The TikTok search bar allows users to find videos, sounds, hashtags, creators, and more on the platform. By entering keywords or phrases into the search bar, TikTok will surface relevant results based on that query. The search bar is a key feature for discovering new content and creators on TikTok.
Where to find the TikTok search bar
The TikTok search bar is located at the top of the app, on the Discover tab. On the Discover tab, the search bar is prominently positioned at the very top of the screen. This allows users to easily search for content from anywhere in the app.
On the other tabs like Inbox, Profile, and Post, the search bar is also available but collapsed into an icon of a magnifying glass. Tapping on the magnifying glass icon will open up the search bar.
How TikTok search works
When a user enters a keyword or phrase into the search bar, TikTok will display results based on relevance. TikTok’s search algorithm analyzes the search query and matches it to videos, sounds, hashtags, creators, etc. that are most related.
TikTok personalizes search results based on a user’s previous activity, likes, follows, location, and other factors. This means two people searching the same keyword may see different results appear. The aim is to surface content that will be most interesting to each specific user.
In general, more popular videos, creators, sounds and hashtags will rank higher in search results. Trending topics are also prioritized. But personalization plays a key role as well.
Ranking factors
Some key factors that influence search ranking on TikTok include:
- Video views, likes, comments, shares
- Creator followers and engagement
- Caption relevance to search query
- Hashtag relevance and popularity
- User location and language
- Personalized recommendations based on user activity
Types of search results
There are a few main categories of content that can surface in TikTok search:
- Videos – Short-form videos that are relevant to the search query.
- Sounds – Popular audios and music tracks used in TikTok videos.
- Hashtags – Relevant hashtag challenges or topic tags.
- Creators – Profiles of influential TikTok creators.
- Effects – AR effects and filters that are trending.
Searching for videos
The most common type of search on TikTok is looking for videos. When you enter a keyword, the results will display a feed of short videos related to that topic.
For example, searching “cooking” displays a collection of cooking tutorials, recipes, and cooking-related comedy sketches from various creators.
You can scroll through the video feed results endlessly like a normal TikTok feed. The search feed is personalized based on previous activity just like the For You feed.
Filter options allow you to narrow down video search results by category, country, device, upload date, and more.
Using hashtags in video search
Including hashtags in the search query helps surface videos related to that specific hashtag or topic. For example, searching #CookingTips displays cooking tutorial videos using that hashtag.
You can combine keywords and hashtags like “dessert recipes #baking” to find very targeted results.
Finding sounds
TikTok users can search for sounds to find the original videos featuring that audio clip. The sounds feed displays videos using that sound.
Under each video is the “Use This Sound” button to create a TikTok with that sound. Sounds are an important discovery element on TikTok.
Viral sounds often lead users to new creators and trends. Searching for a popular sound can surface the original video that kicked off a trend. Sounds also allow users to find the backing track used in videos with music.
Discovering hashtags
Searching for a keyword may also produce a top hashtags list related to that topic. The hashtags feed shows which hashtags are most commonly associated with that search term.
Tapping on a hashtag takes you to a feed of top videos using that hashtag. Exploring relevant hashtags is a shortcut to find more videos around a topic.
Hashtags also power challenges and memes on the platform. Searching hashtag terms can allow users to discover and participate in the latest TikTok trends.
Finding creators
TikTok search allows you to find popular creators and influencers on the platform. When you search for a creator by name or username, it will show their profile and top videos.
The results may also list other accounts with similar names. Checking out an influencer’s profile and content is a quick way to discover new creators on TikTok through search.
Searching effects
TikTok has a huge library of AR effects and filters that users can search for and use in videos.
Effects search results display the effect preview and a “Use This Effect” button to add it to your camera. Discovering fun new effects helps keep creativity fresh in videos.
Some effects go viral themselves, like the Green Screen effect. Searching for these trending effects allows users to participate in collective TikTok experiences.
Improving your search skills
Mastering a few tips can help you become a TikTok search pro:
- Use natural language like you’re asking a friend for video recommendations.
- Try relevant hashtags to dive deeper into niche topics.
- Check out the sounds used in popular videos.
- Follow creators making videos you find by searching.
- Use filters to fine-tune your video search results.
- See what hashtags top creators use to fuel inspiration.
Why search matters on TikTok
The TikTok search function opens up vast possibilities for users. Some key benefits include:
- Discover new content and creators – Find videos and influencers you may never have come across in your FYP.
- Participate in trends – Figure out viral dances, songs, memes and effects.
- Get inspiration – sparks creativity for new video ideas.
- Learn new skills – search how-to’s and tutorials.
- Dive deeper into interests – explore niche topics you care about.
Overall, TikTok search is the key to unlocking the true potential of the app. The massive amount of content can be explored efficiently by using strategic search techniques. Mastering search helps elevate any user’s experience on the platform.
