Breaking into TikTok as a new creator can feel like stepping into an overpopulated party where everyone already seems to know each other. You’ve got the fashionistas dancing in perfect sync, the foodies creating mouthwatering recipes, and the comedians dropping punchlines that keep you scrolling for hours. It’s easy to feel like there’s no space left for you, but trust me, there’s always room for fresh voices, especially if you know how to carve out your niche.
When I started on TikTok, I was overwhelmed. It seemed like every market was saturated, and every creator had already mastered their style. But here’s the thing: there’s only one you. Cliché, I know, but authenticity is your ultimate cheat code. Let me take you through how I found my space on the app and managed to turn my content into a springboard for brand collaborations and UGC (user-generated content) gigs.
Discovering Your Unique Vibe
The first thing you’ve got to do is figure out what makes you, well, *you*. When I started creating, I thought I had to copy trends exactly as I saw them. But those videos flopped because they didn’t feel authentic. TikTok isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being relatable. Instead of asking, “What’s popular right now?” ask yourself, “What do I genuinely love doing?”
For me, it was a mix of everyday lifestyle content, candid rants about Gen Z struggles, and creative takes on current trends. I blended my interests in fashion, wellness, and storytelling into a style that felt natural. The key was experimenting and not being afraid to fail. I’d post a skincare routine one day, a mini vlog of my coffee shop visit the next, and a funny, unfiltered take on dating the day after that. Some videos flopped, some took off, but each one taught me more about what resonated with my audience.
Consistency Beats Virality
There’s a misconception that one viral video will change everything. While it’s exciting to see a video blow up, the truth is, consistency is what builds a loyal audience. When I stopped chasing virality and focused on showing up regularly, I saw real growth. Posting at least 4-5 times a week (and sometimes daily when inspiration hit) allowed me to stay present on my followers’ For You pages.
I kept my content varied but cohesive. It’s like being the main character in your own show—your audience should have a sense of what to expect, but you don’t want to become predictable. Sharing personal stories, engaging with trending sounds in a unique way, and even just commenting on something funny or weird that happened that day kept my audience coming back. They weren’t just following my account; they were following *me*.
Engaging with Your Community
Engagement is the heart of TikTok. I’m not just talking about replying to comments (though you should definitely do that too). It’s about making your followers feel seen. I’d regularly ask questions in my captions, stitch or duet other creators, and even make follow-up videos based on popular comments. Building a community isn’t just about gaining followers; it’s about creating a space where people feel connected to you and to each other.
One thing that worked wonders for me was responding to niche memes or trends within my content categories. For example, when a skincare product started trending, I’d share my honest review or show how I’d incorporate it into my routine. Being part of the conversation made my content feel timely and relevant, and it also signalled to potential brand collaborators that I was in tune with my audience’s interests.
Establishing Credibility for UGC
User-generated content is the ultimate way to get brands to notice you without a massive following. When I first heard about UGC, I assumed it was only for people with hundreds of thousands of followers. But brands are increasingly looking for relatable creators who can make their products feel accessible. Here’s how I did it:
First, I started creating mock ads using products I already loved. For example, I’d film a quick, aesthetic video of my morning routine featuring which of my favourite Arabic jewellery I’ll be styling. These videos weren’t sponsored, they were just me showing how a product fit into my life. But I made sure they were polished, creative, and showed off my personality.
I’d tag the brands in these videos, but I also reached out directly to their marketing teams via email or Instagram DMs. My pitch was as simple as: “Hi, I’m a creator who loves your brand, and I’d love to collaborate on UGC for TikTok or Instagram. Here’s a link to some examples of my work.” Attaching a short media kit (basically a PDF version of your highlights and stats) can make you look extra professional.
Networking with Brands
Collaborating with brands starts with building a portfolio, even if you’re doing it for free initially. Those mock ads I mentioned? They became my portfolio pieces. Once I had a few solid examples, I pitched to smaller brands first. It’s easier to get a foot in the door with indie brands or local businesses than with massive corporations, and those collaborations often lead to more opportunities.
One unexpected hack? Using LinkedIn to connect with marketing managers. It’s not the most Gen Z thing to admit, but LinkedIn helped me get in touch with the people who make collaboration decisions. When I reached out, I’d always personalise my message, mention why I loved their brand, and attach examples of my content.
Staying True to Your Audience
When you start working with brands, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity. But not every collaboration will align with your niche, and your audience can tell when something feels off. I’ve turned down partnerships that didn’t fit my style or values, even when they offered decent money. It’s a long game—keeping your audience’s trust is far more valuable than a quick payday.
When I do accept collaborations, I make sure the content still feels like *me*. For example, if I’m promoting a wellness product, I’ll integrate it into my morning routine instead of doing a generic product review. If it’s a fashion brand, I’ll style their pieces in a way that reflects my personal taste. The goal is to keep my content authentic while still showcasing the brand’s value.
Adapting and Growing
TikTok is constantly evolving, and staying relevant means being willing to adapt. When I started, I was all about aesthetic vlogs. Now, I’ve shifted towards a mix of personal stories, playful skits, and polished product showcases. Trends come and go, but if you’re flexible and open to experimenting, you’ll always find ways to keep your content fresh.
It’s also important to keep learning. I’ve taken courses on video editing, studied analytics to understand when my audience is most active, and even followed marketing blogs to stay ahead of social media trends. Success on TikTok isn’t just about creativity; it’s about strategy.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into TikTok as a new creator isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. The secret is to stay authentic, engage with your community, and keep showing up—even when it feels like no one’s watching. Building a niche takes time, but if you lean into what makes you unique and focus on creating value for your audience, you’ll find your space. And when you do? The opportunities are endless. Whether it’s brand deals, UGC gigs, or simply connecting with like-minded people, TikTok can be the launchpad for so much more. So stop overthinking, start posting, and remember: your niche isn’t about being the first or the best; it’s about being unapologetically you.