If you search on TikTok and are not seeing any videos in the results, there are a few potential reasons why this may be happening.
You may have restricted or filtered content enabled
TikTok allows users to restrict the types of content they see in searches and feeds. If you have enabled restricted mode or have filters set up, this will limit the videos shown to you. To check if you have any filters or restrictions enabled:
- Go to your profile by tapping the person icon in the bottom right
- Tap the 3 lines menu icon in the top right and choose “Settings”
- Go to “Digital Wellbeing” or “Screen Time Management”
- Make sure “Restricted Mode” is disabled
- Under “Video Recommendations” disable any filters you have on
Disabling restricted mode and filters will ensure you see more content in searches.
Search term may not match any videos
If you are searching for a very specific or niche term, there may not be any videos on TikTok that match what you are looking for. Try searching again with more broad keywords that describe the content you want to find.
For example, instead of searching “cats dancing insinkerator”, try searching “funny dancing cat”. Cast a wider net with your keywords and you’ll have a better chance of getting video results.
Location or language settings may filter results
TikTok defaults to showing you content tailored to your detected location and language settings. If your settings are very narrow, this can limit the videos shown to you.
To expand your search results:
- Go to your profile and tap the 3 line menu
- Choose “Settings” then “General”
- Under “Region” choose “Everywhere”
- Under “Language” choose “All Languages”
Setting your region and language to the broadest options will widen the pool of content for you to find in searches.
Server issues or glitches
Sometimes search issues on TikTok may be due to temporary glitches or problems on TikTok’s end. Server outages, bugs, or app crashes can all cause search to not work properly. If you are experiencing search problems:
- Check if TikTok is down for maintenance at downdetector.com
- Force quit and relaunch the TikTok app
- Update the TikTok app to the latest version
- Restart your device
This may resolve any temporary glitches. Try your search again afterwards to see if videos appear as expected.
Account shadowbanned or under review
In rare cases, if your TikTok account has been shadowbanned or is under review, your ability to see videos in search may be limited. This usually only happens if you have violated TikTok’s community guidelines.
You can appeal shadowbans by contacting TikTok support. But otherwise you may need to wait out the restrictions or create a new account.
Search page layout or tabs
The TikTok search page has different tabs at the top to control what types of results you see. Make sure you have “Videos” selected to see video results.
The other tabs like “Users”, “Hashtags”, and “Sounds” will show other types of results instead of videos.
So if you aren’t seeing any videos, double check you have the Videos tab selected when searching.
Clear cache and data for TikTok app
As a last resort, try clearing the cache and data for the TikTok app on your device. This resets the app back to its defaults which can resolve search issues.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap TikTok and choose “Offload App”. Then reinstall TikTok.
On Android, go to Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data. Then reopen TikTok.
After clearing app data, your search results should load properly again when you try.
Contact TikTok support
If you still see no videos when searching after trying all troubleshooting steps, reach out to TikTok support for further help.
In the TikTok app, go to your profile > Settings > Report a Problem. Explain your search issue.
You can also contact TikTok support on Twitter @TikTok_US or @TikTok_UK.
TikTok support can investigate and resolve any ongoing search bugs you may be experiencing.
Summary
Some common reasons you may not see videos when searching TikTok include:
- Restricted mode enabled
- No videos match your niche search term
- Location or language filters set too narrow
- Temporary server outages
- Your account is shadowbanned
- Wrong tab selected on search page
Try adjusting your settings, broadening keywords, clearing app data, and contacting TikTok support to resolve search issues.
