If you’ve recently noticed that you can no longer search for videos on TikTok like you used to, you’re not alone. TikTok has made some changes to its video search functionality that prevent users from searching videos in the same way as before.
TikTok removed the search page and tab
The most noticeable change is that TikTok removed the dedicated search page and tab that used to exist within the app. Previously, TikTok had a magnifying glass icon on the bottom that took you to a page where you could search for videos, sounds, hashtags, users, etc. This search page and tab is now gone.
Without this dedicated search section, there is no longer a centralized place to search across TikTok. You can no longer just open the TikTok app and start searching for whatever videos you want to find. This makes the app more focused on the “For You” feed that TikTok algorithmically generates based on your interests and engagement.
Searching only works within limited contexts
You can still search on TikTok, but only within certain contexts. For example, if you go to a user’s profile, you can search their uploaded videos using the search bar at the top of their page. Or if you go to a hashtag or sound page, you can search videos tagged with that hashtag or using that sound.
But there is no longer a universal search bar where you can search all TikTok videos. You have to first go to a specific user, hashtag, or sound page to be able to search videos relevant to just that page. TikTok has sectioned off and compartmentalized search, rather than keeping a unified search system.
Searching by keyword doesn’t work anymore
Previously, you could search for TikTok videos just by keyword. So you could search “funny cat” or “cooking tutorial” or whatever term you wanted and find related videos. Now, keyword video search does not work on TikTok.
Even if you go to a specific hashtag or sound page, you cannot search keywords within that context. For example, on a #cat hashtag page, you cannot search for “funny” to find funny cat videos with that hashtag. Keyword search is completely disabled across TikTok in all contexts now.
TikTok wants you to rely on its algorithm
It seems that TikTok has intentionally crippled video search capabilities in order to get users to rely more on its “For You” feed algorithm. Rather than giving you full control to search and find whatever kinds of videos you wish, TikTok wants you to let its AI pick videos to show you based on your watch history and engagement.
By removing robust search features, TikTok is nudging you to passively consume the content its algorithm chooses rather than actively look for videos yourself. This gives the algorithm even more power over shaping TikTok users’ experiences.
How to find videos without search on TikTok
While video search is now very limited on TikTok, there are still some ways you can find videos you’re looking for without completely relying on the “For You” page algorithm.
Follow hashtags and sounds
If there are certain topics, memes, or sounds you want to see videos about, follow the related hashtags and verified sounds. Videos using hashtags and sounds you follow will be sprinkled into your “For You” feed.
Follow creators who make videos you like
Check out the profiles of TikTok creators whose content you enjoy and tap “Follow” to subscribe to their uploads. Following more creators ensures their new videos have a better chance of showing up in your algorithmically generated feed.
Engage with videos to shape your recommendations
Be sure to actively like, comment, share, and engage with videos that you want to see more of on TikTok. This signals to the algorithm the kinds of videos you want recommended to you. Interact positively with videos relevant to your interests.
Tap hashtags and sounds in videos
When watching a video, you can tap on any hashtags or sounds that appear to quickly see more videos using that hashtag or sound. This allows you to pivot to content similar to whatever video you’re currently viewing.
Check out trending topic pages
Browse TikTok’s trending hashtags and sounds pages which aggregate popular and viral content. Here you can find videos on topics blowing up at the moment without needing to search keywords.
While TikTok search is much more limited than before, focusing your “For You” feed and digging into trending content can help surface videos that appeal to you. But the loss of robust search does make discovering new interests and niche content harder without the algorithm’s direction.
Why did TikTok limit video search capabilities?
There are a few possible reasons why TikTok removed the universal video search functionality that previously existed in the app:
Drive more video views and engagement
By relying more on its recommendation algorithm to serve users videos instead of search, TikTok can increase average watch times, views, shares, and other engagement metrics. The algorithm is designed to be addictive and promoting higher interaction.
Increase advertising revenue
More video views and engagement also translate into more opportunities to serve users ads and generate revenue. TikTok’s advertising business continues growing rapidly each quarter.
Grow new creators
Removing search puts more discovery power in the hands of TikTok’s algorithm. This allows newer creators to get their videos promoted to niche audiences who might not find them through search.
Favor established creators
On the other hand, limiting search also cements the top TikTok creators who already have large followings. Their content will continue surfacing but it’s harder for up-and-comers to take their place without search.
Control content moderation
Search makes it easier to find objectionable content that TikTok may want to moderate. Relying on algorithmic recommendations gives TikTok more control over what types of videos spread on the platform.
Emulate competitors
Other social video apps like Instagram Reels rely heavily on AI recommendations. Removing search makes TikTok feel more familiar to users coming from those other platforms.
In summary, TikTok likely limited its video search capabilities in order to increase engagement and revenue while giving itself more control over content. But this comes at the expense of user agency and discovery.
Will TikTok ever bring back video search features?
It’s unclear if TikTok has any plans to re-introduce more robust video search features to the app. On one hand, the changes clearly align with TikTok’s business interests as it continues growing. But on the other hand, the removal of search has received a lot of negative user feedback.
Here are some possibilities on the future of TikTok search:
Search stays extremely limited
TikTok seems committed to doubling down on only showing videos from its “For You” recommendations. In this scenario, universal keyword video search never comes back to the app.
Search returns in limited capacity
TikTok could meet users halfway by bringing back some video search functionality but not a full universal search system. For example search within general hashtag or sound pages.
Full search capabilities restored
If user complaints are loud enough TikTok may choose to fully re-implement video search across the entire app. But this seems unlikely given TikTok’s current trajectory.
A new separate search app
TikTok could release a companion app focusing specifically on video search. So the main TikTok app stays algorithm-focused while the secondary app offers search.
Realistically, TikTok will likely stick to limited search unless there is overwhelming demand from users and creators to restore more extensive capabilities. But there’s a chance user feedback forces TikTok’s hand.
Tips for finding videos without search
While the era of robust TikTok video search is over (for now), you’re not completely at the mercy of the algorithm. Here are some pro tips for finding content you love even without search:
Follow lots of hashtags and sounds
Populating your “Following” with relevant hashtags and viral sounds ensures you see a steady stream of posts using them in your feed.
Interact heavily with desired content
Always like, comment, share, and engage with videos that appeal to your tastes so the algorithm gets better at recommending them.
Check out category-specific “For You” pages
TikTok now has tailored “For You” feeds for topics like gaming, animals, education, and more. Follow the pages related to your interests.
Browse by trending hashtags and sounds
Keep up with the latest viral content by exploring TikTok’s trending topics regularly to find videos blowing up.
Follow lots of diverse creators
Following creators with a wide range of styles and interests results in a more varied “For You” feed with more opportunities for discovery.
While not as convenient as searching keywords, these tips help ensure you see great videos relevant to everything you love about TikTok even without search capabilities.
Conclusion
TikTok radically limiting video search caught many users off guard and changed the way people find content on the platform. Gone are the days of searching for whatever you want, when you want. Now your “For You” page and individual hashtag/sound pages are the main ways to discover videos.
This gives TikTok’s algorithm unmatched power over what gains traction. But you can still optimize your feed and find viral content by leveraging trends, follows, and engagement. There is hope that robust search may return someday, but TikTok seems committed to recommendations for now.
Overall, adapting to this new era requires some adjustment but focusing your interactions and discovering what resonates can keep your experience positive. TikTok remains one of the most creative places on the internet despite the search limitations placed on users.