Selling on TikTok Shop Malaysia in 2025? If you’re wondering why some sellers get thousands of views overnight while yours is barely moving—you’re not alone.
It all comes down to the TikTok Shop algorithm.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the algorithm actually works (yes, no fluff), what affects your views, what the point system means, and the best timing strategy to follow.
Whether you’re a content marketer, small biz owner, or eCommerce team, this is the TikTok Shop Algorithm 101 you need—decoded in simple language.
🔍 What Is the TikTok Shop Algorithm?
🧠 TikTok Shop Algorithm = TikTok’s Discovery Engine + E-commerce Intent Signals
The TikTok Shop algorithm is an advanced system that blends content virality with e-commerce behavior, optimizing for both viewer engagement and shopping intent. Unlike traditional marketplaces where users search for what they want, TikTok Shop focuses on showing products before users even know they need them.
Here’s how the engine works behind the scenes:
💡 1. Content-First, Commerce-Second (But Smartly Blended)
- TikTok still prioritizes entertainment value first. The more watchable and engaging your content, the better.
- Once that’s achieved, TikTok analyzes if a video has commercial potential — i.e., will this content trigger product interest or purchases?
This is why creators need to nail edutainment — blending product showcases into content formats viewers already love.
🧾 2. Key Input Signals the Algorithm Looks At
Here are some behind-the-scenes factors TikTok considers before boosting a TikTok Shop video:
| Signal Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Video Completion Rate | High completion = engaging, informative, entertaining. A must. |
| Click-Through Rate (CTR) | Are people clicking on the cart icon or product tags? |
| Add to Cart & Wishlist | TikTok tracks shopping behaviors—even without checkout. |
| Conversion Rate | Sales made per number of views = major green flag. |
| Product Score | TikTok gives each item a relevance score based on sales history, return rate, and reviews. |
⏱️ 3. Recency + Frequency = Short-Term Virality
The algorithm loves fresh content. Even if your product video has potential, time matters:
- Posting consistently increases visibility.
- First 48 hours = the golden window to trigger viral behavior.
- Videos that gain quick engagement get pushed harder.
📊 4. Algorithm Is Personalized per User Behavior
TikTok Shop’s algorithm is not universal — it’s customized per user.
So if a user recently:
- Searched for “air fryers”
- Engaged with multiple “kitchen gadgets” videos
- Watched 100% of a TikTok Shop cooking video
…then TikTok will automatically prioritize related TikTok Shop listings in their feed.
🚫 What the algorithm doesn’t like: Overly salesy content (straight-up ads with no value = scroll), low-quality product videos, and videos with no real “hook” in the first 3 seconds
📈 The Point System: How TikTok Shop Measures Success
TikTok uses an internal point system to assess how “valuable” your product video or livestream is. While TikTok doesn’t officially publish this, here’s what sellers and marketers have observed:
| Action | Points (Estimated) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Video watched (3+ secs) | 1 | Tells TikTok your content is “catchy” |
| Full video watched | 2 | Signals quality and relevance |
| Click on product link | 3 | Shows interest in the product |
| Add to cart | 5 | Suggests high purchase intent |
| Purchase | 10+ | Main KPI for ranking in Shop tab & feed |
The more points you earn quickly, the higher your content gets pushed in the Shop Feed, Search results, and even LIVE recommendations.
👁️ Algorithm for Views: What Really Drives Visibility?
To trigger the algorithm to give your video more views, focus on these key elements:
1. Hook in the First 3 Seconds
The algorithm checks early engagement. If viewers scroll past immediately, your ranking drops. Use curiosity, emotion, or a bold visual in the first 3 seconds.
