Skip to content
5WPR
Get in touch

Media Relations · Published February 8, 2025

Ronn Torossian
Founder & Chairman, 5W

TikTok's Role in Modern PR: Creating Viral Content That Builds Brand Value

Learn how TikTok transforms modern PR with viral content strategies, engagement tips & best practices for building brand value through authentic storytelling & creator partnerships

tiktok app icon on a smartphone screen
Share:
The social media landscape has fundamentally shifted how brands connect with their audiences, and TikTok stands at the forefront of this change. With over 1 billion monthly active users and an average engagement rate of 17.5% - far surpassing Instagram's 3.8% - TikTok has proven itself as a powerhouse for reaching and resonating with audiences. PR professionals who master TikTok's unique blend of authenticity, creativity, and rapid content creation gain direct access to journalists, influencers, and consumers alike. The platform's algorithm rewards genuine, engaging content over polished corporate messaging, making it an ideal channel for brands looking to build trust and credibility in today's digital-first world.

Building Meaningful Connections with Journalists

PR professionals can use TikTok to catch journalists' attention through creative storytelling. CNN anchor Max Foster's successful TikTok presence shows how media professionals actively use the platform to connect with audiences. By creating behind-the-scenes content, sharing industry insights, and participating in relevant conversations, PR teams can build relationships with journalists who are increasingly turning to TikTok for story ideas and sources.

Creating Content That Spreads Organically

The key to TikTok success lies in understanding what makes content shareable. Videos that teach something new, spark emotion, or tap into cultural moments tend to perform best. For example, Duolingo's TikTok account gained massive popularity by personifying its mascot and creating humorous content that plays off current trends while staying true to its brand identity.

Leveraging Platform-Specific Features

TikTok offers several tools that PR professionals can use to boost engagement:
  • Stitch and Duet features allow brands to interact directly with user content
  • Q&A sessions build community and provide valuable feedback
  • Live streaming creates real-time connections with audiences
  • Hashtag challenges encourage user participation and content creation
The Washington Post exemplifies effective use of these features, building a following of over 1.5 million by creating news-related content that uses TikTok's native tools to inform and entertain.

Maintaining Consistent Brand Voice

While TikTok thrives on casual, authentic content, maintaining brand identity remains critical. Successful brands like Ryanair have mastered the balance between playful content and consistent messaging. Their TikTok presence maintains the airline's irreverent personality while clearly communicating their brand values.

Strategic Content Planning

Data shows that brands posting 3-5 times per week see optimal engagement rates. Creating a content calendar that includes:
  • Trending topic monitoring
  • Planned campaign content
  • Real-time response opportunities
  • Performance tracking metrics
This structured approach allows PR teams to maintain regular posting while remaining flexible enough to jump on trending moments.

Measuring Impact and ROI

Track these key metrics to gauge TikTok PR success:
  • View-through rate
  • Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares)
  • Follower growth
  • Hashtag usage
  • Website traffic from TikTok
Companies like Shopify have demonstrated the platform's ROI potential, reporting significant increases in brand awareness and customer acquisition through their TikTok presence.

Working with Creators and Influencers

Collaborating with established TikTok creators can amplify PR efforts. When choosing partners, focus on:
  • Audience alignment
  • Content quality
  • Engagement rates
  • Previous brand collaboration success
Chipotle's partnerships with creators have generated millions of views and significant brand lift by allowing influencers to maintain their authentic voice while incorporating brand messaging. Success on TikTok requires a shift in traditional PR thinking. The platform rewards authenticity, creativity, and quick adaptation to trends. Start by identifying your brand's unique voice on TikTok, then build a content strategy that combines planned campaigns with real-time engagement. Monitor performance metrics closely and adjust your approach based on what resonates with your audience. Remember that TikTok users value genuine connections over perfect production - focus on creating content that adds value while staying true to your brand's core message. By implementing these strategies consistently, PR professionals can build a TikTok presence that drives meaningful results and creates lasting connections with their target audience.
Ronn Torossian

Written by

Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is Founder and Chairman of 5W , the AI Communications Firm. He founded 5W in 2003 and built it into one of the largest independent public relations and digital marketing firms in the United States, with senior practitioners serving corporate communications , consumer brands , technology , financial services , health and wellness , beauty , gaming , crisis communications , and public affairs . Under his leadership, 5W defined AI Communications, building brand authority across ChatGPT , Claude , Perplexity , Gemini , and Google AI Overviews, alongside earned media, digital, GEO, and influencer channels. Industry Recognition 5W has been recognized as a top U.S. PR agency by O’Dwyer’s , Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards , Grand Stevie Most Honored PR Agency, a Ragan Top Place to Work in Communications 2026, Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year, and a PRovoke Top 50 Global PR Agency. Torossian has been recognized with the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year twice, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist nomination, Business Insider Top Crisis Communications Professionals, and Crain’s New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Research Franchise 5W’s research franchise has become an industry reference for measuring brand visibility inside AI-generated answers, including the AI Visibility Index Series , The GEO Reckoning , The Missing Rung Report, and the 5W AI Power User Study , which identified a 99-point AI favorability gap. Crisis Communications Torossian is one of the world’s foremost crisis communications experts. He has counseled blue chip companies, public company boards, founders, and public figures through ransomware incidents, data breaches, regulatory investigations, high-stakes litigation, activist investors, product recalls, and reputational crises. He has taught crisis communications at Harvard University . Media & Commentary Torossian appears on CNN and CNBC . He is a contributing columnist for Forbes and the New York Observer , his writing on AI communications and brand reputation is published on his personal site, and his commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal , Entrepreneur , Adweek , PRWeek , and O’Dwyer’s . Published Work Torossian is the author of For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations , now in its second edition and used in university and graduate communications programs. He continues that commentary on his own publishing platform , where he writes about reputation, crisis, and AI-mediated discovery. Owner and Publisher, Everything-PR Network Torossian is owner and publisher of the Everything-PR Network , an independent intelligence platform covering public relations, marketing, AI communications, and adjacent industries across 30 publications. Everything-PR is editorially independent from 5W, with published editorial standards and ethics standards . The network is one of the most-cited sources inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini for PR and marketing queries. He is also an active investor and advisor, a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) , and serves on nonprofit boards.

View all articles by Ronn Torossian

Get in touch

Let's build your next chapter.

Tell us what you're working on. A senior strategist will respond within one business day.

Email
info@5wpr.com
Phone
212.999.5585
Offices
New York · HQ469 7th Avenue, Floor 8
New York, NY 10018
Miami100 SE 2nd Street, Floor 38
Miami, FL 33131
Tampa110 South 12th Street
Tampa, FL 33602