Searching for a specific picture or video on TikTok can be a bit tricky, but there are a few ways to do it. The key is using the right keywords and filters in the search function to narrow down the results. Here are the main methods for finding a particular picture or video on TikTok if you don’t have a direct link:
Use Specific Keywords in the Search Bar
The most straightforward way is to type relevant keywords into the search bar at the top of the TikTok app or website. Try to be as descriptive as possible – for example, if you’re looking for a funny cat video, search “funny cat video” rather than just “cat.”
You can also include details about the video itself to narrow it down further. For a video of a cat jumping into boxes, search something like “cat jumping in boxes video.” The more precise your keywords, the better chance you have of finding the exact video.
Search Within Specific TikTok Accounts
If you know the TikTok user or account that posted the video you’re looking for, go to their profile page and use the search bar there. This will show results only from that particular account rather than all of TikTok.
So if you remember seeing the video on @cutecatsaccount, go to that profile and search for keywords like “jumping in boxes.” This makes it much easier to track down the video you want.
Use Hashtags Associated With the Video
Most TikTok videos have relevant hashtags in their captions. Searching these hashtags can help surface the video you’re looking for.
For example, if the cat video had #SillyCat and #CatsOfTikTok, search those hashtags directly to potentially see that video in the results. You may have to scroll a bit, but it’s a targeted way to find relevant videos.
Try the Discover and Sounds Pages
The Discover and Sounds pages on TikTok are also great places to search for specific types of videos. Under Discover, you can browse categories like Animals, Comedy, Food, and more. While Sounds shows trending songs, effects, and audio used in TikTok videos.
Look through these areas using keywords related to the video you remember – you may come across it in one of the categories or sounds.
Use TikTok’s Visual Search Tool
TikTok has a visual search tool within the app that lets you search using images or screenshots from a video. To use it:
- Go to the Discover page and tap on the camera icon in the search bar.
- Either take a photo or upload a screenshot of the video you’re trying to find.
- TikTok will scan the image and show videos with similar visuals.
This works best with distinctive or unique looking videos that TikTok can match the visuals for. It’s a handy tool for tracking down a video when you have a snapshot of it.
Search YouTube for the Video
Many popular TikTok videos also get reuploaded to YouTube. Try searching on YouTube with details about the TikTok video, like keywords, the creator name, mentioned sounds/songs, etc.
You may be able to find a reupload of the TikTok video you’re looking for. Make sure to check the view count and date posted to ensure it’s the original.
Use Google Search Operators
Google is great for searching niche queries on specific sites. To search TikTok videos on Google, add “site:tiktok.com” to your search terms.
For example:
- funny cat video site:tiktok.com
- cat jumping in boxes site:tiktok.com
This surfaces videos from TikTok that match your query. Scrolling through these results may reveal the video you had in mind.
Try TikTok Video Downloader Sites
There are various online tools and sites that allow downloading TikTok videos by entering the video URL. Some examples include ssstik.io, tiktokdownloader.io, and downtik.com.
If you have the video URL already, you can use one of these sites to download and save the video on your device. However, be cautious of fake download buttons and ads on some downloader sites.
Check with Friends Who May Have Also Seen It
If you originally saw the TikTok video because a friend shared it with you, reach back out to that friend. They may have saved, liked, or commented on the video which would make it easier to find in their profile.
Ask your other friends as well – chances are if you saw a funny or popular TikTok, someone in your circle may have it saved.
Use TikTok’s Own Search Recommendations
When you search for keywords on TikTok, pay attention to the recommendations that pop up below the search bar. These are search suggestions based on what you entered and can help trigger the right term or phrase to find the video.
Tapping one of the recommendations may lead you directly to the video you were searching for originally.
Try Searching on Desktop
The TikTok search function works a bit better on a larger screen. If you’re having trouble finding a video in the mobile app, try searching on TikTok’s desktop site instead.
On desktop, you can open multiple search results at once to browse faster. The larger screen also makes it easier to scan through videos quickly while searching.
Adjust Your Sort Filter in Search
When searching in TikTok, tap the filter icon next to the search bar. Then change the sort filter from “Default” to “Top” or “Latest.”
Sorting by Top shows more popular videos which may increase your chances of finding the viral video you’re looking for. Latest shows the newest videos.
Toggling these filters presents different sets of search results which is helpful if you can’t find the video with the default filter.
Refine Your Search Over Time
Finding a specific video on TikTok requires some trial and error. Start with a broad search term then keep refining your keywords to drill down to the video.
If your first search for “funny cat video” doesn’t surface the result you want, try adding more details like “grey cat” or “cat boxes funny.” Go through multiple iterations of search terms until you hit on the right description.
Searching TikTok takes persistence, but using these strategies can eventually help you track down that picture or video you’ve been looking for!