To win the algorithm and stop the scroll, you need strong “hooks” that immediately grab attention and signal value. Here are 6 types of proven TikTok Shop hooks, with examples tailored for product sellers and content marketers:
| Hook types | What it means? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Shock or Surprise Hook | Grab attention with something unexpected, weird, or jaw-dropping. | ✅ “I thought this was a scam… until I tried it.” ✅ [Shows someone cutting a cake with a shoe — then zooms out to reveal it’s not real.] ✅ “Wait till you see what this kitchen gadget does.” |
| Problem/Solution Hook | Start by showing a relatable pain point, then tease the solution. | ✅ “Tired of your room smelling like food? Here’s a RM20 fix.” ✅ “I used to burn rice every time. Not anymore.” ✅ [Video opens with a messy drawer, then reveals an organizing hack.] |
| Curiosity Gap Hook | Tease a result or product feature — without giving it away. | ✅ “You won’t believe how this folds flat in 1 second.” ✅ “This isn’t what you think it is…” ✅ This RM5 trick changed my skincare routine.” |
| Relatable Daily Life Hook | Mirror real-life scenarios your target audience goes through. | ✅ “POV: You promised not to online shop this week.” ✅ “When your boss gives you a 3-day deadline.” ✅ [Busy mom juggling kids while cleaning with a new mop.] |
| Product-in-Action Hook | Start by instantly showing the product doing something interesting. | ✅ [Blender crushing ice in 2 seconds — no intro, no voice. Just visual punch.] ✅ [Skin patch removing blackheads in real time.] ✅ [Bag transforms from handbag to backpack in 1 motion.] |
| Social Proof or Reaction Hook | Feature real people reacting to your product. | ✅ “Her face when she saw the results 👀” ✅ “My mom didn’t believe me until she tried this.” ✅ [Cut to friends screaming/laughing while trying something surprising.] |
🔥 Pro tip: Combine hook types. For example: Start with a visual shock, layer in a curiosity gap, and reinforce with product-in-action.
2. Video Length Between 20–35 Seconds
Short videos tend to complete fully, which scores higher in the point system.
3. Native TikTok Editing
Using TikTok’s in-app editing tools (captions, filters, effects) increases the chance your video gets prioritized.
4. Trending Hashtags (Shop + Niche Specific)
Include a combo of:
- #TikTokShopMY
- #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt
- Your product category: #SkincareMalaysia, #GadgetMY etc.
⏱️ Algorithm Timing Tips: When to Post for Maximum Reach
Posting at the right time helps you ride the algorithm wave and gain early traction.
Best Times to Post (Malaysia time, based on 2025 seller data):
| Day | Time Range |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 12pm–2pm or 8pm–10pm |
| Saturday–Sunday | 10am–12pm or 9pm–11pm |
TikTok Shop prioritizes videos that get good engagement in the first 30–60 minutes. Timing matters.
🧠 Algorithm Exposed: Extra Tips to “Hack” It (Without Breaking Rules)
Let’s be clear—we’re not suggesting shady tactics. But these pro tips work with the algorithm, not against it:
1. Use the Same Product in Multiple Videos
TikTok sees consistent product promotion as a sign you’re serious. It builds momentum.
2. Reply to Comments with Video
This boosts engagement and gives you extra algorithm juice.
3. Livestream Frequently
The TikTok Shop algorithm LOVES LIVE. Even low-view LIVEs can increase your account credibility and push your future product videos.
4. High-Performing Cover Thumbnails
Use an attractive cover image with product keywords—it helps in both TikTok search and Shop discovery.
🧩 Final Thoughts: Algorithm Alone Isn’t Enough
Understanding the TikTok Shop algorithm is key—but don’t forget:
- Consistency wins.
- Creative matters.
- Logistics affect repeat customers.
If your delivery experience doesn’t match your awesome content, customers won’t come back.
Selling outside of TikTok Shop? Try Ninja Van Malaysia – with flexible pickup/drop-off, 3x delivery attempts, and seamless parcel tracking.
✨ TL;DR – Quick Cheatsheet
- TikTok Shop algorithm = point-based system rewarding views, clicks, and sales.
- Hook early, keep videos short, post during peak hours.
- More conversions = more visibility.
- Livestreams and high engagement = long-term growth.
