TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create, share, and discover short videos. One of the most common questions asked by new TikTok users is “Why is there no search bar on TikTok?”
The main reason there is no dedicated search bar on TikTok is because the app is designed for endless scrolling and discovering new content. TikTok wants users to come across videos organically through its powerful recommendation algorithm called the “For You” feed, rather than actively searching for specific content.
Finding Videos Without a Search Bar
While there is no search bar, TikTok does provide several ways for users to find videos and creators they are interested in without having to manually search:
- Following hashtags – You can follow hashtags on TikTok to see top videos using that hashtag.
- Following creators – Follow your favorite creators to see their latest videos in your Following feed.
- Sounds page – Discover trending sounds and songs people are using in videos.
- Trending page – View currently trending challenges, memes, and videos.
- For You page recommendations – TikTok’s algorithm learns your interests and serves you relevant videos.
Searching on TikTok
Even without a dedicated search bar, TikTok does provide some basic search functionality within the app:
Search Page
Tapping the magnifying glass icon on the Discover page takes you to the Search page. Here you can search for usernames, hashtags, or sounds. Simply tap in the search bar at the top and begin typing. You’ll see autocomplete suggestions for accounts, hashtags, and sounds related to your search.
Voice Search
TikTok has voice search capabilities as well. From the Search page, tap the microphone icon and say a search term or phrase. This will pull up relevant TikTok results.
Searching Within Profile Pages
You can search within a specific user’s profile page to find their videos featuring a certain hashtag or sound. From their profile, tap the magnifying glass and enter a search term.
Finding Specific Videos
If you have a specific video in mind you want to find, there are a couple options:
- Use TikTok’s share options to send the video to yourself, then find it in your Direct messages.
- Copy the video URL if you have it, paste it into a browser, and the video will come up.
- Go to the creator’s profile and scroll through their videos to find it.
Why TikTok Doesn’t Have a Dedicated Search Bar
TikTok is different from other social platforms in that its main focus is entertainment, not connecting with friends. Some reasons TikTok has not implemented a permanent search bar like other apps include:
- They want the For You page recommendations to drive discovery, not search.
- Searching can isolate users in filter bubbles showing them only what they explicitly ask for.
- The unpredictability of the For You page provides more opportunities for videos to go viral.
- It distinguishes TikTok as a destination for entertainment rather than a social utility.
Emphasis on the Algorithm
TikTok heavily promotes discovery of new content and creators through its algorithmically curated For You feed. The company spent significant resources developing this algorithm and likely wants it to shine as the main content discovery method.
Avoiding Filter Bubbles
A permanent search bar would allow users to only see content they explicitly ask for, isolating them in filter bubbles. TikTok likely avoids this to encourage exposure to a wider range of content and creators.
Increasing Virality Potential
By making discovery more random, TikTok increases the chances of videos being seen by those outside of the creator’s existing audience. This gives more users the opportunity to go viral.
Differentiating from Other Apps
The lack of a search bar makes the TikTok experience distinct from other platforms like Instagram or YouTube. It reinforces its identity as an entertainment app rather than a social network.
Will TikTok Ever Add a Search Bar?
While a permanent search bar feature is unlikely, TikTok may expand search capabilities in the future. For example, they could add more advanced filtering like searching only within certain categories. They may also refine search algorithms to serve more relevant results.
However, it’s improbable TikTok will add a permanent, prominent search bar to the main interface. That type of utility-focused design goes against the app’s core identity as a destination for entertainment and discovery.
Tips for Discovering Content Without a Search Bar
Here are some tips for finding great videos and creators on TikTok without a search bar:
- Tap hashtags and sounds on videos you like to find similar content.
- Follow categories and hashtags representing your interests.
- Engage heavily with videos to train the algorithm.
- Tap the Friends icon to find people you know.
- Use the Discover page to explore trending content.
- Give the For You feed time to learn your preferences.
- Check out trending sounds for inspiration.
- Follow creators you find funny or interesting.
Summary
TikTok does not have a permanent search bar like other social media platforms. This is an intentional design choice to encourage discovery of new videos and creators through its For You page recommendations.
While you can’t always search directly for specific content, TikTok does provide some basic search capabilities along with recommendations to help you find videos relevant to your interests.
The lack of a dedicated search bar may be frustrating for some users initially. But embracing TikTok’s design can lead to finding entertaining content and creators you may have never discovered otherwise.
