Searching for effects is one of the most useful features on TikTok, allowing users to easily find fun filters, AR lenses, transitions and other creative tools to enhance their videos. However, many TikTok users have reported issues with the search function not working properly for effects. This article will provide an overview of why TikTok’s effect search is not working, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds.
Overview of the Issue
When trying to search for a specific effect on TikTok using keywords, users are noticing that no results come up. Or the results are unrelated effects rather than the one they were looking for. This suggests a problem with TikTok’s algorithm and database for categorizing and indexing effects for search.
Some common searches that fail to bring up relevant effects include:
- Search for a trending effect like “cartoon face” or “CSI zoom”
- Search for an effect name like “beach day”
- Search for an effect category like “transitions” or “AR facial effects”
Users expect to easily find effects this way, so it’s frustrating when the search feature seems broken. There are a few key reasons why TikTok can’t search effects properly.
Possible Causes
- Incorrect effect names/descriptions – The name or description of the effect set by the creator does not match the user’s search query.
- Uncategorized effects – Many effects are not assigned to categories, hashtags or labels, making them tougher to surface in search.
- Inconsistent tagging – Effects are inconsistently tagged by creators, resulting in fragmented search results.
- TikTok algorithm issues – Problems with how TikTok’s algorithm indexes and ranks effects for relevance in search.
- Search spam – Lower quality effects can be spammed with irrelevant keywords, cluttering up results.
- Limited search capabilities – TikTok’s search function is not as advanced as Google, leading to poor results.
It’s likely a combination of these factors that lead to a frustrating user experience when trying to search for effects on TikTok. The platform’s rapidly growing library of effects has outpaced its ability to organize them in a searchable way.
Troubleshooting and Fixes
If you are unable to find effects through TikTok’s search, try these troubleshooting steps and workarounds to find what you need:
1. Search on Browser Instead of App
Search for effects using the TikTok website on a browser instead of in the mobile app. Sometimes the browser version has better search capabilities and indexing. You can bookmark effects you find to easily locate them later when using the mobile app.
2. Use More Specific Keywords
Try using longer, more unique keywords related to the effect you want to find. For example, instead of “cartoon”, try something like “Disney cartoon charcoal drawing effect”. The more precise the query, the better chance of finding a relevant effect.
3. Search Effects Hashtags
Browse popular hashtags like #effects, #transistions, #AR, etc to discover effects. Creators will often tag effects with relevant hashtags you can search for ideas.
4. Look Through Effect Accounts
Follow popular effect creator accounts and browse their posted effects. Big accounts like @snapchat support and @zumraeffects regularly create and share effect templates.
5. View Trending Effects
Check the Trending tab on the Discover page to see effects currently blowing up with other users. The Trending section essentially recommends popular effects.
6. Identify Effects on Other Videos
When you see an effect you want to find in someone else’s video, tap on the effect name that pops up to open it. You can then save that effect to easily find it later.
7. Contact Effect Creator
If you know the original creator of the effect, you can message them asking for a direct link to the effect or where they categorize it. Reach out for help finding their creation.
8. Use Third-Party Indexes
Sites like TikTokEffects.com catalog and index effects for easier browsing and search. Look for your desired effect on comprehensive third-party databases.
Finding Effects on Desktop
Searching from a desktop browser opens up some additional options for tracking down hard-to-find effects on TikTok:
- Use Google search with keywords “TikTok” and the effect name.
- Reverse image search the effect thumbnail if you have a screenshot.
- Check the effect creator’s TikTok web profile for their uploads.
- Use advanced search operators and filters in TikTok’s desktop search.
Desktop browsers provide more search tools, alternate keywords, and ways to pivot your search approach for discovering that elusive effect.
Coping With Limited Search
Until TikTok improves effect search, focus on these coping strategies when the built-in options fail:
- Bookmark discovered effects – Save the ones you like to refer back and reuse.
- Follow creators – Stay updated on new effects from creators you admire.
- Learn effect names – Memorize the names of your favorite effects.
- Watch trending videos – Find stylish effects that are going viral.
- Explore hashtags and sounds – Effects are often tied to specific hashtags and sounds.
While not ideal, using bookmarks, hashtags, viral videos, and creator spotlights can help ensure you find effects without relying solely on search.
The Future of Effect Search
TikTok clearly needs to improve their system for indexing, tagging, and serving up relevant effects in search results. With over 2 billion downloads of the app to date, demand for an effective effect search function is stronger than ever. More can be done to leverage community input as well like:
- Letting users tag and categorize effects to improve discoverability.
- Using AI/machine learning to better classify effects.
- Crowdsourcing effect titles, descriptions and tags.
- Implementing a verification system for effect creators.
As the platform continues to grow, TikTok will need to diligently evolve its organizational systems and leverage user input to create an effect ecosystem where discovery is easy for all users.
