The search bar on TikTok allows you to find specific videos, sounds, hashtags, creators, and more. Here are the main things to know about using the TikTok search bar:
Finding the Search Bar
The TikTok search bar is located at the top of the app, below your profile icon. Tap on the magnifying glass icon to open the search interface.
Searching for Videos
To search for videos on TikTok, simply type a keyword or phrase into the search bar. This will pull up relevant videos using that query. For example, searching “dance” will show you popular dance videos.
You can refine your video search using some techniques:
- Use double quotes around an exact phrase you want to find, like “dance challenge”
- Add hashtags to find videos using specific tags, like #dance
- Search for @username to find videos from a specific creator
- Use operators like “dance | tutorial” to find videos matching either keyword
The videos tab will be selected by default whenever you search. But you can also click the tabs at the top to search only sounds, hashtags, or users instead.
Finding Trending Content
The “Discover” tab in the TikTok search section will showcase currently trending videos, sounds, challenges, and effects. This is a great way to see what’s popular on TikTok right now and join in on viral trends.
You can scroll through the Discover feed to see recommended trending content. Or use the tabs at the top to browse trending music, dance challenges, memes, and more.
Searching Hashtags
Searching a hashtag on TikTok will show you a feed of videos using that hashtag. This is helpful for finding content around specific topics.
To search hashtags, simply type the # symbol followed by the tag word, like #dance or #fyp. The tags tab will be automatically selected to show hashtag results.
You can also find recommended hashtags to use in your own videos. Just type a keyword without the # symbol to see associated tag suggestions.
Finding Sounds
TikTok has a huge library of sounds and music that creators use in their videos. You can search for specific sounds to find the original videos they are used in.
To search sounds, type the sound name or lyrics into the search bar and select the sounds tab. You can also browse trending sounds under the Discover tab.
Once you find a sound you like, you can tap the “Use This Sound” button to create your own video using it.
Searching Users
You can search for your friends or favorite creators by typing their username into the TikTok search bar. Select the users tab to browse matching accounts.
You can also search part of a name and scroll through the results to find the full username you’re looking for. This is useful for finding creators when you only know their first name or nickname.
Advanced Search Tips
Use these pro tips to get even more out of searching TikTok:
- Search “top” or “best” along with a keyword to find highly-viewed videos in those categories.
- Search “verify” to check if an account is verified with a blue checkmark or not.
- Use filters like “latest”, “oldest”, or “length” to refine video results.
- Search “stitched” to find TikToks that stitched together multiple videos.
Troubleshooting Search Problems
If you’re having issues getting the TikTok search bar to work properly, try these tips:
- Make sure you have the latest version of the TikTok app.
- Check your internet connection. Search requires an active internet connection.
- Restart the TikTok app if search isn’t working or is stuck.
- Clear the TikTok app cache and data to fix search glitches.
- Search from the main tab, as the search feature may not work properly from profile or messages tabs.
The TikTok search feature also considers your watch history and interactions to customize results. So you may see different search results than friends.
If basic searches aren’t turning up the results you expect, try the advanced search operators and techniques outlined above to refine your query.
Search Filters
TikTok has several filters you can apply to fine-tune search results:
- Videos: Search only video content.
- Users: Search for user profiles.
- Hashtags: Search specifically within hashtags.
- Sounds: Search for sounds and music.
- Latest: Show the most recent, timely results.
- Oldest: Show the oldest, first results.
Tap the filters icon from the main search view to access available filters. You can apply multiple filters to narrow your results even further.
Controlling Search History
TikTok personalizes your search results based on past searches and engagement. If you want to start fresh, there are a few options:
- Clear search history by deleting search terms under Settings > Clear Recent Search.
- Turn search personalization off under Settings > Suggested accounts > Search personalization.
- Search in incognito mode by enabling it under your profile icon > Enable Incognito Mode.
You can also pause search history from being tracked under Privacy settings. Just toggle “Collect Search History” off.
Conclusion
The TikTok search bar makes it easy to dive into trending and relevant content. Use keywords, hashtags, usernames, sounds, and filters to find exactly what you’re looking for. Try advanced operators and troubleshooting tips if you’re having any issues. With so much content on TikTok, search is key for an awesome viewing experience.
