The general feeling you get when you try to figure out how TikTok works is quite similar to what it must feel like when solving a riddle. You scroll through your For You Page, and now, even though this is odd, you’re feeling déjà vu with the same videos that popped up three videos ago. You are not alone in having this problem a few times.

Let’s unpack why and how you can refresh your feed for a more diverse TikTok experience.

How TikTok’s Algorithm Works

The TikTok platform gives you a feed full of videos that you will engage with on the app. It checks out the type of videos you view, like, share, and comment on and even the accounts you follow. The app is designed to serve content you like or find more interesting.

Why Does TikTok Keep Showing Me the Same Videos

Factors That Determine the Videos Recommended For You

Several factors influence what appears on your FYP:

User interactions include likes, shares, comments, and watch time.

Video information, including captions, sounds, and hashtags.

Device and account settings like language preference and location settings.

1. Reasons for Seeing the Same Videos

User Interaction

If you’ve liked or watched a video multiple times, TikTok assumes that the content is appealing and may show similar videos. Repeated interaction with specific types of content signals to the algorithm that you enjoy those kinds of videos.

Content Engagement

High-engagement videos tend to be pushed more frequently. If a video goes viral or has a lot of likes, getting more TikTok views, comments, and shares, TikTok’s algorithm will likely show it to more users, including you, multiple times.

Followed Accounts

Creators you follow might post frequently, and TikTok will prioritize showing their new content. If these creators are very active, their videos can dominate your feed.

Trending Hashtags

Engaging with trending hashtags can result in seeing multiple videos with the same tags. TikTok promotes trending content, which can lead to repetition.

Regional Content

TikTok often shows content based on your geographical location. If there are local trends or popular regional creators, their videos might appear repeatedly.

Limited Content Pool

Having niche interests means there might be fewer videos related to your preferences. Consequently, TikTok might recycle content to keep your feed relevant.

Technical Glitches

Sometimes, it’s not about the algorithm but bugs or glitches in the app. These technical issues can cause specific videos to reappear on your feed.

How to stop TikTok from repeating

2. How to Refresh Your TikTok Feed

Engage with New Content

Start liking, commenting, and sharing different types of videos. Engaging with a broader range of content can help diversify your feed.

Follow New Creators

Look for new accounts that interest you and start following them. It will introduce fresh content into your FYP.

Explore Different Hashtags

Participate in different trends and explore new hashtags. It can open up a variety of videos that you might not have seen before.

Clear Cache

Clearing your cache can sometimes help with feed issues. How:

Go to your TikTok profile, CLICK ON the three dots, and click in the upper right corner OF YOUR PROFILE.

Scroll down and tap “Clear Cache.”

Update the App

Make sure your app is up to date. Sometimes, updates for the TikTok App fix bugs that keep the feed from updating.

3. Effects of the TikTok Algorithm

Positive Effects

Discovery of New Content: It helps find new and related content based on interests.

Personalized Recommendations: This means the content is perfect and appealing to a user, making it very attractive.

Negative Effects

Repetitive Content: This can be very frustrating and boring, repeatedly seeing the same videos.

Echo Chamber: It might create a bubble where it features only the content, giving viewers the sense it will pertain well to their views and interests, hence closing off their minds to different perspectives.

Conclusion

Understanding why TikTok repeatedly shows you the same videos boils down to its algorithm’s design to optimize user engagement. For a more enjoyable experience, you can refresh your feed by interacting with new content, following different creators, and exploring various hashtags. Keep your TikTok app updated and clear the cache to avoid technical glitches.

FAQs

How does TikTok decide which videos to show?

TikTok’s algorithm bases its recommendations on your interactions, video information, and device/account settings. It tailors your feed based on what you watch, like, share, and comment on.