I tried TikTok productivity hacks and they actually work

As a business owner, I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve productivity and efficiency—not just for my team but for myself as well. Running a business means juggling countless responsibilities, from managing clients to overseeing projects and strategizing for growth. In the fast-paced digital marketing landscape, staying productive is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Surprisingly, one of the most unexpected sources of productivity inspiration came from TikTok. While initially a platform I used for entertainment and staying up-to-date with the latest drama, I soon discovered a treasure trove of productivity hacks that are not only practical but also incredibly effective for business owners like me.

TikTok is an unexpected phenomenon. In 2020, a music app that evolved into a cornerstone of pop culture content? I would not have believed it. Especially if you told me that I would end up scrolling for hours on end, but here we are.

While TikTok has served its purpose for entertainment, you can find all types of intel and information about topics you can learn from.

With TikTok's unique (and creepily accurate) algorithm, the more you engage with a particular type of content, the more of that type of content will appear on your For You Page (this is the equivalent of the Instagram Explorer page).

So, just before I shut off for the evening, I revisited the app to look for more memes, and lo and behold, I came across a genre that I never realized TikTok could be utilized for—productivity hacks. There are actual productivity gurus who share tips and tricks on how to work smarter, and the tips are actually good.

So here are my top 5 productivity hacks I tested that are actually worth trying:

Energy Management

Unlike traditional productivity tips and tricks, which typically focus on time management, this strategy aims to improve our efficiency management through our Body's energy. It does so by tracking your energy levels throughout the day (and week) and using that data to create a schedule that works for you. When I first saw this TikTok, I have to say I was a skeptic, but as I practiced it more throughout my day, it actually made so much sense!

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@myycah/video/6985998876167687430

 

After a few days of trying this method and actively tracking my energy, I realized that I peak between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., then pick up again at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and I began structuring my workday accordingly. I also discovered that early mornings boost my energy and enthusiasm for the day, so I began prioritizing waking up earlier to allow myself an hour or two before work to prepare breakfast and drink coffee.

This is my favorite out of all the other productivity management hacks I've tried because it allows me to be mindful and proactive. However, as everything goes potential issues frequently arise in my schedule. For example, if I didn't get enough sleep the night before, I push the draining tasks off to the next day.

The Pomodoro Technique

You might've already heard of the Pomodoro Technique, but let me refresh your memory (just in case you thought it had to do with pasta, just like I did). The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method that involves breaking your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. Once four 'pomodoros' have been completed, you are encouraged to take a more extended 20-minute break.

https://www.tiktok.com/@tamerxi/video/6897036642016578818?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7056657971837928961

Although many people I know and TikTok users swear by this, it's not my favorite productivity method. It does get me started on work, but when I'm on a roll with a task, I hate being interrupted by the timer. By the time I got to my breaks, I could already feel my momentum fade. I eventually ended up cutting my breaks shorter and went back to work.

The 5-Minute Rule

If you are one to procrastinate or avoid a task, this is a must-try! I usually struggled with getting started with tasks in the past, and I never realized I had been doing this all along until I found it on TikTok.

The 5-Minute Rule is simple. Instead of forcing yourself to do something you don't really want to work on, the 5-Minute Rule allows you to do the task for—you guessed it—five minutes. If after 5 minutes you still don't feel engaged with the work you do, you can stop. But more often than not, I find myself completing the task...I just really need to start.

https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriel.nussbaum/video/6997046616142122246

This tip will make starting on a task you're trying to avoid incredibly effortless.

Body Doubling

Body Doubling is another favorite of mine, especially since most of our employees are working remotely. This method is simple: just have another person be present via Zoom or work remotely with you to help you get more things done.

The idea of this method is that it provides extra accountability on tasks you need to go over. By having another person present, you become more aware of the job you need to work on and, at the same time, minimize any stress that might come with it because you're not alone.

https://www.tiktok.com/@dustychipura/video/6880301017024433409

This is one of those methods I didn't realize I was doing. I've tried Body Doubling both in-person and virtually, and every time I've done so, my productivity improves almost immediately.

The Eisenhower's Box

As a digital marketer, our buckets either get filled very fast or it's filled to the brim. A lot of urgent tasks in one day? Not to worry!

This method was developed by Dwight Eisenhower in the 1900s and is an incredible hack for people with several urgent tasks on their plates. The idea is to plan your tasks by dividing them into four sections. The upper left section is for "Urgent and Important," the upper right area is labeled "I," which stands for "Important," and the lower-left corner is marked "U," for urgent things. At the same time, the lower right corner is reserved for "None," which means that it is neither urgent nor important and is an area where activities such as watching TV or, ironically, watching TikTok would go.

Once you’ve created your four quadrants, brainstorm all of the tasks you need to do. I would suggest starting in the top left box first, then delegating the important but not urgent tasks to teammates, and deciding when would be the best time to tackle those tasks in the future.

And there you have it! Our top productivity hacks you never knew you needed—thanks to TikTok.

With a growing landscape and consumer base on the app, who's to know when we find more innovative and creative ways to stay productive and efficient?

As TikTok continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that the platform offers more than just entertainment—it’s a surprising resource for finding innovative ways to boost productivity and efficiency, especially in digital marketing. For business owners and entrepreneurs, these hacks provide practical tools to help manage time, energy, and tasks more effectively. Who knows what other creative solutions we’ll discover as the app’s landscape expands?

If you’ve come across a TikTok productivity hack that’s made a difference for you, feel free to share it in the comments below—we’re always looking for new ways to improve and stay ahead in digital marketing and business!