The TikTok algorithm is not magic; it is a predictable mathematical model. In 2026, it operates on a "Weighted Interest Graph." Unlike the "Social Graph" of Instagram (who you know), TikTok builds an "Interest Graph" (what you love). This report decodes the current weighting parameters.
The Feature Weighting Score (FWS)
Every video is assigned a score based on user interaction. If a video's score exceeds the threshold for a "Tier 1" test group (300 people), it moves to "Tier 2" (3,000 people).
| Action | Weight (Points) | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Watch Time (100%) | 10 pts | Critical |
| Share (Dark Social) | 8 pts | High |
| Save (Favorite) | 6 pts | High |
| Comment | 4 pts | Medium |
| Like | 1 pt | Low |
The "Negative Signal" Danger
Creators obsession with positive signals, but negative signals kill reach faster. The algorithm aggressively protects user experience.
- "Not Interested" Click: -50 Points. (Instant reach killer).
- Swipe Away < 1s: -10 Points. (Sign of clickbait/low quality hook).
- Report Video: -100 Points. (Account flag).
Actionable Strategy: The 110% Rule
To go viral, your "Total Watch Time" needs to exceed 100% video duration. This means people are RE-WATCHING. Your goal is to create loops where the end feeds back into the start, or value so dense they have to rewatch to catch it all.
The "Keywords" Over "Hashtags" Shift
The algorithm now transcribes your video to understand context. It relies less on hashtags and more on:
- Verbatim Speech: What you actually say in the video.
- Text Overlays: Keywords placed on screen.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR): The AI reads objects in your background (brands, items).
Stop chasing "trends." Start chasing "retention." The algorithm is designed to keep users on the app. If you help TikTok achieve that goal, they will reward you with millions of views.