TikTok is a popular social media app for creating and sharing short videos. It has seen massive growth in recent years, with over 1.1 billion monthly active users as of 2022. TikTok allows users to create, edit, and share 15 to 60-second videos on any topic. Its algorithm is known for quickly picking up on user interests and preferences to serve them tailored content.
A key feature that aids the discovery of content on TikTok is its powerful search tool. Given the huge amount of videos created daily, search enables users to easily find content and creators based on their interests. Users can search for specific songs, hashtags, users, captions and more. The search feature helps users navigate TikTok’s vast sea of content and is critical for content discovery and engagement on the platform.
How Search Works on TikTok
TikTok’s search engine allows users to find videos based on specific keywords, hashtags, sounds, captions, and more. The algorithm looks at what users are searching for and matches it to relevant videos that have been tagged accordingly. For example, if a user searches for #baking, they will see results of videos tagged with that hashtag. TikTok’s powerful recommendation algorithm also plays a role, showing users videos that are similar to ones they have previously engaged with.
In addition to search, the For You page is the main way TikTok recommends content to users. This page shows a customized feed of videos based on users’ interests and engagement. The recommendation algorithm studies users’ behavior to determine their preferences and serve them relevant, engaging content. So while search allows users to look for specific videos, the For You page pushes new discoveries to them as well.[1]
Overall, TikTok’s dual approach of search and recommendations provides multiple avenues for users to find videos. Hashtags, sounds, captions and other identifiers make content easily discoverable through search. And the recommendation algorithm complements this by suggesting additional videos users may like but didn’t explicitly look for.
[1] https://brands.joinstatus.com/tiktok-seo
Searching by Hashtags
Hashtags are one of the primary ways to categorize and discover content on TikTok. Users can include relevant hashtags in their video captions or titles to make them searchable and reach new audiences interested in those topics.
When searching by hashtag on TikTok, you’ll see a feed of the most recent and popular videos using that tag. The app recommends hashtags based on trending topics and what’s gaining traction at the moment. You can also search for niche tags in your area of interest to find a targeted audience.
To maximize your reach, include a mix of both popular and niche hashtags. According to Meltwater, broad hashtags like #fyp and #tiktok are useful for gaining more general exposure. Combine these with precise tags like #foodlover or #smallbusinessowner to target users who may be interested in your content. Most experts recommend using 5-10 total hashtags per video.
You can also leverage TikTok’s search bar and recommendation engine to find new relevant hashtags. The “Discover” tab surfaces trending tag ideas. Pay attention to which hashtags consistently generate engagement on top videos in your niche to pinpoint valuable tags.
Overall, strategic use of hashtags is key for getting your TikTok content found. Curate a diverse list of relevant tags, tailor them to each video, and keep up with the latest trends to master TikTok hashtag search.
Searching Sounds
One of the most popular ways to find viral content on TikTok is by searching for trending sounds and music. TikTok has an extensive music library and many original sounds that users can add to their videos. When a particular sound gains widespread popularity, it will often spur many creators to make their own videos using that sound, causing it to spread even further.
To find trending sounds on TikTok, tap the discover icon and select “Sounds” from the dropdown menu. You will see curated lists of trending sounds as well as a search bar to look up specific sounds.
Some examples of viral sounds on TikTok include:
- The “Oh No” song by Capone
- “Day ‘n’ Nite” by Kid Cudi
- “Laxed (Siren Beat)” by Jawsh 685
- “Say So” by Doja Cat
- “The Box” by Roddy Ricch
Following popular TikTok curator accounts like @yummy can help you stay on top of the latest trending sounds. You can also check the music charts section in the app to see what sounds are being used most in top videos.
Searching People
One of the most common ways to search on TikTok is to look for specific creators by their username. To search for an individual user, simply type their username into the search bar. TikTok will pull up that user’s profile along with any public videos they have posted.
TikTok profiles belonging to verified creators will have a blue checkmark icon next to their handle. This verification status is granted to accounts that establish authenticity and meet TikTok’s criteria. Verified users often have a high number of followers and fame ranking on the platform.
