Searching for a specific picture or image on TikTok can be a bit tricky, as the platform is geared more towards short form videos. However, there are a few different methods you can use to try and locate a particular photo or image that you’ve seen on TikTok before.
Use the Search Bar
The most straightforward way to search for a photo on TikTok is to use the search bar at the top of the app or website. Type in keywords related to the image you are looking for and see if anything relevant pops up in the results.
For example, if you saw a funny meme with a cat, you could search “funny cat meme” or something more specific like “cat hiding under blanket meme.” Just describe the photo as best you can with keywords that might be associated with it.
One thing to keep in mind is that TikTok’s search works better for finding videos rather than static images. But it’s still worth trying general search terms to see if you can locate the picture you have in mind. The image may have been used in a popular TikTok video that shows up in the search.
Search Within Specific Accounts
If you have an idea of the TikTok account that originally posted the photo, go directly to that account’s profile and use the search bar there. This will allow you to search only within that particular account’s content.
So if you recall seeing the funny cat meme on a certain user’s page, go to their profile and search “cat” or “meme” in their videos and photos. That will give you better odds of tracking down the specific picture you’re looking for.
Use Google Image Search
If the TikTok search isn’t turning up the photo, try doing a Google image search instead. Go to images.google.com and click on the camera icon to upload a screenshot or other sample of the image you want to find.
Google will scan its database for visually similar images and return any matching results. You may be able to find the full original image this way, along with the associated TikTok video it appeared in.
Some tips for Google image search:
– Crop your screenshot to the key part of the image that makes it distinctive/recognizable
– Try both color and black & white versions of the screenshot
– Use keywords in addition to the image to narrow it down further
Check Recent Hashtags Related to the Photo
Look at trending hashtags on TikTok that relate to the photo content and see if anyone has posted the image you’re searching for recently. This works best for meme images or other pictures that have gone viral and sparked a hashtag challenge.
For example, #CatMemes or #AnnoyedCat could lead you to the grumpy cat photo you lost track of. Exploring relevant hashtags gives you another avenue for locating TikTok pictures tied to specific themes.
Use a Reverse Image Search Service
There are various reverse image lookup services, such as TinEye, that let you submit a photo to find matches across the web. This can be helpful for tracking down a TikTok image if you have a partial screenshot or thumbnail of it.
Reverse search tools will scan their databases for the same or similar versions of the photo you input. If the image originally came from TikTok, this may reveal the associated video and account where it was posted.
Check Your Like History
If you liked or favorited the TikTok post with the photo you’re trying to find, it may still be in your “Liked” history within the TikTok app. Go to your profile and tap the heart icon to bring up all of the videos and posts you have liked recently.
Scroll back through your like history around the timeframe when you first saw the picture. With any luck it will be sitting in your collection of liked TikTok content.
Look Through Playlists You’ve Saved It To
Along similar lines, if you added the TikTok post with that photo to any of your TikTok playlists, it could be easy to track down through there. Bring up your playlist collection and browse through any playlists it may have ended up on based on subject matter.
For example, if it was a funny meme photo you probably saved it to a “TikTok Memes” or “Funny Vids” playlist. So scan playlists like those thoroughly.
Use Third-Party Repost Finder Sites
There are various repost-finding sites and tools that allow you to search for TikTok images and find other versions or instances of that photo being used. Examples include imggmi, RepZ, and Hitscope.
These act sort of like a reverse image search specifically tailored for discovering meme reposts or different iterations of a viral TikTok image. Just input a screenshot of the photo and the tools will hunt down matches.
Check Your Browser History
If you originally found the image through opening a direct link somewhere else, it may still be sitting in your browser history depending on how recently you saw it.
Look back through your Chrome, Firefox, or Safari history during the timeframe when you likely viewed the TikTok photo and see if the original URL is there. Your browser may have the direct path back to the source.
Ask Friends or Followers
If all else fails, turn to your social circles on TikTok and see if anyone you follow or any of your friends have seen the photo recently. Describe it and what details you remember about it.
Post about your search on your own TikTok account and see if your followers can help you track down the image based on your description. Crowdsourcing the search can sometimes lead you to the picture you’ve lost track of.
Contact the Person Who Posted It
Finally, if you know and follow the TikTok user who originally posted the photo but can’t find it searching their profile, consider sending them a DM explaining your situation. Ask them nicely if they can re-post the picture or send you a direct link to it.
Most users are flattered to know their post made such an impression you’re trying to find it. Chances are good they’ll happily help you out by pointing you toward the TikTok image you’ve been hunting for.
Searching for a specific photograph or picture on TikTok can require some creative digging around. But using keyword searches, reverse image lookups, browsing your Liked history, finding relevant hashtags, and asking around can all eventually lead you to the TikTok image you have in mind. With the right tools and search methods, you should be able to track down almost any photo.
