TikTok Search is an important feature to help people gain a lot of knowledge. If you want to learn how to search for things on TikTok, follow this step-by-step guide.
Introduction to TikTok Search
With an immense variety of videos covering countless topics, TikTok has truly become a go-to platform for entertainment, much like Google. Whether you’re interested in cooking or technology, you can easily search and discover a wealth of knowledge on TikTok. So, what makes TikTok’s search function so effective? It’s likely due to its powerful search engine and sophisticated algorithm.
Although TikTok doesn’t reveal the inner workings of its search engine, users can still get a sense of how it operates through everyday use. The platform primarily shows content that aligns with your interests—this includes videos you’ve liked, commented on, bookmarked, or watched for an extended period. The detailed factors can also be found in TikTok’s official explanation of how videos are recommended to you.
When you search for something, TikTok prioritizes content it thinks you’ll enjoy based on your preferences. You can search for different keywords, including other users’ accounts, songs, hashtags, ads, videos, filters, and more. The search bar has truly become one of TikTok’s core features.
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How to Use TikTok Search Bar to Find Various Information
There are many things you can explore on TikTok by just tapping the search bar and entering your needs. Here are all the situations you might need. However, you can only search for the users’ accounts if you don’t have an account. So, log into the account before searching for other content. Here is the guide for searching everything on the TikTok website and app.
TikTok Account Search
Searching for an account can be done without a logged-in account. Also, if you don’t remember the name, search for his videos by hashtags and the sound he has used, or your TikTok watch history. Searching by phone number requires he is in your contact list.
On the TikTok App
- Open the TikTok app and tap the search icon (magnifying glass) on the top right of the screen.
- Search for an account by his username or ID.
- Tap the Users category. Now you can find this person’s account from the present account list.
On the TikTok Web Version
- Go to TikTok.com and click the Search bar on the top left of the page.
- Type the username or ID to search for an account.
- Select the Users category and find the user from the list.
Here’s how to search for a hashtag on the app and website.
App
- Open the TikTok app and log into your account.
- Tap the magnifying icon on the top right to open the search bar.
- Type the hashtag you want to search for. The format can be # with a hashtag but it is not necessary.
- Tap the Hashtags option. You can now check all the videos with this hashtag.
Website
The TikTok web version doesn’t have a direct gate to the Hashtag category, but there’s still a way to it.
- Go to TikTok.com and log into your account.
- Search for a hashtag in the search bar on the top left.
- Enter any video from the results.
- On the top right panel, click the hashtag you have searched for. Now, you are in the Hashtags category.

TikTok Videos Search
Searching for videos is also very simple. Check the steps below.
- Tap the search icon on the top right of the TikTok app. On the website, the search bar is on the top left.
- Type the keywords and select from the showing results. If you haven’t found the video you have watched from the list, go to your TikTok watch history to find the video.
TikTok Filters Search
Filters are only available on the TikTok app. Here are three ways to search for them.
Search from the search bar
- Tap the search icon, type the filter’s name, and press enter.
- Select from the results.
Search from the Create page
- Tap the Create button at the middle bottom.
- Tap the filter library at the bottom left of the screen.
- Select the filter from the library or type the filter’s name to find it.
Get the filter from the videos
- Find the video with the filter you want.
- Tap the filter button on the video.
How to Search Stickers on TikTok
Stickers are only available on the app version. Here are the steps to search and add a sticker to your TikTok picture or video.
- Tap the plus button at the middle bottom of the TikTok app.
- Take a photo or video or select one by tapping the gallery icon at the bottom right.
- On the editing page, select the Sticker icon from the right toolbar.
- Search for the sticker you want.
Tip:
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How to Search on TikTok While on Facetime?
If you just want to search for something while having face calls with others, open the TikTok app and tap the search icon to start searching. However, if you want to share the TikTok screen on Facetime, you can follow the steps below.
Ensure Device Compatibility and Update to the Latest Version:
- Confirm that your iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 15.1 or later.
- Make sure the TikTok app is updated to the latest version.
Initiate a FaceTime Call:
- Open the FaceTime app, select a contact, and start the call.
Start SharePlay:
- In the call interface, tap the screen to access the FaceTime controls.
- Tap the “Share Content” button.
- Select “Share My Screen.”
Open TikTok:
- After sharing your screen, return to the Home screen and open the TikTok app.
- Choose the TikTok video you wish to share with the other person.
TikTok Creator Search Insights
TikTok Creator Search Insights is a tool specifically designed for TikTok content creators to help them understand user search behavior and trending topics on the platform. It provides inspiration for creators to produce content that better aligns with user interests. To access the feature, you can directly search for it in the TikTok search bar and tap View.
For business, they can use TikTok Business Center to monitor the users’ search interests to help them better promote the products.
Once you access the tool, you can explore a list of trending topics that users are actively searching for on TikTok. Please note that TikTok’s Creator Search Insights feature may only be available in specific regions or to select users. If you’re unable to find this tool during your search, it’s likely not yet rolled out in your area. Additionally, make sure your TikTok app is updated to the latest version to ensure the best experience.
Why Can’t I Search on TikTok? How to Fix It?
Poor Internet: You can’t search on TikTok with no internet connection. Switching to a faster Wi-Fi network might help.
Outdated TikTok version: If the TikTok app is outdated, some bugs might happen such as the search feature not working. You can update TikTok to fix this issue.
Not official TikTok app: If you’re using the TikTok app from a third-party source, it might crash or have bugs. You can download the TikTok app from the official source.
Restart TikTok: The easiest way to fix TikTok search not working is to restart the app. You can restart your phone as well.
Reinstall TikTok: Reinstalling TikTok can clear the data and cache. It can help fix the search feature not working and avoid the repeated content that TikTok shows to you.
Report to TikTok: If none of the above solutions work, you can report to TikTok support.
Frequently Asked Questions About TikTok Search
Q: Can people see what you search on TikTok?
No. People can’t see what you are searching on TikTok. However, if you have commented, liked, or reposted the video on TikTok, your followers might see it.
Q: Is TikTok banned in China?
Yes. China has Douyin which is another version of TikTok. It is similar to TikTok except for the language and user base.
Q: Is there any problem with TikTok today?
TikTok doesn’t provide a way to check the server status. However, you can go to other media platforms to ask other TikTok users if TikTok is down.
Q: Which VPN is best for TikTok?
LightningX VPN is the best VPN for TikTok. It has a server fleet to help you unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world. It also uses the best VPN protocol to protect your data and privacy.