If you see the word “searched” under a TikTok user’s profile name or video caption, it means that the particular user or video has recently experienced a surge in popularity and engagement. The “searched” tag indicates that a lot of people have been searching for and viewing that user or video over a short period of time.
When and why does a TikTok account get the “searched” tag?
TikTok adds the “searched” tag to a user’s profile name or video caption when that account or video receives a spike in traffic and searches within a 24-hour period. There are a few common scenarios that can trigger the “searched” designation:
- A TikTok creator suddenly goes viral. If one of their videos takes off and gets millions of views and shares overnight, TikTok will mark that user as “searched.”
- A celebrity joins TikTok for the first time. When a famous actor, musician, athlete, or influencer creates a new TikTok account, it often immediately attracts lots of curiosity and attention.
- A trending hashtag or challenge takes off. Videos using a popular new hashtag or participating in a viral TikTok challenge tend to see spikes in traffic and searches.
- News breaks about a TikTok user. Media coverage about a TikTok creator or controversy related to an account leads people to search for it.
- A TikTok ad campaign drives interest. Brands running ads on TikTok can also trigger surges in searches for their branded profiles and videos.
Essentially, the “searched” tag appears whenever TikTok detects an abnormal increase in traffic and engagement for a specific user or video during a compressed timeframe. It’s a signal that the account or content is gaining momentum and capturing the public’s interest.
How long does the “searched” tag remain on a TikTok profile or video?
The “searched” designation is not permanent. TikTok removes the tag from a user’s profile name or video caption after around 24 hours. This timeframe may vary slightly depending on how long the surge in interest lasts.
Once the initial hype dies down and searches begin returning to normal levels, TikTok takes the “searched” label away. However, popular creators or viral videos often continue seeing higher than usual traffic even after losing the tag.
Does being “searched” help a TikTok account?
Yes, having the “searched” tag usually results in anice boost for a TikTok user. It indicates growing momentum and often leads to more followers, likes, shares, and comments. Specific benefits include:
- Increased discoverability – The tag makes the account stand out in search results and suggestions.
- Higher engagement – People are more likely to interact with videos from searched users.
- More followers – Spikes in traffic inevitably convert some viewers into followers.
- Boost to credibility – Being searched adds a sense of influence and notoriety.
Essentially, the “searched” designation feeds on itself. As more people find and watch a user because of the tag, that user gains a snowball effect of increasing popularity.
Can you search for “searched” TikTok accounts?
There is no direct way to search for TikTok profiles or videos labeled as “searched” within the app itself. However, some third-party websites aggregate and list trending TikTok accounts that currently have the “searched” designation.
These sites allow visitors to sort profiles by categories like “searched TikTok users” or “searched TikTok videos.” So it is possible to discover accounts and content that are spiking in popularity, even though TikTok does not have an official search filter for this.
Why can’t you find some “searched” profiles by searching the username?
In some cases, a TikTok account will be marked as “searched” but searching for the exact username does not reveal the profile. There are two reasons this can happen:
- Shadowban – TikTok may intentionally limit the reach accounts violating policies.
- Vanity username – The profile has a custom name not matching the actual handle.
So if a username search comes up empty on a “searched” account, it likely means TikTok has shadowbanned the user or they have changed their display name to a non-searchable vanity term.
Can you pay to be marked as “searched” on TikTok?
There is no authorized way to purchase the “searched” designation from TikTok. The tag automatically appears based on real traffic and engagement patterns TikTok detects. Any service claiming it can add “searched” to a profile or video for a fee is likely a scam.
Why do some popular TikTok accounts not get marked as “searched”?
TikTok has full discretion in deciding which profiles and videos to tag as “searched.” Some factors that may prevent an account from being labeled include:
- Slow and steady growth – Gradual gains don’t trigger TikTok’s “spike” criteria.
- Already hugely popular – Mega accounts tend not to get marked.
- Violates policies – TikTok may refrain from promoting banned behaviors.
- Shadowban – Restricted reach accounts don’t qualify.
- Algorithm randomness – Not every qualifying account gets tagged.
So while being “searched” requires meeting search and viewership thresholds, TikTok also seems to make subjective choices based on other factors.
Can you remove the “searched” tag from your TikTok profile?
There is no setting or option that allows users to manually add or remove the “searched” designation. TikTok has full control algorithmically over when to apply or remove the tag based on activity spikes.
The only way to get rid of the “searched” label is to wait for searches and traffic to stabilize. Once your profile returns to normal circulation levels, TikTok will automatically take the tag away within a day or two.
Key takeaways
- The “searched” tag appears when TikTok detects a spike in searches for a profile or video.
- It boosts visibility but goes away within 24 hours after hype dies down.
- Being “searched” tends to increase followers, engagement and credibility.
- You can’t manually add or remove the designation – TikTok algorithms control it.
