Low TikTok views happen when a video doesn't pass the initial performance test the algorithm relies on, especially in retention rate, engagement, and strong opening. If you're getting only 40 views or wondering why my TikTok videos aren't getting views, the reason usually comes down to weak performance in the first seconds or low retention rate, not lack of camera quality or timing.
Main Reasons for Low TikTok Views
- Weak opening that doesn't grab attention in the first two seconds — the number one reason for low views
- Low retention rate — most viewers leave before completing the video
- Unnecessarily long video — every extra second is a chance to lose the viewer
- Unclear idea — the viewer doesn't understand the topic in the first seconds
- Wrong audience — the video reaches people not interested in the content
- Inconsistent posting — long gaps between videos confuse the algorithm
How Does the TikTok Algorithm Think About Video Distribution?
Initial Testing
When you post a TikTok video, the algorithm shows it to a small sample — usually 200-500 viewers. Most aren't your followers. If 60-70% of them watch the video completely, distribution expands. If most stop in the first seconds, distribution stops here. This explains why I'm only getting 40 views — the video failed initial testing.
The algorithm monitors TikTok retention rate precisely. If viewers skip the video or stop early, the algorithm records this as a signal that the content isn't interesting, and stops distribution immediately.
Limited Expansion or Stop
If the video succeeds in initial testing, the platform shows it to a larger batch — a few thousand. If strong performance continues, it expands more. But if retention rate drops at any stage, distribution stops. This explains why TikTok views don't increase even hours after posting.
Follower Count Guarantees Nothing
An account with 50,000 followers can get only 300 views if performance is weak, while a new account with 100 followers can achieve 30,000 views if performance is strong. The algorithm doesn't care about account size — only video performance.
Reasons for Low Views Even with Good Content
Sudden Niche Change
If you've been posting marketing content, then suddenly posted a cooking video, your current audience won't engage. The algorithm will show the video to your followers first, and when they don't watch it completely, it stops pushing it to a wider audience. Result: low views even if the content is excellent.
Repetitive Content
Posting the same idea in similar ways repeatedly lowers engagement. The audience gets bored, and complete watch rate drops. The algorithm notices this and gradually reduces distribution.
Slow Pacing
Long shots, slow transitions, or unnecessary silence — all this lowers retention rate. Viewers skip the video before reaching the good part, and the algorithm records this as weak performance.
Using Inappropriate Trend
Joining a trend that doesn't fit your niche won't solve low view problems. The audience that reaches you won't be interested, and performance will remain weak. Trends only work if they fit your audience and style.
How to Increase TikTok View Rate?
Improve the First 3 Seconds
The opening is the number one reason for low views. Start with the main idea immediately — no introductions, no logos, no waiting. Use strong TikTok hooks: a question, curiosity-provoking phrase, or attractive image that forces the viewer to stay.
Reduce Video Length
Short videos — between 7 and 20 seconds — usually achieve higher retention rate. If you're posting 40-60 second videos and getting low views, try cutting the length in half. Delete everything that doesn't add direct value. Learn about ideal video length for each content type.
Analyze Performance with Data
Go into TikTok analytics analysis and see exactly where viewers stop. If you see a sharp drop in the first seconds, the problem is the opening. If the drop is gradual, pacing is slow or content is repetitive.
Test a Different Format
Don't repeat the same style if it failed 3-4 times in a row. Try a different opening, different length, or different angle on the topic. Test one variable at a time until you know what works.
Post Consistently
Consistent posting — even if once every two or three days — is better than posting daily for a week then stopping for a month. Consistency helps the algorithm understand content type and identify the right audience.
How to Get More TikTok Views?
Focus on One Clear Idea
Videos that succeed focus on just one point. The viewer understands the topic in the first seconds and knows what they'll get. Trying to explain three ideas in one video scatters attention and lowers retention rate.
Use Quick Cuts
Every 2-3 seconds, change the angle, cut, or shot. Continuous movement maintains attention and prevents boredom. Fast pacing noticeably raises retention rate.
Delete Dead Moments
Review the video before posting and delete any moment that doesn't add value: silence, pauses, slow transitions, or repetition. Every second should push the video forward.
Engage with Comments Early
Replying to comments in the first two hours increases engagement, giving a positive signal to the algorithm. Early engagement helps expand reach.
Real Example: Same Idea, Different Results
A video about a simple marketing tip:
First version: Starts with a 4-second introduction, then slowly explains the tip, 38 seconds long. Retention rate: 32%. Result: 300 views, stopped after 6 hours.
Second version: Same tip, but starts with a direct question in the first second, explains quickly, 14 seconds long. Retention rate: 74%. Result: 25,000 views in 48 hours.
The only difference: opening and length. Same idea, completely different execution.
Common Mistakes That Increase Low Views
Deleting the video quickly. Many delete the video after hours because views are low. This is wrong — some videos need 24-48 hours to start. Deletion wastes a late viral opportunity.
Re-uploading it immediately. Deleting and re-uploading the video won't improve performance. The problem is the content itself — opening, length, or pacing — not timing.
Posting more when dropping. Intensive posting without improving quality increases the problem. Three weak videos lower reach more than one strong video.
Focusing only on hashtags. Hashtags help with initial targeting, but don't solve weak performance. A video without hashtags but with high retention goes viral more than a video with 10 hashtags and low retention.
Quick Questions
Why am I only getting 0–100 views?
The most likely reason is the video failed initial testing. Retention rate was very low, so the algorithm stopped distribution after the first sample. Review opening and length.
Is it normal for a new account to have low views?
No. New accounts can achieve thousands of views from the first video if performance is strong. Follower count doesn't determine views — performance does.
When will views start improving?
Immediately upon improving performance. If you post a video with high retention rate and strong opening, views will rise from the next video. Improvement isn't gradual — it's immediate.
Should I change content type?
Don't change drastically. Improve execution — opening, length, pacing — but don't change the niche completely. Gradual improvement is better than complete change.
Conclusion
Low TikTok views aren't random — they're a direct result of low retention rate, weak opening, or unnecessarily long video. If you're wondering why my TikTok videos aren't getting views or why I'm only getting 40 views, the reason comes down to performance in initial testing, not follower count or timing. To increase view rate: improve the first 3 seconds, reduce length, delete dead moments, and analyze data after each video. Improvement starts from the very next video.