The “Search” feature on TikTok allows users to find specific videos, sounds, hashtags, creators, effects and more on the platform. It is one of the key ways that TikTok users can discover new content and accounts to follow.
Searching for Videos
One of the main ways the TikTok Search feature is used is to find videos on specific topics. Users can type keywords into the search bar at the top of the TikTok app and will be shown results related to those keywords.
For example, searching for “dance” will display a feed of dance videos from various creators. Searching for more specific keywords like “Fortnite dance challenge” will show videos related to that exact phrase. This allows users to easily find videos around their interests and hobbies.
TikTok’s search algorithm is designed to show the most relevant results first. Factors like video captions, hashtags and engagement are used to rank search results. Popular videos from verified accounts and influencers often appear at the top.
In addition to keyword searches, users can also search for specific sounds or songs. Searching for a song title will display a feed of TikTok videos that have used that song in their video.
Finding Creators, Hashtags and Effects
Along with videos, TikTok’s Search feature can be used to find profiles of creators, popular hashtags and fun video effects.
Searching for a creator’s username, full name or nickname will bring up their TikTok profile. This allows users to easily find and follow new creators that they like.
Hashtags are another common search on TikTok. Users can search hashtags like #cooking or #dance to find videos using those hashtags. This is a popular way to view content around specific topics.
TikTok’s augmented reality effects can also be discovered via Search. Effects like #GreenScreen and #SilhouetteChallenge can be searched to find videos using those effects.
Optimizing Video for Search
Because Search is such a key discovery method, creators optimize their videos to be found more easily.
Using relevant keywords, hashtags and captions makes a video more likely to appear in Search. Shooting video around trends and niche topics can also help reach a targeted audience.
Including text overlays and on-screen captions improves search visibility as well. The TikTok algorithm scans those text elements to understand the video topic.
Posting consistently also helps. The more videos an account has, the more chances they have to be found in Search. Verified creator accounts have an advantage in ranking higher in results.
Finding Trending Content
In addition to keyword searches, TikTok users can discover trending content through Search.
Tapping into the “Discover” tab shows trending hashtags, songs and effects. This area highlights creative trends and viral sensations happening on TikTok.
The “For You” feed also algorithmically displays trending videos. Unique tagging, captions and early adoption of trends can help videos gain momentum there.
Sounds and hashtags with the “Trending” tag indicate growing trends as well. Jumping on those early can help videos get viewed by more users.
Searching within Following Feed
TikTok recently introduced the ability to search videos within your Following feed. This lets you find content from creators you already follow.
From your Following feed, tap the search bar and enter a keyword. It will display results only from the creators you follow.
This provides an easy way to rediscover videos you may have missed the first time. It’s helpful for finding that funny video from last week or that recipe you want to rewatch.
In your Following feed Search, you can also lookup specific sounds, hashtags and effects used by the creators you follow.
Advanced Search Filters
TikTok has advanced Search features that allow filtering results by specific criteria.
When performing a keyword search, tap the filters button to select filters like video length, upload date, language and region. This narrows results to precisely the content you want.
You can filter by video duration to find short-form, medium or long videos. Filtering by upload date shows newest or oldest content. Limiting region and language targets local content.
These filters are useful for refining broad search terms by applying additional parameters. They provide more control over the search experience.
Autocomplete and Suggestions
As you type into the TikTok search bar, autocomplete suggestions appear below. This predicts and recommends search terms based on what you’ve entered.
Tapping these autocomplete terms populates the search bar, speeding up the process. The suggested terms change dynamically as you type to match relevant keywords.
Autocomplete draws from trending and common searches on TikTok. The suggestions serve as a guide for search terms that yield popular results.
If you’re not sure what to search, the autocomplete can provide inspiration and point you to trending content.
Search History
TikTok keeps a history of recent searches for each user. This allows quickly pulling up a previous search.
In the Search tab, tapping into Search History displays your last 20 searches. Simply tap any past search to conduct it again.
This provides quick access to searches you want to revisit. It can be handy for finding that video from a hashtag you searched last week or researching a previous topic.
To clear Search History, tap into the Search History tab and select “Clear All” at the bottom. This wipes the slate clean.
Improving Relevance with User Interests
TikTok aims to make Search results more relevant by learning about user interests.
As you Like videos, follow hashtags and interact with content, TikTok gains understanding of your tastes. Over time, you may see search results that better match preferences.
TikTok also looks at the types of videos you watch all the way through. This factors into the relevance of future search recommendations.
Sharing data like age, gender and interests through your TikTok profile and linked social accounts also assists with targeting results to your likely interests.
As the algorithm gets to know you better, expect to see more personalized and engaging content in Search.
Safety and Moderation
To uphold community guidelines, TikTok does moderate search results for policy violations.
Moderation looks for content that is sexually explicit, graphic, hateful or violent. Such videos are excluded from appearing in most search results.
Some sensitive keywords are also restricted in autocomplete and suggestions. This aims to limit exposure to potentially objectionable content.
TikTok provides a reporting mechanism for inappropriate videos. Continued violations can get a user banned from the platform.
These moderation efforts create a safer, more positive environment for the broad TikTok user base.
Ads in Search Results
Sponsored ads may appear at the top of TikTok search results. Advertisers can pay to promote videos to reach more users.
Ads are labeled as “Sponsored” and tend to link to branded content from companies. Some ads send users to external websites.
While ads may seem intrusive, they allow brands to creatively engage the TikTok audience. Revenue from ads also supports TikTok as a free platform.
Users can close ad results to continue into the main organic search feed. The frequency of ads may increase as TikTok expands its advertising business model.
Conclusion
TikTok’s Search feature opens the door to an endless stream of entertaining, informative and trending videos. It provides the core discovery capability that makes TikTok addictive for millions of users.
Searching by keyword, sounds, creators and hashtags caters to a wide range of interests. Advanced filters, suggestions and history utilities enhance the experience further.
As TikTok’s popularity skyrockets, search will continue gaining importance. Brands and creators succeeding on the platform have search optimization top of mind. Overall, the TikTok Search function points the way to must-see content at your fingertips.
