How to Search TikTok for Anything

If you’ve never even considered how to search on TikTok, that’s fair: Depending on what the algorithm oversees, you might be distracted by funny mishaps, dance routines, cute dog videos, and wacky mirror effects on your For You page.

But while it’s fun to scroll through the page for a while, it’s pretty easy to get lost or confused. But what if you want to find that hysterical cat video you saw last week, or expand your horizons beyond the choice of algorithm?

Whether you’re on a platform to promote your brand, watch the latest videos from your favorite creator, or just impress your niece, you need to know how to search TikTok.

How to Search Videos on TikTok

We’ll get it. Falling down the TikTok rabbit hole is sometimes too tempting.

But instead of mindlessly scrolling through the platform’s recommendations, you can watch something specific, like a cooking demo or the latest glow.

Here’s how to search for a video platform:

Tap the search icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Enter the title or type of video you are looking for in the search bar. It could be something like “TikTok dogs”.

Click the Videos tab to see the top-performing content related to your search.

Scroll and click on any of the TikTok you want to watch in full.

How to search filters on TikTok

People often think (myself included!) that TikTok filters and effects are the same. But in fact, there is a big difference between filters and effects.

TikTok filters change the color balance of what you’re filming. Effects add graphics, sounds, stickers, and games to your content.

Here’s how to look for filters on TikTok:

Click on the “Create”icon in the center of the bottom menu.

Upload an image or video and tap the Filters icon on the right.

Scroll through the filters on the bottom screen until you find what you like.

How to search effects on TikTok

You can always save or tag a video if you see a TikTok that uses an effect you like. But if you forget about it, it can be difficult to go back and find the effect.

The good news is that if you remember anything about the TikTok effect, even a crude term like “bling”or “mirroring”, you can probably find it with the TikTok search tool.

You can also use the search tool to find effects you haven’t seen before or experiment with them in preview mode. This is often how you will find the best TikTok effects for the content you enjoy posting.

Here’s how to look for effects on TikTok:

Tap the search icon and enter a keyword in the search bar. If you remember the name of the effect that appears on the bottom left side of TikTok users using this effect, it will be very helpful.
Can’t remember the name? Enter characteristics that you can remember, such as “clown”or “disco”.

If there is an effect with that name, it will appear first. It is then followed by the top performing TikTok, with those terms tagged so you can find what you’re looking for.
Click on an effect to see all the top-performing TikToks using that effect.

Pro Tip: If you see a video with a cool effect, click on the name of the effect to go to its home page and see other videos that have used that effect.

Bookmarking the effects you like when you see them will save you tons of time.

How to search for sounds on TikTok

88% of TikTokers say audio is “essential” for their app to work. So knowing how to find and use popular sounds on TikTok can help take your videos to the next level and make them more appealing to your audience.

You can find the name of any sound in a TikTok video by looking in the bottom left corner. You can then click on it to see the top performing content using that sound and add it to your favorites for the future.

To find a specific sound, you can search for it.

Tap the search icon and enter a keyword.
Tap the Sounds tab to view all sound results that match your keyword.

You can play a preview of each of the sounds to help you find the one that matches what you’re looking for.

How to search for people on TikTok

Whether you’re looking for the TikTok creator everyone’s talking about or you just want to find your friend’s profile, at some point you’ll need to search for people.

Here’s how to search for users on TikTok:

Click the search icon in the top right corner of the home screen.
Enter the person’s name in the top search bar. Suggestions will appear right below the search bar.

If none of the suggestions match the person you were looking for, you can enter the person’s name and click on the search option to the right of the search box.

All profiles with the same name will appear. You can click on the profile you were looking for or click on the Subscribe button to the right of the profile name.

If you want to connect with people you already know, there’s an even easier way to find them. Here’s how to search for contacts on TikTok:

Go to your TikTok profile and tap the user icon in the top left corner of the screen.
On the Find Friends page, there are three options listed above for the suggested accounts: Invite Friends, Contacts, and Facebook Friends.

Tap “Contacts”and allow access to your phone’s contacts.
If any of your contacts have TikTok accounts, they will show up now. You can click the Follow button next to their name to start following their content.

How to search hashtags on TikTok

As with other social media platforms, hashtags make content more searchable. On TikTok, searching for popular hashtags can help you find the latest contests, dance routines, or viral trends.

Here’s how to search hashtags on TikTok:

Tap the search icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Enter what you are looking for in the search bar and click search. Tip: Be as specific as possible. For example, you can enter the same as the creator, popular call, or other popular content, such as “rent free”.

The most relevant results will appear in the Top tab.
Click the Hashtags tab to see all popular hashtags that mention the keyword you’re looking for.

Click on the hashtag you are looking for to see all TikTok that contain the hashtag you were looking for. You can also add the hashtag to your favorites to remember it later.

How to search TikTok without an account

While you cannot interact or post content on TikTok without an account, you can search within the platform.

Let’s say your Gen Z brother keeps talking about the popular tortilla challenge and now he wants you to star in his latest video. Instead of saying yes right away, here’s how you can search TikTok without an account to see what you’re letting yourself into.

Search TikTok and keyword in mobile browser.
Then scroll to the result that TikTok shows.

On the TikTok web page, you will see all the top-performing content related to your search.

Note. Search options on TikTok without an account are very limited. There is no option to search for content on the TikTok web page.

How to Search Duets on TikTok

Duo TikTok allows you to share your video along with another author’s content. Duets use a split screen effect so your video plays at the same time as the original video.

Duets are a fun way to interact and collaborate with other TikTok users. Before posting your next duet, look on TikTok for inspiration first.

Tap the search icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Enter the duet in the search bar and click “Search”.

The most effective content will appear on the Top tab.
You can also view other duets in the Hashtags tab.

If you want to find duets with specific people, just type “duet with @[creator username]”.

How to find your followers on TikTok

Want to get up close and personal with TikTok’s growing fanbase? It’s easy to see exactly who is following you on TikTok.

Go to your profile.
Click “Followers”and a complete list of your TikTok followers will appear.

How to search for GIFs on TikTok

Just like Instagram Stories, you can add GIFs to your TikTok. You look for them when you create your TikTok.

Tap the middle + icon on the screen to start creating your TikTok.

Upload or take an image or video to your TikTok as usual.
Then tap the Stickers icon.

Enter the name of the GIF you are looking for in the search bar. Scroll through the collection until you find the one you like.

How to search for someone on TikTok from your computer

As a mobile app, TikTok for PC has limited features. But if you find yourself phoneless and desperate to see your favorite author’s next TikTok, here’s how to find someone on TikTok from your computer.