TikTok Video Upload Checklist
Audit your video before hitting "Post". Verify the critical first 3-second retention hook, 9:16 safe zones, trending audio, and SEO keywords to maximize FYP velocity.
0 of 12 Requirements Cleared
Complete the missing items below to boost average watch time.
Pattern Interrupt in First 1.5 - 2 Seconds
+12 ptsVisual movement, sound cue, or text hook on screen immediately before user can swipe.
High-Contrast Visual Hook Headline
+10 ptsBig, readable title text placed in the upper third so viewers instantly know the value proposition.
Open Loop or End-of-Video Payoff
+8 ptsTease a surprising reveal, secret hack, or result that rewards watching until the final second.
9:16 Vertical Video (1080 x 1920) at 60 FPS
+8 ptsZero black bars, crisp lighting, and exported at optimal bitrate (15-20 Mbps).
Text & Faces Outside TikTok UI Dead Zones
+7 ptsKey elements avoid right-side icons (Like, Share, Profile), bottom caption, and top search bar.
Kinetic Auto-Captions or On-Screen Subtitles
+5 ptsOver 70% of TikTok users watch without headphones in public spaces.
Trending TikTok Audio Added as Sound Layer
+10 ptsEven at 5% background volume, attaching a trending sound taps into the audio discovery feed.
Crystal-Clear Vocal Audio Without Background Hum
+10 ptsHigh speech intelligibility, normalized loudness (-14 LUFS), zero wind or clipping.
Search-Optimized Caption with Target Keywords
+8 ptsTikTok is now a search engine. Include 2-3 natural search terms users type in the search bar.
3 to 5 Targeted Niche Hashtags (No #fyp Spam)
+7 pts1 broad community tag, 2 niche tags, and 1 specific topic hashtag.
Seamless Loop Transition (End connects to Start)
+8 ptsThe final sentence or camera motion smoothly leads back into the opening hook.
Comment Trigger or Debate Prompt
+7 ptsAsk viewers for their opinion, include a subtle controversial detail, or ask 'Which one would you pick?'
Essential Companion Tools
Use these free creator tools to fix unchecked items on your pre-flight audit:
FYP Algorithm Masterclass
Learn the exact retention benchmarks and watch time algorithms used by TikTok in 2026.
TikTok Algorithm 2026: How to Hack the FYP and Get Millions of Views
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TikTok Creator Rewards Program: 2026 Monetization, RPM Rates & Qualified Views Guide
Everything you need to know about earning high RPM payouts with the TikTok Creator Rewards Program: qualifications, 60-second video strategy, and tier-1 audience targeting.
TikTok SEO Masterclass: How to Rank #1 on TikTok Search in 2026
Learn how Gen Z and modern consumers use TikTok as their primary search engine, and master metadata, keyword placement, and spoken query indexing.