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How to Increase Engagement on TikTok and Other Platforms in 2024

Crescitaly Staff

Crescitaly Staff

— 4 min read

In January 2024, stand-up comic and content creator Lia Tran hit 1.2M followers on TikTok after just 6 months of posting. Her secret? Micro-interactions, social timing, and a battle-tested engagement loop. Lia isn't an isolated case. Across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram, creators and brands are fine-tuning their strategy to focus less on reach and more on what really matters: engagement.

In a landscape where algorithms shift faster than trends, growing followers is half the game. The other half — and arguably more critical — is keeping those followers invested.

Why Engagement Matters More Than Follower Count

The era of buying mass followers and praying for virality is fading. In 2024, platforms like TikTok and Instagram prioritize content that sparks interactions — likes, comments, shares, and saves. Here's why:

  • Engagement boosts visibility: The algorithm favors content that people respond to quickly.
  • It builds credibility: High engagement signals authenticity and trust.
  • It's monetizable: Brands want creators whose followers actually care — not just passive scrollers.
"It's no longer about being seen. It's about being remembered," says Maya Elston, a TikTok strategist managing multiple 6-figure creator accounts.

TikTok: Micro-Moments and Hook-First Content

The average TikTok viewer decides whether to scroll within 1.7 seconds. Increasing engagement relies on stopping the thumb in its tracks and rewarding attention.

Tactics That Work in 2024:

  • First 3 seconds = setup: Use curiosity gaps, fast cuts, or bold hooks.
  • Captions matter: On-screen text grabs non-audio viewers and reinforces the hook.
  • Reply to comments with video: TikTok’s native feature boosts engagement and personalizes interactions.
  • Post when your audience is active: According to Crescitaly's dashboard insights, creators see a 29% engagement lift when posting during optimized windows.

Leverage TikTok’s Q&A and live streams to deepen community connection. Also, don't ignore trends — but tailor them to your niche identity rather than copy-pasting formats.

Instagram: Carousel & Story Synergy

Instagram in 2024 is split between bite-sized storytelling and deep scrollables. Engagement happens in DMs, shares, saves, and story replies rather than feed likes alone.

What's Performing Now:

  • Carousels with storytelling: Use slide format to reveal "Part 1/3", "Did you know?", or mini case studies.
  • Polls & Stickers in Stories: Invite micro-interactions with quizzes, emoji sliders, and “Ask me anything.”
  • Close Friends strategy: Segment insider offers or behind-the-scenes content to boost intimacy and tap FOMO.
  • Comment bait done right: Ask for opinions, not just emojis. “Which platform has the worst ads? 👀” sparks replies.

As Instagram moves closer to becoming a messaging app with visuals, DMs and saves become more important inputs for the algorithm. Engagement fuels discovery.

YouTube: From Passive Viewers to Active Fans

YouTube's long-form ecosystem might seem slower than TikTok, but it offers durable, compounding engagement. The trick? Prioritize retention first, then CTA-driven interaction.

Engagement-Forward YouTube Tactics:

  • Pin your top comment: Spark discussion or link to a related video to drive sessions.
  • Use timestamps creatively: Structure episodes or Q&As and invite viewers to comment on specific segments.
  • Poll your Community tab: Short questions ("Which topic next?") reinforce belonging and interest.
  • End screens with purpose: Guide viewers to action (“Subscribe for Part 2,” or “Vote in our Telegram group”).

Using Crescitaly's advanced panel, some creators have been able to analyze retention patterns and tweak their CTAs toward the exact minutes where viewers drop off — turning potential bounces into high-quality comments or subscriptions.

Telegram: The DM-Era's Most Underrated Platform

While TikTok and Instagram dominate headlines, Telegram is where many creators and businesses engage their most loyal audience.

Telegram Engagement Playbook:

  • Use polls and reactions: Instant, lightweight feedback mechanisms create habit loops.
  • Segment discussions with nested chats: Keeps the main channel clean while encouraging active engagement.
  • Offer exclusive drops: Whether it’s unreleased content, crypto tips, or merch — drive urgency with scarcity.
  • Link back to primary platforms: Use Telegram to drive re-engagement across your ecosystem.

If you're running an SMM panel or managing a community, Telegram is your CRM disguised as a group chat. Smart brands treat it like their VIP lounge.

Real Talk: What NOT To Do in 2024

Some engagement-killers aren't obvious until your metrics flatten. Avoid these common traps:

  • Ignoring feedback loops: If no one's responding to questions or polls, adjust your tone, timing, or content type.
  • Over-posting generic content: Algorithms can smell low-effort posts. So can your followers.
  • Buying fake engagement: It tanks your reach and trust. Platforms like Crescitaly emphasize authentic metrics — the kind that convert.
"The future belongs to creators who treat engagement like a two-way conversation — not just a broadcast." — Elena Vargas, Social Media Analyst

The Road Ahead: Strategy > Tricks

In 2024, increasing engagement requires more than hacks or one-size-fits-all advice. It calls for intentional design, real listening, and agile content creation. Here’s where to focus next:

  • Cross-platform loops: Use TikTok to tease YouTube, and Telegram to drive community input that informs IG posts.
  • Create engagement ladders: Move people from low-lift taps to high-involvement actions like comments, shares, and DMs.
  • Run weekly diagnostics: Use tools like Crescitaly.com to benchmark content and test formats strategically.

Whether you're a marketer running client accounts or a creator building your brand from scratch, engagement is the bridge between visibility and value. Build that bridge intentionally — and watch your community not just grow, but stick.

Meta Title: How to Increase Engagement on TikTok and Instagram

Meta Description: Learn proven strategies to increase real engagement on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram — backed by actionable tips and Crescitaly insights.

Tags: TikTok marketing, Instagram growth, YouTube engagement, Telegram channels, SMM panel, Crescitaly, social media strategy, creator tips

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