TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. The app allows users to watch, create, and share short videos. While TikTok is a mobile app, many users want to access TikTok from their desktop or laptop computer. Here is a guide on how to search on TikTok using a PC.
Use the TikTok Website
The easiest way to search on TikTok from a PC is to use the TikTok website. To access it, simply go to tiktok.com in your web browser. This will bring you to the TikTok homepage, which has a very similar layout and functionality as the mobile app.
At the top of the page you will see a search bar where you can search for videos, sounds, hashtags, or creators. Simply type in your search query and hit enter or click the search icon. This will pull up results just like searching on mobile.
You can scroll through results, watch videos, like, comment, and more. The TikTok website allows you to do everything you can on mobile, just on your computer. It’s a great option for casually browsing TikTok on a PC.
Use the Desktop App
In addition to the website, TikTok also offers a desktop app that you can download for Mac or Windows. This gives you access to an actual TikTok application on your computer.
To download the TikTok desktop app, go to tiktok.com/download and click the button to download for either Mac or PC. Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the prompts to install TikTok on your device.
The desktop app provides all of the same functionality as the website and mobile app. You can search for videos, sounds, hashtags, and creators right from the search bar at the top. The interface looks and feels just like the mobile experience.
The TikTok desktop app allows for easier browsing, commenting, and engaging with content. You can also upload videos and do all of the editing right on your computer. It’s great for power users who want a more robust experience.
Use Hashtag and User Searches
One of the key parts of the TikTok experience is searching for specific hashtags and creators. You can absolutely do this from a desktop as well.
To search for a hashtag, simply type the hashtag into the search bar without anything else, such as #dance or #cooking. This will bring up a page showing you all of the videos using that hashtag.
To search for a specific user, type @ followed by their username, such as @tiktok. This will pull up the account page for that user where you can watch their videos.
Using direct hashtag and user searches is a great way to dive deep into topics and creators that interest you. Discover new content based on what’s trending or find your new favorite creator.
Use Advanced Search Operators
TikTok has some advanced search features that allow you to fine tune your queries and really get to the content you want. These all work on both desktop and mobile.
To search for multiple keywords, simply separate them with commas. For example: food, recipe, chicken would return results matching all of those keywords.
You can exclude words by putting a – before the word, like food -chicken to see food videos without chicken.
Use quotation marks around phrases to search for specific wording like “easy recipe.” Parentheses can help group logic like food (recipe OR chicken).
Some other helpful operators are duration: for video length, verified: for official accounts, and filetype: for specific file types like PDF.
Take some time to experiment with these advanced operators to really tailor your TikTok searches and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Leverage Suggested Searches and Hashtags
As you search on TikTok, you will notice suggested searches and hashtags popping up based on what you typed in. These can be very helpful for discovering related content.
Keep an eye on the dropdowns below the search bar that show suggestions as you type. You can click any of these to quickly pivot your search to something related.
You’ll also find suggested hashtags along the right side of search results pages. Click these hashtags to open them up and see videos using that tag.
Letting TikTok guide you from one search to the next is a great way to go down the rabbit hole and discover amazing new videos and creators you may have never found otherwise.
Use Your Computer Keyboard Shortcuts
One benefit of searching TikTok on a computer is the ability to use keyboard shortcuts to improve efficiency.
For example, you can press the spacebar to easily start and stop videos instead of clicking the mouse.
Pressing the L key likes a video, and C will open the comment box. You can use the arrow keys to quickly scroll up and down feeds.
Many other shortcuts mimic the standard interactions, like R to repost a video and M to open the profile menu. Take some time to discover the various keyboard shortcuts for faster searching and browsing.
Install Browser Extensions for TikTok
There are browser extensions available that enhance the TikTok experience on desktop. These add additional features that aren’t built into TikTok normally.
For example, there are TikTok downloader extensions that allow you to save videos right from your browser. Others let you auto-scroll feeds or highlight keyword searches.
Do some research to find TikTok browser extensions for your preferred internet browser. There are options for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and others. But make sure to only install reputable extensions from known developers.
The right browser extensions can take your TikTok search to the next level on desktop. Find the tools that fit your browsing style.
Consider Using a Third-Party App or Website
There are a number of third-party websites and apps designed specifically for searching TikTok from a computer. These can offer additional features beyond what TikTok provides.
For example, TokSearch is a website that allows advanced keyword filtering and bulk downloading videos. Other tools aggregate trending content into curated feeds.
Just keep in mind that third-party options often come with tradeoffs like ads or limited functionality. Make sure to thoroughly evaluate any third-party sites before using them extensively.
That said, exploring third-party search tools can expose you to new content and help focus your TikTok experience. They provide even more options for power users.
Sync Your Account For A Personalized Experience
To get the most customized TikTok experience on desktop, make sure to sync your TikTok account. This allows you to bring over your personalized For You feed and all of your liked videos.
On the TikTok website or desktop app, click the profile icon in the top right corner. Then simply log into your TikTok account using your username and password.
Once your account is connected, TikTok will tailor feeds, hashtags, and search suggestions based on your specific interests and engagement history.
Syncing your account allows you to pick up right where you left off on mobile. All of your TikTok preferences carry over for seamless enjoyment between devices.
Utilize Double-Screen Browsing
One unique way to enhance your desktop TikTok experience is to utilize two screens at once. For example, keep TikTok open on your laptop while having your main monitor for work.
Or hook up a second monitor just for browsing TikTok. You can watch videos on the larger screen while searching and interacting on your laptop.
Multi-screen setups allow you to multitask and enjoy hands-free viewing. Search for that viral meme on desktop then drag it over to the larger display. Two screens can maximize efficiency and enjoyment.
Troubleshoot Desktop Issues
Switching to desktop TikTok comes with minor technical difficulties at times. If you run into problems, there are some basic troubleshooting steps to try.
Make sure you are using the latest version of the TikTok website or app. Outdated software can cause issues.
Double check that your internet connection is stable and you aren’t restricted by parental controls or firewalls.
Restarting your web browser or computer will clear out any temporary glitches. Also try clearing browser cookies and cache related to TikTok.
Check TikTok’s support pages for guidance fixing common technical problems that arise.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to TikTok customer support if you are still experiencing persistent trouble searching TikTok on your desktop.
