If you’ve ever tried searching for TikTok videos while on a FaceTime call, you may have noticed that the search bar is missing. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to show a friend a funny video or find something specific to watch together. So why does TikTok remove the ability to search while on FaceTime?
TikTok intentionally disables search during FaceTime
The inability to search TikTok during FaceTime calls is an intentional design choice by TikTok. They want to encourage users to focus on their FaceTime conversation rather than get distracted browsing videos. The goal is to promote more meaningful connections between people on FaceTime calls.
TikTok is also very protective of their video content. They don’t want videos being shared or recorded during FaceTime, which could lead to copyright issues. By disabling search, it’s harder for users to pull up specific videos to show others on a FaceTime call.
Workarounds to search TikTok during FaceTime
While you can’t search directly in the TikTok app during FaceTime, there are a couple workarounds:
- Search on TikTok’s website – Open a web browser on your device and go to TikTok.com. You can search and browse videos there even during a FaceTime call.
- Use Siri – Try asking Siri to search for you. Say something like “Hey Siri, search TikTok for funny dog videos.” Siri will pull up TikTok search results.
- Search before the call – Find videos you want to show before initiating the FaceTime call. You can then access those videos from your profile or likes during the call.
Why FaceTime is treated differently than other apps
You may be wondering – if TikTok wants to encourage engagement between users, why not disable search in other apps too? Why single out FaceTime?
There are a few key reasons:
- FaceTime is exclusively for live video chatting between people. Other apps may have chat features, but aren’t solely focused on live video conversations.
- Apple owns FaceTime, so TikTok has less control. But they have full control over their own app experience.
- People use FaceTime to connect personally. TikTok wants to respect that intimate engagement.
- TikTok’s content licensing agreements may prohibit search during FaceTime due to piracy risks.
Essentially, FaceTime is treated differently because its sole purpose is live video chatting. TikTok wants to promote users being present in those conversations without distractions from video browsing.
Will this change in the future?
Currently, there are no signs that TikTok plans to add search capabilities during FaceTime calls. The decision stems from their philosophy around social media use as well as legal and licensing limitations.
However, user feedback does matter. If enough people request the feature, TikTok may consider relaxing the FaceTime restrictions in some way. There are a few possibilities of how this could happen:
- Allow limited searches – Maybe 5-10 searches per FaceTime call.
- Restrict search content – Only allow searching of certain content, not the full TikTok library.
- Disable duet/stitch features – Allow searching but disable recording or remixing videos during FaceTime.
TikTok is constantly evolving its platform, so the availability of search in FaceTime could change. But for now, TikTok seems committed to keeping search disabled for a more personalized FaceTime experience.
Workaround advantages and disadvantages
Using the search workarounds like TikTok’s website or Siri do allow you to browse videos during FaceTime. But there are some pros and cons to consider with these methods:
Advantages
- Allows you to find and share videos in FaceTime
- Lets you showcase videos relevant to your conversation
- Provides entertainment during lulls in conversation
Disadvantages
- Can disrupt conversation flow and engagement
- Potentially enables distracting “react” content
- Workarounds take extra steps and can be cumbersome
- Videos may not play as smoothly through workarounds
Overall, the workarounds do provide options for those who want to seamlessly search and share during FaceTime. But TikTok’s intent is to promote active engagement between callers, so directly searching in the app is purposely disabled.
How to use TikTok’s features without search
If you can’t search for new content in TikTok during FaceTime calls, how can you still use the app interactively? Here are some suggestions:
- Follow Hashtags – Find relevant hashtags before your call and follow them so latest content shows in your feed.
- Favorites – Mark favorite videos beforehand to easily access them during calls.
- Sounds – Tap into trending sounds for fun videos to react to.
- Effects – Apply creative effects to your video stream.
You can also browse your notifications, likes, profile and inbox without needing search. Entertainment, reactions and interactivity are still very possible even within TikTok’s FaceTime limitations.
Talking to TikTok about FaceTime search
If you feel strongly that TikTok should enable search capabilities during FaceTime, you can provide feedback directly to them. Here are some options:
- Tweet at @TikTok_US – Get their attention publicly on Twitter.
- Submit in-app feedback – Go to your TikTok profile, tap the 3 dots, then Support, and select Feedback.
- Email [email protected] – Direct your thoughts or suggestions to their team.
- Leave App Store review – Constructively explain your perspective in a review.
The more feedback TikTok receives, the more they may consider loosening FaceTime restrictions. But a respectful, understanding tone helps get your voice heard effectively.
FaceTime call etiquette with TikTok
When using TikTok during FaceTime calls, keep general video chat etiquette in mind:
- Agree to use TikTok together – Don’t assume your caller wants to view videos.
- Take turns showing content – Avoid monopolizing the TikTok screen.
- Gauge reactions before sharing more – See if your caller engages positively.
- Don’t force interactions – Not everyone wants to duet or use effects.
- Respect when someone loses interest – Suggest ending the TikTok portion.
Following basic etiquette helps prevent misunderstandings around TikTok use in FaceTime. You want your caller to feel comfortable, not pressured to engage with content.
Staying present on your FaceTime call
While TikTok can enhance FaceTime interactions when used thoughtfully, don’t let it become a distraction. Here are tips to stay present:
- Agree on a TikTok time limit – 10 minutes, for example.
- Designate TikTok-free catch-up time – The first 10 minutes, for instance.
- Put phones down and make eye contact frequently.
- Ask substantive questions about each other’s lives.
- If you feel distracted, refocus – turn off TikTok temporarily.
Staying engaged with your FaceTime caller is about being present. Use TikTok to accentuate, not dominate, your quality time together.
In conclusion
TikTok purposefully disables search functionality during FaceTime calls to promote engagement between users. Workarounds exist via Siri or TikTok’s website, but directly searching in the app is not possible.
While some users want more seamless FaceTime integration, TikTok currently focuses on personal connections over reactivity. But respectful feedback could lead them to reevaluate limitations in the future.
Until then, creatively using hashtags, favorites, sounds and more allows you to interact through TikTok on FaceTime calls. Just remember to stay present with your caller to build relationships, not just react to videos.
