The search bar at the top of the TikTok app allows users to search for specific videos, sounds, hashtags, creators, effects and more on TikTok. It is a key feature that helps users discover new content and accounts that match their interests.
Searching for videos
The most common use of the TikTok search bar is to find videos about a certain topic. Users can type keywords, hashtags or phrases into the search bar to pull up relevant videos.
For example, searching for #cooking will show videos related to cooking and recipes. Searching for “funny dog” will pull up funny dog videos. The TikTok search algorithm looks at keywords, captions, sounds and hashtags associated with videos to find matches.
TikTok will display top results based on relevance as well as popularity. So the search results will include a mix of videos from popular creators as well as newer or less known accounts that have relevant content.
Finding sounds
The search bar can also be used to look up particular sounds or music tracks used in TikTok videos.
Users can search for keywords from the song lyrics or the song title itself to find the sound. TikTok has a massive library of sounds that can be used in videos, and the search bar makes it easy to find the perfect sound.
For example, searching for “Need to Know” will bring up Doja Cat’s song that has been used in many TikTok dance videos. Sounds with the most associated videos usually appear first in search.
Discovering hashtags
Searching for hashtags in the bar allows users to explore different trends and challenges on TikTok.
For instance, #WAPChallenge brings up videos of users dancing to the WAP song. And #TikTokFood shows cooking videos featuring delicious recipes.
The search bar can conveniently surface niche hashtags to dive deep into a particular interest or community. Hashtags with the most views and posts usually rank higher in search results.
Finding creators
Users can search for their favorite creators or influencers’ TikTok handles to easily access their profile and content.
Simply searching the creator’s unique username will pull up their account. For very popular creators like @charlidamelio or @zosiamagher, their account will be the top result.
This makes it easy to discover new creators and follow them without needing to manually type in their exact handle. Searching full names can also work to find creators.
Uncovering effects
Along with searching for sounds, the search bar can also be used to find fun visual effects and filters to use in your own TikTok videos.
Effects are identified by specific keywords that users can look up. For example, searching for “beach photo” brings up a filter that makes videos look like tropical beach photos.
Other effects like “Anime” or “Disco” are easily discoverable too. Exploring effects helps users stay on trend with the latest viral video styles.
How TikTok search works
According to TikTok, searches look through video captions, sounds, hashtags and the video’s overall relevance to find results. Trending and engaging content is prioritized.
So videos that are going viral and have high view counts, likes, comments and shares will appear at the top. Videos from accounts you follow or engage with may also be pushed higher in your personalized search results.
TikTok’s search algorithm is constantly learning and improving to better understand search intent and surface the most relevant results for each user.
Optimizing your video to be discoverable
Using relevant hashtags and sounds can help get your videos found in TikTok Search.
Including hashtag challenges or trending sounds gives your videos a better chance of ranking since people search for those terms. Well-optimized captions also signal to the algorithm what your video is about.
Interacting and engaging with other top videos in your niche also helps the algorithm understand your content. So liking, commenting on and sharing related popular videos can improve discoverability.
Finding accounts you don’t follow
TikTok’s “Following” feed only shows posts from accounts you follow. So search is the best way to discover content and creators that you don’t already follow.
By using relevant keywords and hashtags in the search bar, you can easily access popular and trending content beyond just the videos in your Following feed.
This opens up TikTok’s huge catalog of videos and accounts to discover. You can then follow new creators or bookmark videos you like to review later.
Troubleshooting search issues
Sometimes TikTok search struggles to find relevant results or doesn’t return expected videos. Here are some tips to troubleshoot:
- Use specific keywords – Generic terms like “dance” are too broad. Use a specific dance name or song.
- Check spelling – Make sure words are spelled correctly to return better matches.
- Try different keywords – Reword the search term or use synonyms.
- Use hashtags – Add relevant hashtags like #food or #tutorial to aid discovery.
- Make searches more specific – Add more keywords like “funny cat video”
Overall, TikTok Search is a powerful discovery tool for finding content and creators. Optimizing videos for search can help increase views and follows. The search bar makes it easy to dive deep into niche interests and trends by searching through TikTok’s massive video library.
Searching privately
TikTok also offers the option to search privately without your results being influenced by your account, likes or follows. This can help surface different content.
To search privately, tap your profile icon in the bottom right. Then toggle “Private Mode” on. Doing searches in private mode will show generally trending results.
This prevents your viewing history and likes from impacting search. So you may see different videos than in a normal search. TikTok doesn’t store search history in Private Mode.
Finding TikTok Search useful
In summary, the TikTok search bar is an invaluable feature for discovering new content and creators on the platform. It allows drilling down into niche interests by searching keywords, hashtags, sounds, effects and more.
Optimizing your video content to be discoverable via search can help increase engagement and followers. Troubleshooting search issues involves using more specific key terms. TikTok Search opens up a world of videos to entertain, educate and inspire.
