The TikTok search bar is one of the most useful features on the platform, allowing users to easily find videos, creators, hashtags, sounds, and more. With over 1 billion monthly active users, there is an overwhelming amount of content on TikTok, so utilizing the search bar is key to getting the most out of the app.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using the TikTok search bar like a pro. Whether you are looking for specific videos, trying to find new creators to follow, or want to identify trending content, the search bar has you covered.
Searching for Videos
The most basic way to use the TikTok search bar is to look for videos on specific topics. Simply tap the search bar at the top of the app and type in a keyword or phrase related to what you want to watch.
For example, searching for “cooking” will bring up an endless scroll of cooking videos. You can further refine this by searching for a specific cuisine like “Italian cooking” or dish like “pasta recipes.” The TikTok search engine is quite intelligent and will also suggest related searches as you type.
You can use this feature to search for videos on absolutely any topic like fashion, animals, travel, DIY, comedy, and more. Search results will include the most popular and current videos first. You can scroll down to find more niche content.
Searching for Sounds
One of the most distinctive things about TikTok is its infectious sounds and music that creators use in videos. If you’ve ever heard a song or audio clip on TikTok that you want to find, the search bar makes it easy.
Tap the search magnifying glass and select “Sounds” from the dropdown menu. You can then browse popular sounds or search for a specific song or audio clip. This will bring up videos using that sound so you can find the original or discover new creators using it in innovative ways.
Searching by sounds is a great way to find fresh content around rising trends. Sounds also auto-complete in the search bar, so you may not even need to select the sounds tab to find what you’re looking for.
Searching for Hashtags
Hashtags are an essential part of TikTok, allowing videos around certain topics to be connected. Searching hashtags allows you to dive deep into niche categories and join in on viral trends.
To search by hashtag, type the # symbol followed by the tag in the search bar. For example, #CookingTips or #DanceChallenge. You will then see results of videos using that hashtag so you can discover new content and creators.
The search bar will also autosuggest trending hashtags as you type so you can keep up with what’s currently popular. Make sure to play around searching different tags to fall down an endless rabbit hole of viral TikTok niches.
Searching for Users & Creators
Finding new creators is a big part of the fun on TikTok. The search bar allows you to easily locate users and dive into their content. Simply type a username directly into the search bar to pull up their profile and videos.
You don’t need to type the full username – TikTok’s search will suggest accounts as you begin entering letters. You can also search by celebrity names or influencer handles you may have heard about externally. This makes it easy to find their account and give them a follow.
In addition to searching specific creators, you can also browse for new users to follow. Select “Accounts” in the search bar dropdown and scroll through categories like music, comedy, beauty, animals and more to discover creators tailored to your interests.
Using Advanced Search Operators
The TikTok search bar has some advanced features that allow you to fine tune results. You can use search operators like quotation marks, minus signs, and more to find exactly what you want.
Putting a phrase in quotes will search for videos with that exact match, like “baking cake” vs baking OR cake. Using a minus sign before a term will exclude it from results, like cat videos -funny.
You can also combine operator terms like watching “funny cat” videos -cute to precisely customize the search algorithm. Play around with different operators like site:@username or location:London to master next-level search techniques.
Leveraging Suggested Searches
TikTok makes discovering new content effortless with smart suggested searches. As you begin typing in the search bar, the app will automatically suggest relevant keywords and hashtags to guide your search.
These suggested searches are based on currently trending topics and videos on TikTok. They provide an easy way to jump into rising trends by simply tapping the suggested search you want to explore.
Suggested searches will also prompt you with related keywords if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for. Make sure to scroll through and tap different suggestions to let TikTok refine the search guidance.
Saving Searches
If you want quick access to search results on a regular topic, TikTok has a useful feature for saving specific searches.
After performing a search, tap the “Save” icon next to the search bar. This will store the search so you can easily tap it anytime from your profile to reuse the same exact query.
Saves searches make it simple to regularly check for updates on things like your favorite hashtag, a viral sound, or your favorite creator’s latest videos. It’s an easy shortcut that eliminates having to retype searches.
Searching on Desktop
The TikTok search bar is available not only on mobile but also through the TikTok website for desktop. Accessing TikTok from a computer allows for a larger screen when browsing through videos.
The search features work the same entering keywords, hashtags, sounds, etc. The one difference is that suggestions don’t currently auto-populate on desktop so you’ll need to manually type out full search terms.
Using the desktop website can make it easier to dive down rabbit holes of content thanks to the bigger screen. It’s great for when you really want to spend time searching versus scrolling on mobile.
Troubleshooting Search Problems
With so much content on TikTok, sometimes searches don’t go as expected. If you’re having issues finding what you want, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure spelling is correct – TikTok won’t pick up misspellings
- Try less specific keywords – Broaden the search scope
- Use search operators like quotes or minus signs to filter
- Browse suggested searches for guidance on what’s trending
- Check saved searches for previous queries that provided better results
- Delete search history/cookies to reset algorithm if needed
Taking the time to craft the perfect search makes all the difference in discovering great new content tailored to your interests. Hopefully this guide provided everything you need to know to master the powerful TikTok search bar!
