TikTok recently removed the search bar from its app, leaving many users wondering where the ability to search went and why TikTok would remove such a useful feature. The search bar allowed users to look up specific videos, sounds, hashtags, creators, and more on TikTok. Its removal limits users’ ability to find desired content and discover new accounts and trends.
TikTok’s Reasoning for Removing Search
According to TikTok, the search bar was removed as part of an effort to simplify the user experience in the app. TikTok wants to shift away from users feeling like they have to actively seek out videos and instead make content discovery more passive and tailored to each user.
Without search, TikTok can better control what content appears in a user’s For You feed by relying more heavily on its recommendation algorithm. This allows TikTok to create a more personalized, engaging experience where users are shown content that aligns with their interests and viewing habits instead of having to hunt for videos themselves.
TikTok likely also removed search to limit the spread of harmful content and misinformation. The search bar made it easy for users to specifically look up questionable hashtags, trends, and accounts. Removing it gives TikTok more control over what type of content surfaces in the app.
How to Find Content Without the Search Bar
While the TikTok search bar is gone, that doesn’t mean you still can’t find and discover new content. It just requires a different approach than directly searching for videos. Here are some ways to seek out content without search:
- Use hashtags – Search relevant hashtags for your interests. Content using those tags will appear in the hashtag feed.
- Follow creators – The more creators you follow, the better your For You page will reflect the content you want to see.
- Like videos – Liking videos you enjoy will lead to more similar videos being recommended to you.
- Utilize your Following feed – Check who you currently follow and scroll through their latest videos.
- Use sounds – Tap on the sound icon on videos with music/audio you like to find other TikToks using it.
- Look at category feeds – Explore TikTok’s categorized feeds like gaming, animals, sports, DIY, etc.
- View trending hashtags – Tap on trending hashtags to see what’s currently popular on TikTok.
It takes more effort to find content without search, but taking advantage of TikTok’s recommendation algorithm by liking, following, and interacting with content will populate your feed with more videos tailored to you over time.
Using TikTok’s Suggested Users and Videos
With search gone, TikTok’s recommendations for accounts to follow and videos to watch are more important than ever. Make sure to periodically check them out.
The “Suggested Users” section recommends accounts you may be interested in based on who you currently follow, the content you view, and your interactions. Following some of the recommended accounts is a great way to continue populating your feed with relevant content.
The “Suggested Videos” section recommends videos for you based on your viewing history and engagement. Regularly watching some of the suggested videos and liking ones you enjoy will keep surfacing more content you want to see.
TikTok’s recommendations do get smarter over time as the algorithm continues learning your preferences. Checking out suggested users and videos gives the algorithm more signals to tailor your recommendations even further.
Using TikTok’s Discover Page
TikTok’s Discover page functions similarly to search, allowing you to find content, creators, and trends by category. The Discover page is broken down into categories like gaming, animals, food, beauty, comedy, and more.
Tapping into any of the categories surfaces popular, trending content within each vertical. You can scroll through the category feeds to encounter a wide range of videos and accounts relevant to your interests.
The Discover page is a go-to place to find new content around topics you care about without having to search for specific keywords or hashtags.
Searching on Desktop
While search is no longer available within TikTok’s mobile app, the search bar still exists on the TikTok website when accessing it from a desktop browser. You can head to TikTok.com on your computer and use search to look up specific videos, sounds, hashtags, or creators.
Search on desktop works the same as it did in the mobile app, allowing you to refine your query and filter results. If you’re having trouble finding something specific on mobile, try searching for it on the desktop site.
The results you find through desktop search can then be liked/followed to further shape your recommendations and For You page on mobile. So make use of the search feature on TikTok’s website to aid your content discovery.
Using Search Hashtags
Some users have come up with creative ways to replicate search within TikTok even without the search bar. One approach is using “search hashtags.”
For example, if you want to find recipes for chicken parmesan, search for the hashtag #searchchickenparmesantiktok. Some users have created hashtags following the format of #search[keywords]tiktok.
Posting videos with these search hashtags allows people to find very specific content even without a formal search feature. Search hashtags often surface relevant results, though it depends on users adopting the convention.
Using Third-Party Apps
If you really want access to search again, certain third-party TikTok apps have found ways to re-implement search. Apps like TikTok Search and SearchforTikTok restore search capabilities.
However, these third-party apps are not created by or affiliated with TikTok, so use caution and understand the risks associated with providing access to your account via an unofficial app.
But for users who rely heavily on search, third-party apps do currently offer that functionality lacking in the official TikTok app.
Will Official Search Return?
It’s unclear if TikTok plans to ever reinstate search in their mobile app. Comments from TikTok indicate the removal was purposeful to emphasize their AI recommendation engine versus user-directed search.
However, because search is such a standard and useful feature for discovering relevant content, there’s a chance TikTok could bring back some form of search functionality after further developing and fine-tuning their algorithms.
For now, TikTok users will have to utilize hashtags, recommendations, trending content, and third-party apps to find videos without the aid of the conventional search bar.
It requires adjusting to a more passive viewing experience, but TikTok believes focusing on an AI-driven feed tailored to each user will create a better overall experience in the long run than relying on search.
Only time will tell if the loss of the iconic TikTok search bar is permanent or just temporary. TikTok’s reasoning indicates search aligns less with their vision for the future of the app. But public demand for its return could eventually convince TikTok to reinstate search features in some capacity.
