This metric TikTok Engagement Rate not only shows momentary popularity but also serves as an important signal for the algorithm to distribute your videos more widely. The higher the interaction, the greater the chance your content has of landing on the For You Page (FYP).
This article will guide you through the formulas, benchmarks, and practical strategies to not only measure but also effectively increase your engagement rate.
What is the TikTok Engagement Rate?
The TikTok engagement rate (ER) measures the ratio of interactions likes, comments, shares, and favorites/saves compared to an audience (followers) or exposure (views) of a piece of content or an account. ER is important because interactions act as a quality signal to the TikTok’s algorithm, which can influence distribution opportunities on the For You Page (FYP) and reach among non-followers.
There are two levels to monitor: ER per content (to assess the performance of each video) and the average ER of the account (for short/medium-term trends and content strategy evaluation).
TikTok Engagement Rate Formulas (Several Methods)
ER by Followers (ERF)
- Formula: (Likes + Comments + Shares + Favorites) / Total Followers x 100%.
- When to use it: When comparing accounts/creators or when views tend to fluctuate between content.
- Bias: Can under/overestimate if content reaches many non-followers, making engagement disproportionate to the follower count.
ER by Views (ERV)
- Formula: (Likes + Comments + Shares + Favorites) / Views x 100%.
- When to use it: To assess content quality per impression—relevant for FYP distribution that reaches many non-followers.
- Bias: A spike in views (including potentially low-intent views) can lower the ratio; validate with retention metrics.
Average ER per Post (7–30 day period)
- Method: Calculate the ER for each post (choose either ERF or ERV), then take the average over a 7–30 day period to read weekly/monthly trends and evaluate consistently high-performing content.
Calculation Example: Step-by-Step
Example for 1 Piece of Content
- Fictional data: 50,000 Followers; 120,000 Views; 6,000 Likes; 400 Comments; 300 Shares; 800 Favorites. Total engagement = 6,000 + 400 + 300 + 800 = 7,500.
- ERF = 7,500 / 50,000 x 100% = 15%.
- ERV = 7,500 / 120,000 x 100% = 6.25%.
Interpretation: A high ERF indicates a strong community relative to the follower size; a good ERV shows the effectiveness of interaction per impression for FYP distribution.
30-Day Example (Account)
- Take the 5–10 most recent posts.
- Calculate the ER per post (ERF or ERV), then average them.
- Compare the median and identify outliers (best/worst content). Analyze the difference between ERF and ERV to understand whether a strong follower community or FYP distribution is driving engagement.
Template
Add a link to your internal Google Sheet Template for automatic ER calculation here: [Template Link]. Ensure columns for: Date, Title, Views, Likes, Comments, Shares, Favorites, Followers, ERF, ERV.
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Benchmark: What is a Good TikTok Engagement Rate?
TikTok ER benchmarks vary by niche, account size, format, and video quality. For current reference, compare your performance with reports/research from Hootsuite, Socialinsider, and Metricool, which publish calculation methods and the latest ER trends. It’s best to use two lenses:
- Industry medians from third-party reports.
- Your own internal trends (MoM/QtQ) for context relevant to your audience and business category.
Note: Benchmarks can change; always use the latest data + your internal trends.
How to Check ER in TikTok Analytics and Alternative Tools
TikTok Analytics (Creator/Business)
- Access: Profile > Creator Tools/Business Suite > Analytics. Monitor metrics like Views, Average Watch Time, Completion Rate, and Shares to assess content quality and distribution potential.
- How to check engagement rate: Record Likes, Comments, Shares, Favorites, Followers, and Views; calculate ERF/ERV using the formulas above. Use the download/export feature if available for periodic calculations.
Third-Party Tools & Calculators
- Calculators: Influencer Marketing Hub provides a TikTok engagement rate calculator and explains common calculation methods (e.g., ER by views).
- Third-party analytics tools and calculators may use different formula definitions or have data sampling/delays; align the method used before benchmarking.
Strategies to Increase Engagement Rate on TikTok
Creative & Content Structure
- A strong hook in the first 3 seconds, clear storytelling, and an interaction-based CTA (comments, duets, stitches).
- Use relevant question prompts to increase the quality of comments.
Distribution Optimization
- Use trending but relevant sounds/hashtags, a strong cover/thumbnail, the best local posting times (test 2–3 slots), consistent frequency, and content series to build viewing habits. Of course, this optimization will be more impactful if accompanied by a strategy to increase TikTok views overall.
Social Proof & Collaboration
- Encourage UGC, collaborate with niche creators, and use micro-influencers to deepen community engagement.
Testing & Iteration
- A/B test formats (duration, angle), analyze retention (average watch time, completion rate), and improve one variable per test cycle for fast, measurable learning.
TikTok vs. Instagram: Differences in Calculation & ER Expectations
TikTok relies on For You Page distribution that reaches many non-followers; therefore, ER by views (ERV) is often more representative for assessing content quality per impression. On Instagram, reach has historically been more influenced by followers, making ER by followers (ERF) common, although Reels is becoming more similar to ERV as non-follower reach increases. Do not compare numbers 1:1 across platforms; evaluate each platform according to its funnel objectives.
FAQ
- Are favorites/saves included in ER?
Yes, include them in the total engagement along with likes, comments, and shares. - Which is more accurate: ERV or ERF?
It depends on your goal: ERV for content quality per impression (FYP distribution), ERF for community strength relative to followers. - Why does ER drop as followers grow?
The ERF denominator increases; focus on absolute engagement trends, retention, and shareability, not a single static number.
Ready to Increase Your Business’s TikTok Engagement Rate?
Need a strategy that is efficient, measurable, and scalable? Learn about Dreambox’s Digital Marketing Services. Besides organic strategies, content performance can also be boosted through paid advertising or TikTok Ads.
Want a quick audit and an execution plan? Schedule a free consultation with our team. For the latest tactical insights and case studies, visit DBX Insight on the Dreambox website. We help you turn TikTok Analytics data into creative decisions that drive ROI.
