The TikTok search bar allows you to search for specific videos, sounds, hashtags, or users on TikTok. Here are the main ways to access and use the TikTok search bar on both iOS and Android devices:
Accessing the Search Bar on iOS
There are a couple different ways to access the search bar on the iOS TikTok app:
- Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen. This will open up the search bar at the top.
- Swipe down anywhere on the main “For You” feed page. This will reveal the search bar at the top.
Accessing the Search Bar on Android
On Android, there are also a couple ways to access the TikTok search bar:
- Tap the magnifying glass icon in the bottom navigation bar. This opens the search bar.
- Swipe down from the top of the feed page. The search bar will appear at the top.
Searching on TikTok
Once you’ve accessed the search bar, you can search for several things on TikTok:
- Users – Search for a specific user by their username or name.
- Hashtags – Search for videos tagged with a specific hashtag.
- Sounds – Search for videos using a specific song or sound.
- General keywords – Search for videos related to any topic by entering relevant keywords.
Searching for Users
To search for a specific user, simply type their username into the search bar. For example, searching for “@tiktok” will show videos from the official TikTok account. Their profile will also appear at the top of the results.
You can also search for users by their name. However, this may bring up multiple accounts so it’s best to search by username when possible.
Searching Hashtags
To view videos tagged with a specific hashtag, enter the hashtag into the search bar including the “#” symbol. For example, searching for “#dance” will show you dance videos tagged with that hashtag.
The hashtag results page will show you top videos using that hashtag as well as related hashtags you may want to search.
Searching Sounds
Many TikTok videos use popular songs, clips of audio, or unique sounds. To find videos using a specific sound:
- Tap the “Discover” tab on the bottom.
- Tap “Sounds” on the top menu.
- Search for the sound using keywords or tap browse popular sounds.
- Tap a sound to view videos using it.
You can also search sounds directly in the search bar by entering “sound: [song name]” or “music: [song name]”.
Searching Keywords
You can search for any videos related to a general topic by entering relevant keywords. For example:
- “Dogs” – Shows cute and funny dog videos.
- “Cooking” – Displays recipe and cooking videos.
- “Yoga” – Yoga workout routines and tips.
Use keywords that describe exactly what you’re looking for. You can combine keywords too for even more specific results.
Refine and Filter Searches
To refine and filter search results on TikTok, tap the filters icon at the top of the results page. This opens options like:
- Duration – Show videos of specific lengths.
- Date – Sort videos by most recent or oldest.
- Type – Filter for videos, live streams, users, or hashtags.
You can also sort by relevance or number of likes. Use these filters to narrow down results and find exactly the types of videos you want.
Using Search History
Your recent searches are saved in the TikTok search history. To view and reuse them:
- Tap in the search bar, but don’t enter anything.
- Your recent searches will appear. Tap any to search it again.
You can also delete individual searches or clear your entire history.
Searching on the Desktop
The TikTok search experience is very similar on a desktop browser. To search:
- Go to TikTok.com and log in if necessary.
- Click the magnifying glass icon.
- Enter a username, hashtag, keywords, etc.
- Refine with filters like duration if needed.
One unique desktop search feature is that you can filter video results by category, like gaming, animals, or comedy. Use this to narrow down results even further.
Searching from Shared Links
Sometimes you’ll come across a TikTok video shared on Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, or elsewhere. Clicking the link will open it in TikTok, and from there you can:
- View more videos from the same user.
- See videos using the same sounds.
- Discover related content with the same hashtags.
So clicking on outside links is a great way to go deeper down the TikTok rabbit hole and discover new content.
Troubleshooting TikTok Search
If you’re having issues with the TikTok search feature, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure you have the latest version of the TikTok app installed.
- Check your internet connection and try again if offline.
- Restart the TikTok app if search isn’t working.
- Clear your TikTok cache and data to refresh the app.
- Search from a desktop browser if mobile is giving issues.
If problems persist, contact TikTok support for further help troubleshooting.
Powerful Ways to Use TikTok Search
Here are some pro tips for really mastering TikTok search and discovery:
- Use quotes for exact match phrases like “tiktok tutorial”.
- Exclude words by prefixing them with – like -cats.
- Combine keywords like food recipe or yoga workout for specific results.
- Look up hashtags related to your interests for an endless stream of content.
- Follow creators you find through search to see more of their posts.
- Use filters to find content perfectly suited to your tastes.
TikTok search is highly customizable once you learn the advanced tricks. Take the time to tailor it to your interests for the best experience.
Why is Search Important on TikTok?
There are a few key reasons the TikTok search feature is so important:
- Discover new content – It allows you to actively find new videos, trends, and creators based on your interests.
- Shape your feed – Following hashtags and creators from search helps shape your main “For You” feed over time.
- Find specific content – You can hunt down a particular sound, hashtag, or video you want to see again.
- Exploration – Search lets you wander endlessly through different TikTok subcultures and niches.
Without the ability to directly search for content, it would be much harder to navigate the vast amount of videos on TikTok based on your tastes.
Conclusion
The TikTok search bar makes it easy to look up users, hashtags, sounds, and other content. On iOS and Android you can access it from icons on the main feed or by swiping down. Refine searches with filters like duration or date. Use keywords, hashtags, and quotes to dig deeper into matching content. Mastering search is key for shaping your TikTok experience around specific interests. With robust search and discovery features, the possibilities for entertainment are endless.
