TikTok recently rolled out a new search feature that allows users to search for videos using keywords and phrases. This new search tool aims to help users more easily discover new content and creators on TikTok.
How the New TikTok Search Feature Works
The new TikTok search feature allows you to search for videos by entering keywords or phrases into the search bar at the top of the app. When you type in a search term, TikTok will display a list of relevant videos using that keyword or phrase.
For example, if you search for “dance tutorial,” you’ll see videos of dance tutorials from various creators. If you search for “baking recipes,” you’ll find an array of baking videos and tutorials from food creators.
TikTok’s algorithm looks at keywords, captions, sounds, and hashtags associated with videos to find results that match your search query. The more precise your search term, the better your results will be.
Improved Search Relevancy
A key aspect of the new TikTok search tool is that it provides more relevant results compared to the previous search function. TikTok says its improved search algorithm delivers better video recommendations that precisely match keywords searched by users.
For broad search terms like “dance” you’ll see a wide range of popular dance videos. But if you search for a specific dance like “bachata,” the algorithm will surface videos focused on that style of dance.
The updated search function is designed to weed out irrelevant results that don’t align with the searcher’s query. This helps users find videos and creators tailored to their interests much faster.
Search Suggestions Feature
Another useful element of the new search tool is TikTok’s search suggestions feature. As you type into the search bar, you’ll notice suggested searches pop up below based on the keywords you entered.
These search recommendations aim to help point users to trending topics and popular searches they may not have thought of on their own. The suggestions serve as a discovery tool to expose you to new content tied to your search term that’s gaining traction amongst other users.
For example, if you search for “books,” some search suggestions may include “booktok,” “book recommendations,” “ASMR book tapping,” or “study with me live.” Tapping one of these suggestions will lead you to videos aligned with that specific theme or topic.
Easier Ways to Find Trending Content
TikTok’s upgraded search abilities also make it easier to find trending and viral content. The “Top” and “People” tabs display trending search results for overall topics and creators.
Under the Top tab, you’ll find trending hashtag challenges, sounds, effects, and videos gaining widespread popularity. The People tab surfaces top creators and influencers who are making waves at the moment.
By spotlighting what’s trending and viral, TikTok’s search makes sure users can stay on top of the latest buzzworthy content. Checking out these tabs is an easy way to discover new trends and influencers.
Improved Search for Finding Specific Creators
In addition to finding content by keywords, TikTok’s search update aims to help users better locate specific creators’ profiles and videos.
Now when you search for a creator by their username, the results will prominently showcase that user’s profile and content above anything else. This makes it easier to quickly find the videos and page of the creator you’re looking for.
It also helps users identify authentic profiles of creators, decreasing the chances of coming across imposter accounts.
Searching verified creators like @charlidamelio, @khaby00, or @bellapoarch will instantly pull up their official TikTok profile as the top result.
Search Filters
For more refined searches, TikTok now includes search filters to narrow down your results by category. After entering a search term, you can select filters like “Shorts,” “Videos,” “Users,” or “Hashtags” to focus your search.
Using the “Users” filter will only display profiles and creator accounts related to your keywords. The “Videos” filter shows the most relevant video results. And the “Hashtags” filter highlights top hashtags associated with your search query.
Filters provide an extra level of search specification, especially helpful for broad search terms that yield a wide range of results. Engaging with filters gives you greater control over the type of content surfaced from your search.
Improved Search Experience on Mobile
TikTok has redesigned the mobile search interface to optimize for the in-app experience. Search results pages have larger previews, so you can easily scan results when quickly scrolling through.
The mobile search layout highlights trending topics, creators, and hashtags at the top. This puts the most popular, timely content right at your fingertips.
Key search filters are also more prominently displayed to allow seamless access on mobile. TikTok has streamlined the overall mobile search design to enhance usability on iOS and Android.
How TikTok’s New Search Benefits Users
For TikTok users, the upgraded search capabilities offer several benefits:
- Discover new content and creators more precisely tailored to your interests.
- Easily find trending content, viral challenges, and top influencers.
- Improved relevancy shows you better results for your unique search terms.
- Search suggestions expose you to trending topics you may have overlooked.
- Mobile search optimization provides a smoother experience.
Overall, TikTok’s mission with the new search function is to help users find content from both creators and communities that matches their personal interests. The algorithm improvements aim to deliver search results that are customized to each user’s preferences and search behavior.
For creators, optimized search opens up more possibilities to be discovered by users who are searching for the types of videos they produce. Making it easier for people to find your content ultimately helps TikTok creators reach new audiences.
Tips for Using TikTok’s New Search Tool
Here are some tips to take advantage of TikTok’s upgraded search capabilities:
- Use specific keywords rather than broad search terms.
- Try out search filters to narrow results by category.
- Browse trending topics and creators in the “Top” and “People” tabs.
- Follow search suggestions to find related trending content.
- Search verified creators by their exact username.
- Utilize search on mobile when scrolling to quickly check for videos.
The Future of Search on TikTok
TikTok is continuously working to enhance the search experience and improve performance. Some areas we may see expanded search capabilities in the future include:
- More advanced search syntax, such as using quotes for exact match searching.
- Additional search filters to drill down by factors like video duration, captions, and more.
- Personalized search results tailored to individuals based on interests and engagement.
- Leveraging artificial intelligence to improve search relevance and results.
As TikTok’s vast amount of videos and creators continues growing, search will become an even more critical way for users to cut through the noise. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has huge amounts of data to leverage for building out its search technology.
Look for ongoing enhancements to search as TikTok aims to keep improving discoverability and connections between creators and the community.
Conclusion
TikTok’s new search capabilities offer an improved experience by delivering more relevant results tuned to individual user interests. Key features like the search suggestions tool, trending topic tabs, and more advanced filtering provide additional discovery benefits.
Optimized mobile search design also makes finding content faster and easier while on-the-go. For creators, enhanced search presents wider opportunities to gain new followers and viewership. As TikTok continues expanding its search technology, users can expect an increasingly customized experience finding content that enriches their daily entertainment.
