Finding the original source of a video on TikTok is important for several reasons. First, it allows you to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the content. With so much misinformation circulating online, checking the original source helps ensure you are not spreading false or misleading videos. Additionally, knowing the original creator provides proper credit and enables you to follow and support them on their channel. Finding the source is also key to understanding the full context of a clip, since shortened versions on TikTok often strip away important details. Finally, identifying the original source aids in reporting copyright violations or other inappropriate uses of someone’s work. Overall, putting in the effort to trace a TikTok video back to its origins promotes fairness, transparency, and integrity on the platform.
Search Within TikTok
One of the easiest ways to find the original source of a TikTok video is to search within the TikTok app or website. Here are some tips for searching TikTok to find the original video:
Use keywords – Think of unique words or phrases that were said in the video. Type these into the search bar on TikTok to see if the original video appears in the results.
Search hashtags – Look for any hashtags used in the TikTok and search them to find other videos using the same hashtags. This may lead you to the original upload.
Match the sound – Identify the sound used in the TikTok and search for that sound or song on TikTok. This surfaces all videos using the same sound, including potentially the original.
Check captions – Read any captions on the TikTok video and search those word-for-word within TikTok to potentially find the original video with matching captions.
TikTok’s powerful search features make it possible to quickly track down source videos right within the app if you use the right keywords, hashtags, sounds, and captions.
Use Third-Party Tools
One of the easiest ways to find the original source of a TikTok video is to use third-party TikTok analytics and tracking tools. Services like TikTokTunes, TokBoard, and Loomly allow you to enter a video URL and will provide detailed analytics on that video.
These tools can detect if the video is original or a repost, and some will even show the original video if it’s not unique. The analytics provided, like creation date, number of reposts, etc. can also help determine if you’re looking at the original upload or not.
Third-party analytics tools are very effective for finding the source, especially if the video has been reposted many times. Their comprehensive data helps cut through duplicates to the original user and upload.
Look for Watermarks
Original creators often add watermarks or logos to their videos to identify them as the original source. According to this article, TikTok automatically adds a watermark with the creator’s username and the TikTok logo when videos are uploaded. If a video has a unique watermark or logo, it likely indicates the original creator.
When trying to find the original source, look closely at the video for any watermarks or logos. The watermark may be small and transparent, but zooming in may make it more visible. A custom watermark is a clear sign you’ve found the original creator. However, the absence of a watermark doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not the original source. Some creators actively try to remove the TikTok watermark using third-party apps.
Overall, the presence of a unique watermark is a good indicator you’ve found the original source. But watermarks can also be added by someone who is not the original creator, so consider this alongside other signals.
Check Other Platforms
Many popular TikTok videos get reposted on other platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Comparing a TikTok video to versions posted on other sites can help uncover the original source.
Search for distinctive audio, visuals, captions or usernames on YouTube to find potential matches. Pay attention to minor differences that indicate which one came first. The earliest upload is most likely the original. Cross-reference with timestamps and view counts too.
Instagram’s TikTok-like Reels feature means you may find recycled TikTok content reposted there. Checking Instagram Reels can help track down the initial creator as well.
Leveraging other platforms increases the chances of tracing TikTok videos back to their origins. YouTube and Instagram are convenient places to spot copies and locate source material.
Contact the Creator
One of the most direct ways to find the original source of a TikTok video is to contact the creator directly and ask them. You can do this by either direct messaging them or commenting on their video.
To direct message a TikTok creator, go to their profile page and tap the “Message” button. This will open up a private chat where you can ask them for the original source of their video. Say something like “Hi! I love your TikTok video. Do you mind sharing where you originally found that clip?”
If they don’t accept direct messages, you can also ask by commenting on the video. Simply write a comment like “Awesome video! Can you please share the original source you found this on?” The creator will then likely respond and provide the info.
According to this article, commenting is often the best way to get a TikTok influencer’s attention if you want information or to collaborate. So don’t be shy about asking them directly where they found their content!
Consider Context
When trying to find the original source of a TikTok video, it’s important to consider the context around the video. Look at factors like the niche, style, and time period of the video.
For example, if the video shows a dance challenge, look at other dance challenge videos from a similar time period. Many viral dances on TikTok start within the dance community. Checking videos from dancers in the same style or genre as the one you’re investigating may uncover earlier instances or the original choreographer.
You can also look at the overall aesthetic of the video. Videos with similar music choice, editing, filters, or fashion can provide clues to narrow down the original creator. Oftentimes, trends and styles arise in a particular subculture before gaining mainstream popularity.
Examining the broader context gives you more data points to identify the initial source. Rather than just the individual video, consider the surrounding environment and landscape of TikTok during that time. Use all available clues to get closer to the original user and upload.
Examine Account History
One of the best ways to try and find the original source of a viral TikTok video is to examine the account history of users who have posted the video. Look for the earliest uploads of the video by searching through the profiles of users who have shared it. The account that posted the video first is likely to be the original creator.
Sort through videos on an account starting with the oldest uploads. Check when the viral video first appears. The earliest instance likely came directly from the original source. You can also look for telltale signs in the video caption and description that suggest it’s the original. Phrases like “my new video” or “check out my latest TikTok” can indicate the initial upload.
Spending time combing through accounts to find the first appearance of a viral clip can help uncover the identity of the creative mind behind it. This takes more effort than just a quick search, but offers the best chance of tracing a popular video back to its roots.
Use Reverse Image Search
One way to try finding the original source of a TikTok video is to use a reverse image search through tools like Google Images or TinEye. Here’s how:
- Take a screenshot of a clear moment in the TikTok video.
- Go to Google Images or TinEye and upload or paste the image URL.
- The reverse image search will scour the web and show you if that image appears elsewhere. It may lead you back to the original source.
Reverse image search works best with very clear and unique screenshots. It can help uncover if a TikTok video has been repurposed from elsewhere on the web. However, it isn’t guaranteed to find the original source in every case.
Conclusion
There are many ways to find the original source of a TikTok video and properly attribute credit. The best methods include: searching directly within TikTok for any credits or watermarks, using third party tools like Snaptube or TikSmap, checking other platforms like YouTube or Instagram to see if the creator posted it first, and contacting the creator directly if possible. Properly crediting sources is important to avoid copyright infringement and to give creators recognition. Overall, a combination of examining the TikTok account itself for clues, using specialized tools, checking other sites, and reaching out to the creator can help you find and confirm the original source of most videos.
