On TikTok, you can sort and filter your searches in different ways to help you find the content you’re looking for. Here are some tips on sorting TikTok searches:
Sort by Relevance
By default, TikTok will show you search results sorted by relevance. This means the videos shown will be the ones TikTok’s algorithm determines are the most relevant to your search term or query.
Relevance is determined by factors like keywords in captions, hashtags, usernames, etc., as well as engagement on the videos. So relevance sort aims to show you the most popular and on-topic videos for your search.
Sort by Newest
If you want to see the latest videos posted instead of the most relevant, you can change the sort to “Newest”.
On the search results page, tap the sort icon (it looks like three lines connected by two arrows) at the top on the right side.
This will open a menu – tap “Newest” to sort your search results from newest to oldest.
The newest sort can help you find the latest trends and videos as they are posted on TikTok.
Use Hashtags to Filter
One easy way to filter TikTok search is by using hashtags.
For example, if you search “dance”, the results will include all kinds of dance videos.
But if you search “#balletdance”, only videos tagged with that specific hashtag will show up.
You can chain multiple hashtags together to filter even further, like “#balletdance #pointe” to see ballet pointe videos.
Hashtags are a great way to find very specific types of content within a broader topic.
Filter by User
You can also filter searches on TikTok by specific user accounts.
To do this, type the @username after your search term or hashtag.
For example: “dance @maddieziegler” or “#balletdance @aballetrat”
This will show you dance or ballet videos posted only by that user, filtering your results.
Filtering by user is helpful when you want to see a certain style or niche of content posted by a specific creator.
Use Effects to Find Videos
Filters like “green screen” or “sticker” allow you to search for videos utilizing certain effects.
For example, searching “dance green screen” will show you dance videos using the green screen effect.
Other effects filters you can try include “duet”, “stitch”, “split screen”, “animate”, “slowmo”, “time warp”, etc.
This makes it easy to find videos using the same effects even if they aren’t tagged similarly.
Search Within Sounds
TikTok allows you to search for videos using a specific sound or song.
Tap the “Discover” tab and select “Sounds” to browse popular sounds.
Tap on a sound you like and you’ll see a feed of videos using that exact sound.
You can also search sounds directly. For example, “dance macarena sound” shows dance videos using the macarena song clip.
This is an easy way to find videos utilizing the same background music or audio.
Use Duration Filter
You can filter video length by tapping the filter icon (the clock symbol) in search.
Select “<60" to see videos under a minute or "60+" to see videos over a minute long.
This helps narrow results to shorter-form or longer-form content.
Search Trends, Music Charts, and Hashtags
For discovering trending content, check out:
- Trends – Compilations of currently popular videos
- Music Charts – Top tracks being used in videos
- Hashtags – Browse what’s trending based on hashtag usage
Tapping into what’s currently trending can surface viral videos and the latest meme content.
Location Filter
You can also filter by location on TikTok.
From the Discover screen, tap “Nearby” and allow location access on your device.
This will show you popular local videos and creators in your area to easily find region-specific content.
The “Nearby” feed surfaces talent and trends unique to your geographic location.
Use Suggested Searches and Autocomplete
As you type into the TikTok search bar, suggested searches and autocomplete phrases will appear below.
These are based on currently trending searches and can help you discover relevant topics.
Tap a suggested search to quickly perform that search and see those results.
Leverage autocomplete and suggestions to find trending content and popular searches.
Follow Hashtags and Users
Following hashtags and creators you like will populate your “For You” feed with more content you’re interested in.
You can easily follow hashtags and users directly from search results or by visiting their profile.
Then newly posted videos from those accounts will automatically show up in your For You feed.
This “follow” feature helps customize search results and discover new content.
Leverage Recommendations
TikTok’s algorithm aims to learn your interests based on your engagement and show you more of what you like.
Pay attention to which types of videos are being recommended to you and engage with them by liking, commenting, sharing, etc.
Over time, recommendations will become more tailored to your taste and previous viewing behavior.
Following recommendations helps teach the algorithm and improves search relevancy.
Check Out Other Features
In addition to the above, make sure to explore TikTok’s other discovery features like:
- For You Feed – Personalized video feed
- Following Feed – Videos from creators you follow
- Categories – Browse videos by topic or category
Making use of all these options will help you sort through the massive amount of video content on TikTok to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Whether you want to research trends, discover new creators, or dive deep into niche interests, sorting and filtering search is key to customizing your TikTok experience.
