TikTok currently does not have an advanced search feature that allows users to filter search results by criteria like date posted, video length, number of likes, etc. The TikTok search function is still fairly basic and primarily focused on finding videos based on keywords or hashtags.
TikTok’s Search Functionality
When you perform a search on TikTok, whether through the mobile app or TikTok.com, you are essentially just searching video titles, descriptions, sounds, and hashtags. TikTok returns results based on how closely they match your search terms.
There is no way to filter the search results further or sort them differently, like by most popular or most recent. You simply get a chronological list of videos that contain or are tagged with whatever keywords you searched for.
Why Advanced Search Options Are Lacking
There are a few possible reasons why TikTok has not yet implemented more advanced search filters:
- TikTok is still a relatively young platform and its search capabilities are still evolving. The app only launched internationally in 2017.
- Adding search filters creates more complexity in the user interface. TikTok likely wants to keep its interface clean and intuitive.
- Implementing search filters requires major engineering work on TikTok’s backend infrastructure and algorithms.
- TikTok’s primary focus is on serving users a full-screen video experience. Advanced text-based searching has not been a priority.
- TikTok wants its feeds to be driven by recommendations based on user interests, not manual searches.
Essentially, TikTok is still early in its product development lifecycle, so its search functionality lags behind longer-established platforms like YouTube and Twitter.
The TikTok Experience is Based on Discovery
Another key factor is that TikTok is designed for continuous, passive entertainment rather than active searching and viewing. The For You feed delivers an endless stream of short video content personalized to each user.
TikTok is about discovering new creators and videos as its algorithm learns your interests. Active searching is secondary. TikTok likely does not want to clutter the streamlined mobile interface with complex power searching capabilities.
This discovery-first experience is a core part of the TikTok product. Adding filters may make it feel too much like a traditional search engine rather than an entertainment platform.
Will TikTok Add Search Filters in the Future?
It seems likely that TikTok will continue improving its search features over time as it matures as a platform. Some additional capabilities we may see in the future include:
- Sorting search results (e.g. by most liked or most viewed)
- Limiting results to a specific time period (e.g. last 24 hours)
- Filtering by content type (e.g. only videos longer than 1 minute)
- Filtering by source (e.g. only videos from verified accounts or certain regions)
However, TikTok will likely take a gradual approach and avoid overwhelming users with too many filters and options initially.
TikTok told TechCrunch in 2020: “As TikTok grows we’re constantly iterating on ways to improve the user experience, including testing new features and optimizing search functionality.”
Workarounds for Power Searching on TikTok
While TikTok lacks advanced filters, there are some workarounds power users can employ to get better search results:
- Use double quotes around multi-word phrases to search for precise matches
- Add NOT before a keyword to exclude certain results
- Use hashtags and mentions to narrow results to specific content
- Use tools outside TikTok like Tokboard to filter by views, likes, comments, etc.
Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT also work in TikTok search in limited cases, although the results tend to get inconsistent.
Why Search and Discovery are Both Important
Discovery and search serve different but complementary purposes for users:
- Discovery allows users to find entertaining new videos and creators that the algorithm recommends based on previous behaviors.
- Search allows users to directly and specifically find videos and information on a topic they are actively interested in.
Ideally, a platform needs to excel at both discovery and search to keep users engaged. Users will search when they want to immediately quench curiosity about something specific. They consume recommended discovery feeds when bored or killing time.
TikTok has invested heavily in its discovery algorithm but is still playing catch up in terms of empowering users to directly find specific content through searching and filtering.
The Takeaway
In summary, TikTok does not offer the ability to filter search results by date, views, likes, user, etc. due to a combination of factors:
- The platform’s relative immaturity and developing search architecture
- A desire to maintain a simple, streamlined interface
- An emphasis on content discovery over manual search capabilities
TikTok’s search functionality is likely to improve and expand over time, but discovery will probably remain the primary focus. Workarounds like Boolean operators and external tools can enhance search for power users in the meantime.
The lack of filters is frustrating for users accustomed to robust search on other major platforms. But TikTok’s strength remains its ability to entertain users down an algorithmically-driven rabbit hole of engaging short videos.