In addition to the verification badge, TikTok uses metrics like video views and shares to assign creators a “fame ranking” on a scale of 0-100. Fame ranking is displayed on a creator’s profile and helps identify influencers who tend to gain a lot of engagement. Searching by a top creator’s username is a great way to discover their popular content.
Citation: https://zeru.com/blog/how-do-i-search-for-users-on-tiktok
Searching Locations
Searching for content by location enables users to explore area-specific content on TikTok. To use this feature, tap the search bar and select “Locations” from the dropdown menu. Then type in the name of a city, neighborhood, landmark, or any other geographic location.
For example, searching “Paris” will show results from content creators in the Paris area. Other popular locations to search include London, Los Angeles, New York City, Tokyo, and more. This is a great way to get a feel for the culture and happenings in different places around the world.
Location tags allow creators to reach a more targeted regional audience. Using specific neighborhood names instead of just the city can help viewers find even more localized content. TikTok’s algorithm also suggests content from nearby areas, so searching a location is a doorway into exploring a whole geographic region.
Using Voice Search
TikTok’s voice search feature allows users to search for videos by speaking into the app instead of typing. To use it, tap the voice search icon (a microphone) on the main search bar and say your search query out loud. TikTok’s voice recognition will transcribe your voice into text and show relevant results [1].
Effective voice search queries on TikTok are typically short, clear phrases describing what you want to find. For example, saying “show me funny animal videos” or “I want to see dances to pop music” tends to work better than long, convoluted sentences. You can search for specific sounds, songs, hashtags, creators, locations and more using your voice. Just speak naturally as if asking a question and TikTok will do its best to show you relevant results.
Improving Your Search Skills
Here are some tips for refining your searches and getting better results on TikTok:
Use keywords and hashtags – Include relevant keywords and hashtags in your search to help filter results to your specific interests. For example, searching #bakingtips or “baking tutorial” will yield different but related results.
Apply filters – Use the filters like “people”, “videos”, or “live” to narrow your search results further. You can also filter by location.
Leverage sounds – Searching by sounds or music can help you find more niche content. Try searching for sounds associated with a specific meme or trend.
Follow hashtags – If you have a niche interest, find relevant hashtags to follow so you see those posts in your Following feed. Great way to dive into more obscure topics.
Check out recommended accounts – The Accounts tab in Search shows recommendations based on your interests, providing another avenue for specialized content discovery.
Overall, taking advantage of TikTok’s robust search functionality allows you to shape searches to your unique tastes and find one-of-a-kind content.
Leveraging Search for Growth
Creators can optimize their content for search in several ways. Using relevant hashtags that are frequently searched can help videos appear in those searches. Analyzing trending sounds and hashtags and incorporating them early on can also boost search visibility. According to Buffer, posting content when your target audience is most active gives it an initial boost in rankings. Appearing towards the top of search results can gain more impressions and engagement.
Monitoring search trends can reveal opportunities for growth. For example, jumping on a viral dance or meme by creating content around popular search terms can help attract new viewers. Piggybacking off trending sounds by using them in your own videos makes it more likely to appear alongside other popular videos using the same sound. According to Search Engine Journal, a mix of educational and entertainment content helps increase followers. Understanding what people are searching for and creating content that provides value can ultimately drive more views and follows.
Conclusion
TikTok’s search functionality allows users to easily find content on the platform through various methods like searching by hashtags, sounds, people, locations, and using voice search. The algorithm curates results based on each user’s interests and engagement. While TikTok Search is still evolving, understanding how it works can help creators optimize their content for discovery. With a strategic and creative approach, TikTok’s expansive user base presents a valuable opportunity to reach new audiences.
There are always new tips and tricks emerging for search optimization on TikTok. Useful resources for staying up-to-date include TikTok’s Creator portal, industry publications, influencer videos, and testing out strategies yourself. As TikTok Search capabilities advance, creatives who learn how to maximize its potential will have an edge.