How to Extract Valuable Data from TikTok for Marketing
TikTok is more than just a social platform—it’s a marketing powerhouse. With over 130 million active users in the U.S. alone, the app is dominated by Gen Z. In fact, half of TikTok’s audience is aged 16-24. For brands aiming to capture the attention of this next generation, TikTok offers a treasure trove of insights.
Let’s take a deep dive into how you can tap into TikTok’s data, position your brand, and make sure you’re ahead of the game.
Understanding Your Audience and Key Influencers
TikTok works like any other social platform—users are drawn to specific interests. The trick? Knowing where to focus your efforts. Start by identifying the right influencers who can help amplify your brand. But before you dive in, ensure your product is suitable for under-18 users, as the platform is heavily populated by younger audiences.
From there, your goal is to find the right accounts to track. Use influencer platforms to quickly generate lists of TikTok accounts within your vertical. Or, to save time, use a cloud-based TikTok scraper to automatically gather this information. Whichever method you choose, the first step is to gather your list of accounts.
What TikTok Data Can You Access
TikTok offers a variety of data points, and knowing what to focus on is critical for success. You can collect data from profiles and hashtags, each offering unique insights.
Profiles: These include influencer IDs, profile images, follower counts, top videos, and bios. This data helps you analyze influencer reach and engagement—critical for influencer marketing.
Hashtags: They give you an even broader view of trending topics. By scraping hashtag data, you can identify top-performing videos, comment counts, music trends, and associated profiles. Start with hashtags to discover key influencers in your niche.
Methods for Gathering TikTok Data
So, how do you actually scrape TikTok? There are two main approaches—each with its own strengths.
1. Python-Based Scraping
For businesses with in-house developers, Python is the gold standard for customizing data extraction. With Python, you can create a scraper tailored to your exact needs.
Start by using an unofficial TikTok API. This API acts as a wrapper to pull specific user data. But TikTok frequently changes its platform, which means you’ll need to constantly update your code to stay on top of things. This option is best suited for companies with dedicated development teams and resources. If you’re a smaller business, this could be more effort than it’s worth.
2. Cloud-Based Scrapers
If you don’t have the tech resources, a cloud-based scraper is the way to go. These subscription services do all the heavy lifting, gathering data from TikTok and delivering it in a readable format. The main perk? You don’t need developers, and it’s easy to set up. Plus, you can access it from any device.
But, cloud scrapers do have limitations. Customization options are more restricted compared to Python-based scrapers. However, for smaller businesses, this is a solid, cost-effective choice. Just make sure to pick a service that regularly updates its tools to avoid outdated data.
Why You Need Proxies
Whether you’re scraping with Python or a cloud-based tool, proxies are a must. Residential and mobile proxies work by masking your location, making TikTok think you’re accessing the platform from a real user. Without proxies, your scraping activities could trigger flags and lead to account suspensions.
The key to avoiding issues? Avoid operating too many accounts from the same IP address and never use data center proxies. Mobile proxies are your best bet, given TikTok’s mobile-first design.
Conclusion
TikTok provides invaluable data for brands looking to engage with the next generation. By choosing the right tools, such as Python-based scrapers or cloud-based alternatives, and using reliable proxies, you can unlock powerful insights to boost your brand’s reach and stay ahead of the competition.