What you will learn:
- Why video doesn't reach recommendations
- Mistake #1: Weak hook in first 3 seconds
- Mistake #2: Slow pacing and empty pauses
- Mistake #3: No captions with keywords
- Mistake #4: Poor audio quality
- Mistake #5: Blurry or missing CTA
- How to check which mistake you have
- How to fix retention and reach recommendations
Why video doesn't reach recommendations
TikTok shows your video to small test audience (200-500 people). If retention and ER (engagement rate) high — video goes further into recommendations. If low — algorithm stops promotion.
What affects reaching recommendations:
- Retention — what % watched to the end
- Early ER — likes, comments, saves in first 1-2 hours
- Rewatches — how many times rewatched
- CTR — what % clicked after showing in feed
If at least one of these metrics fails — video doesn't reach recommendations. Most often the problem is one of 5 mistakes.
Mistake #1: Weak hook in first 3 seconds
Problem: First 3 seconds decide if user will watch further. If hook is weak — user scrolls away, retention drops, algorithm doesn't promote video.
Examples of weak hooks:
- "Hi, today I'll tell you..." — boring, long
- Long intro with logo — user doesn't understand what video is about
- Slow introduction — no intrigue
How to make strong hook:
- Intrigue: "I spent $10,000 on ads and here's what happened..."
- Shock: "99% of creators make this mistake and lose reach"
- Question: "Why aren't your videos getting views?"
- Visual: Bright image or movement in first second
Hook test: If retention in first 3 seconds is below 80% — hook is weak.
Mistake #2: Slow pacing and dead air
Problem: Modern viewer is used to fast pace. If video has "dead" pauses, long transitions, slow speech — viewer leaves, retention drops.
Where pacing usually breaks:
- Long pauses between phrases
- Slow speech (less than 150 words/min)
- Long transitions between scenes
- Repeating same thought
How to speed up pacing:
- Cut pauses — use auto-cut in CapCut or Premiere
- Speed up speech — 1.1-1.2x speed sounds natural
- Fast transitions — maximum 0.5 sec between scenes
- Dynamic picture — change angle every 3-5 sec
Pacing test: If retention drops in middle of video — problem is pacing.
Mistake #3: No captions with keywords
Problem: 80% of users watch TikTok without sound. If no captions — they don't understand what video is about and leave. Plus captions with keywords help algorithm understand video topic.
Why captions matter:
- Accessibility — 80% watch without sound
- SEO — algorithm reads captions and understands topic
- Retention — captions keep attention
- Keywords — help reach search
How to make proper captions:
- Auto-captions — use built-in TikTok or CapCut
- Keywords — highlight in bold or color
- Short phrases — maximum 2-3 lines on screen
- Readable font — white with black outline
Captions test: Watch video without sound — is it clear what it's about?
Mistake #4: Poor audio quality
Problem: Quiet, hissing, distorted sound — instant scroll. Even if content is good, bad audio kills retention.
Common audio problems:
- Quiet sound — user can't hear, leaves
- Hiss and background — annoying, distracting
- Distortions — sound "chokes" on loud moments
- Different levels — music louder than voice
How to make good audio:
- Volume — target level -14 LUFS (TikTok standard)
- Noise reduction — use Audacity or Adobe Audition
- Compressor — evens out voice volume
- Balance — voice louder than music by 6-10 dB
Audio test: Listen to video in headphones — is everything clear?
Mistake #5: Vague or missing CTA
Problem: If there's no clear call to action (CTA) at end of video — user doesn't know what to do next. No comments, likes, saves — low ER, algorithm doesn't promote.
Examples of weak CTAs:
- "Like if you enjoyed" — too general
- No CTA at all — user just leaves
- "Subscribe to channel" — doesn't motivate
How to make strong CTA:
- Specific question: "Which of these methods have you tried? Write in comments"
- Intrigue: "Want to know the secret method? Save video, I'll share in next one"
- Challenge: "Try this and tag me in video"
- Discussion: "Agree or not? Prove it in comments"
CTA test: If video has less than 5% comments from views — CTA is weak.
How to check which mistake you have
Use TikTok analytics:
- Open Creator Tools → Analytics
- Check Average watch time — if less than 50%, problem is hook or pacing
- Check Traffic source — if little from "For You", problem is retention
- Check Engagement rate — if less than 5%, problem is CTA
Use SaveFlix Analytics:
- Retention graph — shows exactly where viewers leave
- ER over time — shows when likes and comments come
- Competitor comparison — shows where you're behind
How to fix retention and reach recommendations
Step-by-step plan:
- Check hook — first 3 seconds should be bright and intriguing
- Speed up pacing — cut all pauses, speed up speech to 1.1-1.2x
- Add captions — with keywords highlighted in color
- Fix audio — volume -14 LUFS, no hiss
- Add CTA — specific question or call to action
Test changes:
- Release 3-5 videos with fixes
- Compare retention and ER with previous videos
- Keep what works, remove what doesn't
Check your video analytics and discover retention, ER and best posting time in our free tool.
Download videos without watermark on SaveFlix.space for cross-posting to other platforms.