you to grow from that ! i think outfits, room decor etc would be your thing and would 100% make u 'blow up'.

[@midnightisnice]

how did you fid dunkeys font? love your channel by the way. more gabi

[@officialbusy]

Keep pushing

[@Caff-pv8fg]

Love ur content.

[@rayraytl6]

I’m trying so hard on Tik tok, I needed this after feeling so burnt out

[@xakaryehlynn4749]

I love that you made this video

[@WestonNey]

I went very viral on TikTok and it did nothing for me. I even have a video with 10 million views. It didn’t grow my KZbin channel. I wish it would have gone better but oh well.

[@Skoldpadden]

2:25 Can't believe Frozen got spoiled for me. It's only been ten years since that came out, at least wait a little longer. I had no idea Hans was a bad guy. I was too old to feel comfortable watching the movie, and am now too young to comfortably have kids. why gabi

[@nojustno161]

Nice video dawg.

[@geraldframinghammer2626]

Seeing this video now, the number of views and likes on it, and knowing you now have over a half million subscribers on KZbin, I think you're gonna be alright, kid. You have a killer sense of humor and great presentation.

[@IMMACHARGINMYLAZOR]

I am continuing to binge and it's still good help also thank u

[@iakedr8880]

Yoo new pog content

[@cjowl22]

✨Anxietyyyyy✨

[@Kay-po4pl]

Another amazing video 💗

[@itsgabibelle]

thank u kay

[@yagirl5988]

5:20 i know this isn't the subject of the video, but can we please just appreciate her voice here

[@xDaZez]

I wonder if you translated your tiktoks into YT shorts would they get traction?...

[@itsgabibelle]

interesting!! i tried posting a few but I didn’t like the way it looked on my video uploads… plus it notified everyone that i posted a video, even though it wasn’t a “real” video so i wanted to wait out until it separated the two properly!!

[@xDaZez]

@@itsgabibelle Ya I'd guess the look is an actual reason as to why creators use a second channel now that you mention it..

[@linaforrestal9209]

"with no social dopamine hit" solid line

[@reythelastdragonpearl9470]

As someone who posts a lot of edits on tiktok, this made me really feel better about it. Since the two low-effort videos I made got the most views and my most high-effort ones got like, 3 views lmaoo

[@ren-sk7yz]

I don’t have tiktok I download it & every time get addicted, please do a video reviewing your tiktoks they look so funny I wanna see them but also don’t wanna get addicted to it & turn into a zombie tiktoking to my sad lonely death 😭

[@0LavenderAndHoney0]

Remember me when ur at 1 mil….

[@0LavenderAndHoney0]

Stupid mobile won’t let me edit…. Anyway…. The one edit you did like mid video where it was like Jlo Jennifer Lopez Was a startling revelation…. I had no idea they were the same person…. I’m not very cultured

[@Ali-rf3tk]

HOW ARE YOU NOT FAMOUS YET

[@Kanrasaid]

i love your content on youtube. but personally ( i am not trying to be rude just wanted to give u my opinion as a viewer) i think tiktok is a platform that is highly based on either how conventionally attractive u look or looks at the quality of your content. I see u are actually pretty good at editing (i want to be like u), that said your content on tiktok so far (2024) isn’t as interesting. My suggestion for u is that u can try adding more editing/cool transitions. Or as I have seen it satirical videos seem to pop off pretty well too. U should try Quality> Quantity, overtime u definitely get a loyal fan base just like on YT. I think that's a better way to let your uniqueness shine, because people love different and creativity and most of all people like the sense of belongingness. Create something people can relate to or when people look at it they think "god I wish I could pull that off". I love youu!! I am binging all of ur content. You have come such a long way!!!

[@jarvfaCho]

thank you when i first posted on tiktok my video got like 30k views and i was happy but after that if i didn't keep posting the same thing over and over my views fell off when i posted something i enjoyed it got little to no attention so i gave up and i thought i was the only one who felt this way

[@Jzombi301]

wow you were at 5 thousand subscribers a year and a half ago? talk about blowing up... now you’re almost at 500k

[@Post_war_designs]

Shoutout to the algorithm for giving me this content today! Just posted my first short on here and it didn’t receive the same engagement as it did on Instagram so naturally, I was like what the heck is goin on here!? But yeah like thank you for making remember that I initially made this content to make myself happy first!

[@Hellbunnyfelicia]

Gabi: “Gabi Belle does nothing” Captions: “Guppy Belle does nothing”

[@kevintheriault7837]

Top 5 KZbin channel right here

[@77kidg]

May the algorithm guide your way sista

[@itsgabibelle]

thank u 🥺❤️‍🔥

[@JasoniusRexington]

This video took place "09/29/2021" according to KZbin. I'm watching on the date of 02/14/2024. As of today you have about 744k subscribers. In the video you mentioned you are a "small creation" and were psyched for 5,000 subscribers... It is humbling to me in a way to see how you've grown in number and in your craft but remained consistent in your quality for so long. I enjoy the videos you put out in 2024 as much as I did for this video. I think it's not only your luck, hard werk, and quality content but also who you are as a person, your passion for your craft. It's hard to describe, and I know this is very vague, but it's like I can tell you your content is "authentic" and authentic is always more moving than "inauthentic" to me. In a way, I'd rather consume content by a mediocre artist who is passionate about what they do than a talented phony who cares little for their work, relying on artificial polish, etc. to seem better than they are. I know it's very vague, but thank you for all your hard work and incredible videos.

[@MaxLucasPiano]

Thisss too!

[@MaxLucasPiano]

And 113k just two months after you comment ahaha!

[@stevenlerner5515]

i also think the song matters alot too... but i do love ur opinions :) and agree