Searching for a specific picture or image on TikTok can be done in a few simple steps. The key is utilizing TikTok’s built-in search tools to narrow down your search query and find the exact image you are looking for.
Use Descriptive Keywords in Your Search
The most important thing when searching for an image on TikTok is to use very descriptive keywords in your search query. For example, if you are looking for a funny meme about cats, don’t just search “cat meme.” Instead, include more details like “funny grumpy cat meme” or “hilarious cat meme face.”
The more specific your keywords, the better chance you have of pulling up the exact image you have in mind. Think about details like the subject matter, facial expressions, text/captions, etc. Anything that might set the image apart from others will help narrow down the search.
Search Within Specific Users’ Content
If you know the TikTok user who originally posted the image, you can search within just their content. Go to their profile page, click the search icon, and type in your search terms. This searches only that particular user’s videos and images.
Even if you don’t know the original poster, searching within the content of users who commonly share similar types of images can be helpful. For example, popular meme accounts on TikTok are a great place to search for funny meme images.
Use the Camera Icon to Search Visually
TikTok has a visual search tool you can use to find images. From your main feed, click on the camera icon to bring up the camera. Then click on the image icon on the bottom to upload a photo from your camera roll.
TikTok will scan the image and then show you videos and images that contain the same or similar visual elements. This works great if you have a sample of the photo you are searching for or something similar to it.
Try Different Keyword Phrasing
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different keyword phrases, formats, and combinations when searching for an image. For example, try searching for captions or text that might be included in the image, or use natural language like “photo of the funny dancing cat.”
Switch up the ordering of words, singular vs. plural format, keywords plus descriptors, etc. Playing around with different search phrases can often yield better results than a single static search.
Filter by Media Type
When you perform a search on TikTok, you can filter by media type to show only photos. Simply click on the button that says “Photos” after you enter in your search keywords. This filters out other media like videos.
You can also filter specifically by “Images” which include both photos and static image files like memes, graphics, illustrations, etc. Filtering for just photos/images is a handy way to narrow your results down to just pictures.
Use Advanced Search Operators
TikTok has some advanced search operators you can use to refine your query even further. To search for an exact match of a multi-word phrase, put the phrase in quotes like “funny cat meme.” The quotes tell TikTok to return only results containing that exact phrase.
You can exclude a word by putting a minus sign in front of it like -fail. This will filter out results with that word. You can also combine operators like “funny cat” -fail to search for that phrase but not fail.
These kinds of advanced search techniques can really help you drill down to find one specific image when searching TikTok.
Check Comments on Related Posts
Often times the image you are looking for was posted as a comment on someone else’s TikTok. If you find posts with similar images, it’s worth quickly scanning through the comments to see if someone tagged or posted the image you want.
You’d be surprised how often the image you can’t find on its own appears in the comments of tangentially related posts. Don’t ignore this easy way to potentially track down your picture.
Ask Friends or the TikTok Community
If your search attempts aren’t successful, try asking people in your own social network or the broader TikTok community for help. Post on your own TikTok asking if anyone knows the image you are looking for and providing plenty of descriptive details.
You can also search TikTok hashtags related to the photo subject matter and ask people in those communities. Crowdsourcing the search can sometimes turn up the image when other options fail.
Reverse Image Search the Photo
If you have a partial or low quality image that is similar to what you’re searching for, you can reverse image search it. Crop your image down to the key visual details that make it distinct. Then go to images.google.com and click on the camera icon to upload it.
Google will show you web pages and images with similar visual elements. You may be able to find the original high quality version of the image you have by using reverse image search services.
Search Other Social Media Sites
Chances are if a picture is popular on TikTok, it has also been shared on other social platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, etc. Don’t limit your search to just TikTok. Try doing similarly descriptive searches on other sites.
A meme or viral image often spreads across multiple platforms. You may have better luck finding it on another site, then tracing it back to the original TikTok source.
Check Meme & Image Databases
There are various websites and apps dedicated to archiving and indexing viral internet content like memes, graphics, images and more. Sites like KnowYourMeme allow you to search their massive databases of categorized images.
If your photo is a meme or very popular viral image, it has likely been documented on meme indexes like these. Their search capabilities may help you track it down.
Use the TikTok Website Search
The TikTok app isn’t the only place you can search. Try going to TikTok’s main website and using their search bar there. The web search may yield slightly different results from the app and includes videos, images, hashtags and more.
You may be able to find the picture you’re looking for via the website even if you had no luck on mobile. So don’t forget to search TikTok on desktop too.
Adjust Your Sorting Filters
When viewing TikTok search results, try toggling the sorting filters at the top. You can sort by most relevant, newest, oldest and more. Sorting by oldest may surface the original image if it is buried beneath newer content.
Play around with the sorting filters in combination with your other search approaches. The upload date and engagement ranking of the image you want could factor into the best way to filter.
Look Through Related Hashtags
Scan through the hashtags associated with the image subject matter and see if the photo you want surfaces in any of them. For example, if it’s a meme, look through #meme, #dankmemes, #funnymemes and similar hashtags.
Often times an image doesn’t show up in a generic hashtag search but may appear under a more niche related hashtag. Cast a wide net through all applicable hashtags.
Don’t Give Up Too Quickly
Searching TikTok requires patience and persistence. Don’t get frustrated if you can’t find the picture immediately. Keep trying different keyword variations, reverse image searches, sorting filters and hashtags.
With so much content on TikTok, hunting down one specific image may take some sleuthing. Stick with it and use all the search tricks at your disposal to finally track it down.
Using the right combination of descriptive keywords, filtering options, visual search and community help, you should be able to eventually discover almost any image on TikTok. Just stay positive and keep searching from different angles.
