What Shapes Your TikTok Feed?
Ever wondered why certain videos show up on your For You Page (FYP)? Why TikTok seems to know exactly what you like? You're not alone! We're a team of researchers at Queensland University of Technology and University of Sydney investigating how TikTok’s recommendation algorithm influences what Australians see and create on the platform.
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This project is about you—the users and creators shaping TikTok culture every day. Whether you’re scrolling, liking, or making content, the algorithm is learning from your behaviour. But how does that really work? And what does it mean for culture, creativity, and even public debates in Australia?
Join us as we uncover the hidden patterns behind TikTok’s algorithm and its impact on everyday digital life!
Why Study TikTok’s Algorithm?
TikTok isn’t just another social media app—it’s where Australians spend the most time online. It’s shaping trends, public conversations, and even careers. But behind every viral moment is an algorithm deciding what gets seen and what doesn’t.
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​​​This research doesn’t just help scholars—it’s also valuable for creators trying to optimise their content and for users who want to better understand how their feeds are curated. Ultimately, our goal is to bring transparency to TikTok’s algorithm and provide insights that benefit everyone from casual scrollers to policymakers.
Our Research Explores Three Key Questions:
What content does TikTok recommend to Australian users, and how does this shape our culture?
How do different people experience and interpret the algorithm?
How do TikTok creators adapt their strategies to stay visible and relevant?
Analyzing TikTok’s Cultural Impact Through Data and User Engagement
We are using a combination of data analysis, interviews, and user participation to understand these patterns. By tracking changes over time, we can get a clearer picture of how TikTok shapes cultural trends and public conversations.
The Three Key Research Streams
Platform Analysis
We track the big picture—how TikTok’s recommender system works at scale. By studying large-scale data trends, we examine what kinds of content the platform promotes and how its algorithm changes over time. This helps us uncover broader patterns in how culture flows through TikTok.
User Experiences
Your TikTok feed is personal, but how do different people experience the algorithm? Through interviews and data donations, we explore how Australian users understand and engage with TikTok’s recommendations. Do they feel in control? Do they notice changes? This stream gives voice to everyday users and their interactions with the algorithm.
Creator Strategies
TikTok isn’t just about watching—it’s about creating. How do influencers and content creators navigate the algorithm to reach audiences? We work with creators to understand their tactics, challenges, and successes in staying visible on the platform. This stream offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative side of TikTok.