TikTok allows users to easily search for other users, sounds, and hashtags on the platform. By utilizing the built-in search features, TikTok users can find new accounts to follow, discover trending sounds to use in their own videos, and explore content around specific topics or themes.
Searching for Users
To search for users on TikTok:
- Tap the discover icon on the bottom toolbar of the TikTok app. This looks like a magnifying glass.
- Tap the search bar at the top to bring up the search keyboard.
- Type in a username, full name, or other keywords related to the user you are trying to find.
- As you type, a dropdown menu will show suggested accounts that match your search terms. Tap on one to go directly to that user’s profile.
- You can also tap the search button on the keyboard to view the full results page. Here you will see a list of matching accounts.
- Scroll through the results and tap on any user to view their profile. From there you can follow them or browse their videos.
TikTok’s search algorithm prioritizes accounts with bios, profile photos, and usernames that are most relevant to the search keywords. Verified accounts and those with a high number of followers may also be surfaced towards the top.
You can narrow down the results using advanced search filters:
- Accounts – Search only for user profiles.
- Users mentioned – Find videos that mention a specific @username in their captions.
- Users liked – See accounts of users who have liked a certain video.
If you can’t remember the exact username, try searching for snippets or variations. For broader discovery, search for names or keywords describing the account type or content you want to find.
Searching for Sounds
Every TikTok video uses an audio clip. TikTok has a massive library of built-in sounds and music that users can add to their videos.
To search for sounds:
- Tap the discover icon and search bar like before.
- This time, tap on the “Sounds” button below the search bar.
- Search for a sound by keywords, lyrics, song titles, artist names, etc.
- Tap a sound from the dropdown or results list to open the sound page.
- This page will showcase trending videos using that sound. Tap the red “Use This Sound” button to add it to your own video.
Under the “Suggested Sounds” tab you can browse music and audio that is currently popular on TikTok. The “Recently Searched” tab helps you rediscover sounds you previously looked up.
TikTok has millions of official songs integrated into their app. But you can also search for audio from any video by using keywords that describe it.
Searching Hashtags
Hashtags help categorize content and make it more discoverable on TikTok. Most videos include relevant hashtags in their captions.
To search hashtags:
- Follow the same steps to access search.
- This time, tap the “Hashtags” button below the search bar.
- Type in your desired hashtag and select it from the dropdown menu or search results.
- The hashtag page displays top videos using that hashtag. You can scroll down and tap any video to watch it.
The “Top” and “Recent” tabs help you find the most popular hashtag trends along with latest videos. Tap the “Follow” button on a hashtag page to keep updated on new content with that tag.
Some tips for searching hashtags:
- Use relevant niche hashtags like #foodtiktok or #dance to find content in specific categories.
- Search hashtags like #fyp and #trending to see currently viral videos.
- Add hashtags to your favorited list for quick access later.
Finding Popular Users
In addition to searching for users directly, there are a few other ways to discover popular accounts to follow on TikTok:
- The “For You” feed on the home page populates a personalized set of recommended videos and accounts.
- Under the Friends tab, you can see which accounts your contacts follow for suggestions.
- Check out the profiles of other users you like and browse their Following list for inspiration.
- Look under categories like Comedy and Beauty for top accounts in niche verticals.
- Visit hashtag pages related to your interests to uncover creators making that type of content.
Tapping the share, like, or comment icons on videos will also let you directly visit the associated user profiles.
Uncovering Trending Sounds
TikTok makes it easy to find the hottest new sounds that are catching on:
- The Trending Sounds chart under Discover ranks the top sounds by current popularity.
- Viral hits often spread under hashtags like #TikTokSongs.
- A “Use This Sound” button prominently displays on pages for trending sounds.
- The TikTok charts highlight music breaking out on the platform.
- Check the “Sounds” tab on popular creator profiles to see which they are using.
TikTok’s algorithms quickly pick up on newly viral sounds. Staying active on the app makes it easier to encounter the latest music, audio clips, and memes as they emerge.
Using Hashtags for Discovery
In addition to searching hashtags, also consider these tips:
- Check the hashtag lists on your Favorite Sounds for ideas.
- Look at the hashtags used by creators you like for relevant ones to follow.
- Interact with videos from your For You feed and see which hashtags they use.
- Find hashtags associated with viral memes, dances, or news events.
- Search broad hashtags like #fyp and small niche ones for a variety.
View any video’s Analytics to see which hashtags are driving the most traffic. Toggle on the “Video” tab and tap “View more” under “Top ways people found this video.”
This shows the hashtags people used to locate that content. Add relevant high-performing tags to your own videos.
Optimizing Your Profile for Discovery
Making your account discoverable starts with optimization best practices:
- Use a unique username that identifies you or your brand.
- Add a clear, high-quality profile photo of yourself.
- Set a detailed bio explaining who you are and what you do.
- Link other social profiles like Instagram for cross-promotion.
- Use accurate searchable keywords in your username, bio, and video titles.
Also focus on engagement metrics like profile views, followers, hearts, comments, and shares. Producing quality content, using strategic hashtags, and collaborating with others will all help grow your presence.
Check your Analytics under Settings to get data on the demographics, locations, devices, and traffic sources driving views. Use insights like these to tailor your content.
Promoting Your Account
Amplify your efforts with proactive promotion tactics:
- Research relevant hashtags and creators in your niche for potential collaborations.
- Run hashtag challenges or contests to incentivize audience participation.
- Cross-promote between your TikTok account and other social platforms.
- Interact often with accounts in your target audience through likes, shares, etc.
- Ask followers on other channels to check out your TikTok.
Leveraging other sites like Instagram to showcase your best TikTok content can help drive new followers. Use TikTok’s Multi-Platform Sharing option under Share settings.
Consistently producing engaging content optimized for discovery is key. But proactively employing promotion strategies will take your TikTok reach to the next level.