If you are unable to search for videos on TikTok in 2022, there are a few potential reasons why this may be happening. The most likely explanations are that either the search feature is temporarily down, your account or device settings are restricting access, or TikTok has removed the ability to search for certain types of content.
TikTok Search is Temporarily Down
The most common reason you may not be able to search on TikTok is because the feature is temporarily unavailable. Like any social media platform, TikTok can experience occasional technical issues that cause outages of specific features. If the TikTok search function is down, no users will be able to search during the outage.
Outages typically do not last long, so trying again in a few hours is often the simplest solution. You can check TikTok’s status page or Twitter account to see if they have posted about any known issues. If the search feature is down for an extended time, contacting TikTok support may help bring attention to the problem.
Account Restrictions or Device Settings
It’s also possible your specific TikTok account or device settings are blocking access to search. For example, if you have enabled restricted mode, applied parental controls, or have a managed or child account, your ability to search videos may be limited.
Check your account and privacy settings to see if you have toggled on any options that restrict search. Also check the digital wellbeing or screen time settings on your device to make sure TikTok is not being blocked or limited. Disabling any limitations could restore your ability to search TikTok.
Search Removed for Certain Content
In some cases, TikTok has intentionally removed the ability for users to search for certain types of content that violate its community guidelines. For example, in 2022 TikTok blocked search keywords related to eating disorders in an effort to reduce the promotion of harmful content.
If you are unable to surface certain content via search, it may be because TikTok has determined that type of content should not be easy to find and locate. The company now proactively blocks search terms that are most commonly associated with guideline violations.
How to Troubleshoot TikTok Search Issues
If you are running into problems using TikTok’s search feature, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Force close and restart the TikTok app
- Update the TikTok app to ensure you are on the latest version
- Check DownDetector or TikTok’s status page for any known outages
- Make sure your device software is updated and you have a stable internet connection
- Disable any restricted mode, parental controls, or digital wellbeing limiting access
- Try searching from a different device or on the TikTok website
- Contact TikTok support if the issue persists and you require further help
TikTok Search Tips and Tricks
While troubleshooting any search problems, keep in mind these tips for searching more effectively on TikTok:
- Use natural language instead of hashtags or keywords. For example, search “funny cat videos” rather than #funnycats.
- Make use of TikTok’s autocomplete suggestions when typing in the search bar.
- Try searching for both broader and more specific keywords. For example, search “dance” and then “hip hop dance tutorial.”
- Follow hashtags and sounds to more easily find associated videos.
- Use TikTok’s discover page tailored to your interests rather than search.
- TikTok’s algorithm tailors your main feed, so creators you interact with will appear there.
- Turn on notifications for favorite hashtags and creators to see new videos.
Why TikTok Search is Important
Having the ability to search for videos is an important feature on TikTok for several reasons:
- Discover new content and creators – Search allows users to find videos and accounts beyond just their main feed.
- Learn and get inspired – Users can search educational content and how-to’s to learn new skills and get video ideas.
- Research trends – Searching trending hashtags and sounds lets users stay up to date on viral content.
- Promote your own videos – Creators want their own content to be discoverable via search to reach new audiences.
When the TikTok search feature is unavailable, it limits the scope of content you can access. Users are then solely dependent on the recommendation algorithm rather than being able to proactively find videos relevant to their interests. For creators hoping to increase their visibility, search is also a vital tool for being discovered.
TikTok May Further Limit Certain Searches
While TikTok has taken steps to remove the ability to search for harmful content, the platform has faced ongoing criticism related to its moderation. There have been calls demanding TikTok does more to curb dangerous challenges, misinformation, and inappropriate content.
In response, TikTok may implement additional keyword blocks, restrict younger users accounts, or utilize AI to identify policy-violating content and limit its reach. However, completely removing the ability to search certain topics remains controversial from a censorship standpoint.
TikTok will likely continue trying to balance user safety with concerns around restricting free speech and public discourse. But the company ultimately has discretion when it comes to limiting searchability, and could expand restrictions without notice if they determine it reduces harmful content.
Alternative Search Options on TikTok
If you find your ability to search videos on TikTok is very limited, there are a few alternative options to consider:
- Use TikTok’s Discover page to browse trending content, creators, and hashtags
- Explore TikTok’s Categories feature to view popular videos in your areas of interest
- Follow hashtags so content with that tag appears in your main feed
- Interact with videos to get recommendations similar to what you like
- Use TikTok’s website at TikTok.com which provides more search filter options
- Consider searching for video downloads on YouTube, Instagram, or other platforms
While not as robust as TikTok’s native search, these options can help you find new videos and accounts to follow based on your preferences and passions.
The Future of Search on TikTok
As TikTok continues to grow, the company will likely face ongoing challenges around search discoverability while balancing user safety. Some possibilities that could impact search include:
- Stricter policies leading to more banned keywords and restricted accounts
- Introducing search filters or categories to improve relevancy
- AI-based searches analyzing content meaning rather than keywords
- Limiting search algorithm visibility for rule-violating videos
- Providing content creators better insights on optimizing search visibility
It remains to be seen how TikTok will evolve its search capabilities, but the feature remains central to the platform’s utility. While occasional technical issues or restrictions are inevitable, TikTok is motivated to build out more robust tools that keep users engaged while addressing safety concerns.
With some troubleshooting and creativity, TikTok users can still uncover new content even as certain limitations are put in place. Staying current on the platform’s search-related changes can help you best utilize the feature within its constraints.
