Searching for content on TikTok can sometimes feel overwhelming with the huge amount of videos being uploaded every second. However, there are ways to optimize your searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some tips and tricks for searching more effectively on TikTok.
Use Specific Keywords and Hashtags
Using targeted keywords and hashtags in your search is one of the best ways to filter TikTok results. For example, searching “cat videos” will bring up a broad range of content. But searching something like #cutecatsoftiktok or “funny cat fails” will deliver more tailored results.
Do some brainstorming around your search topic to come up with relevant keywords. Check out what keywords other popular videos in your niche are using as well. The more precise your keywords, the better your chances of surfacing content that matches your interests.
Leverage Advanced Search Filters
TikTok has several advanced search filters you can enable to narrow down results even further. After performing a keyword search, tap the filters icon at the top to open up options like:
- Duration – Filter by video length
- Upload date – Sort by newest or oldest uploads
- Device – Filter videos shot on mobile or professional cameras
- Interactions – Sort by most liked, commented or shared
Applying multiple filters together can dramatically improve the relevance of your search results. For example, searching for “dessert recipes” then filtering for videos under 60 seconds and highest engagement can surface quick viral recipe ideas.
Follow and Engage with Niche Accounts
A powerful TikTok search trick is to follow accounts that regularly post content related to your interests. This causes TikTok’s algorithm to start recommending you similar content and accounts to follow.
Actively engaging with niche accounts you discover by liking, commenting and sharing their videos further improves the algorithm’s understanding of your preferences. Over time, your For You feed will become hyper tailored to your interests.
You can jumpstart this process by searching relevant hashtags for your niche like #cookingtips or #automechanics, engaging with posts, and following creators that catch your eye.
Pop into Popular Sounds
Trending sounds on TikTok often have millions of associated videos. Jumping into popular sounds is a great way to quickly find a cluster of videos around a specific meme, song, or topic.
Tap the discover icon and select Sounds to browse trending sounds. Or tap the sound icon on any video to see other TikToks using the same soundtrack. This drops you into an endless stream of videos piggybacking off the viral sound.
Check Out TikTok Trends
Staying on top of the latest viral TikTok trends is a quick way to tap into search results around buzzworthy topics. Trends like outfit and dance challenges, meme songs, special effects and more constantly emerge on the platform.
Check out trending hashtags and sounds each day to see rising trends. You can also follow general interest accounts like @tiktok or @tiktoktrends to catch trending content as it goes viral.
Save Searches
If you find yourself repeatedly searching for the same keywords, save yourself time by saving searches within the TikTok app. This lets you tap to instantly pull up results for your favorite searches.
After running a search, tap the Save button at the top of results. You can access all your saved searches from the Discover page in the future.
Use Alternative Keywords
Cast a wider net in your quest for relevant content by searching synonyms and related keywords. For example, if you don’t get the cooking tutorials you want from “baking tips”, try searches like “cake decorating ideas”, “bread recipes” or just “desserts”.
Brainstorm keyword variations around your core search term. Referring to a thesaurus can also spark alternative phrases to experiment with in your queries.
Search Sounds By Lyrics
Having a catchy tune stuck in your head but not knowing the name? Use TikTok’s sound search to find music by searching lyrics.
Tap the discover icon and select Sounds. Tap the microphone icon to perform a lyrics search. Sing, hum or whistle a snippet of the song and TikTok will find matching sounds.
Discover By Music Genre
Explore TikTok content focused around certain music genres by searching relevant keywords like “country music TikTok”, “EDM TikTok” or “K-pop TikTok”.
This surfaces videos featuring sounds aligned with those genres. Following genre-focused accounts as you discover them tailors your For You feed around your musical tastes.
Look Up Creators
Find more videos from creators you love by searching their unique TikTok username. Tap the Share icon on any video and select “Go to profile” to navigate to a creator’s profile and username.
Typing a specific username into TikTok’s search bar will then pull up all public videos from that account. You can also search full names of popular personalities active on the platform.
Search by Video Captions
Remember a funny caption but can’t find the video? Searching keywords that appear in a video’s on-screen text can help surface hard-to-find clips.
For example, searching “dbskizzy best friend birthday” may dig up a specific video you recall using that caption text. Search around unique phrasing or usernames called out in captions.
Find Videos by Location
Want to discover TikTok creators and trends in specific cities, countries or locations? Use location tags like #LosAngeles or #londonfashion to explore geotagged posts from those areas.
Popular travel destinations often have very active local TikTok communities. This makes it easy to virtually explore new places by filtering search results by location.
Check Out TikTok Ads
TikTok’s advertising platform allows brands to promote videos targeting interest-based keywords. Searching things like “protein bars” or “eyeshadow tutorial” will surface relevant paid ads alongside regular results.
Clicking into TikTok ads matching your search terms can lead you to accounts and products aligned with your interests. Just be aware ads are designed to sell you something!
Look Up TikTok Videos from Other Platforms
Find the original TikTok source for funny compilations and reaction videos shared across sites like YouTube and Twitter. Simply search a unique phrase from the video’s caption or on-screen text.
Digging up the original TikTok clip allows you to follow the creator and explore similar content on their profile. Just ensure you’re searching distinct phrasing appearing only in that specific video.
Follow Trending Hashtags and Challenges
Viral hashtag challenges spawn endless amounts of related content on TikTok. Follow along by searching top trending hashtags and challenges.
For example, searching #FlipTheSwitch pulled up the ubiquitous video meme of people swapping clothes when Drake lyrics played. Staying on hashtag trends ensures a constant stream of buzzworthy videos.
Research Trending Memes
TikTok memes spread like wildfire through hashtag sequences like #ItStartedWithA, #ThisIsTheFluffyCinnamonChallenge and #ExplainAPlotBadly. Look up the latest nonsensical meme hashtags to go down the rabbit hole of associated videos.
Memes move quickly though, so check out @tiktokmemes and similar accounts to ensure you catch trending jokes before they expire.
Explore with TikTok’s Search Recommendations
As you being typing search terms, TikTok displays suggested searches and hashtags to explore. Many of these are currently trending topics perfect for discovering your next TikTok obsession.
Don’t just type your standard keywords. Poke around TikTok’s real-time search recommendations to find out what’s heating up in the moment.
Conclusion
Mastering search is crucial to getting the most out of TikTok. Targeting specific keywords, jumping on trends and utilizing built-in filters helps surface videos that match your personal interests. Follow accounts in niches you enjoy to keep your For You feed full of engaging content.
Searching on TikTok is also perfect for killing boredom. Exploring the latest viral sounds, memes and hashtag challenges leads you down entertaing rabbit holes. With over a billion monthly users, there’s always fresh, funny and fascinating new videos being uploaded every second.
