TikTok has grown way beyond its roots as just a fun place to share videos, turning into a key spot for younger people to look things up online. This big change is shaking up the usual ways we find and check out information on the Internet.

There’s a lot of chatter about TikTok becoming the next big thing in search, kind of like how YouTube became the place to go for reviews and how-tos. We’re living in a time where social media platforms are changing fast, and TikTok’s dual role as both a fun place to watch videos and a search engine is really something worth discussing.

But the more interesting part is that now brands and influencers are catering to this search behavior by pre-planning and scheduling informative TikToks to hit trending topics and user queries at the perfect time. By combining the smart timing of the TikTok scheduler, creators can dial in their posting strategy.

How to Use TikTok as a Search Engine

For Genz, TikTok is the new search engine answer. Using TikTok as a search engine is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger users who are looking for quick, visual answers to their questions.

Here’s how you can make the most out of TikTok as a search tool:

1. Use Specific Keywords

   When you’re searching for something on TikTok, think about the keywords that best describe what you’re looking for. TikTok’s search function works similarly to other search engines, so the more specific you are with your keywords, the more relevant your results will be.

2. Explore Hashtags

   Hashtags are a powerful way to find content related to a specific topic on TikTok. If you’re searching for something specific, like “easy recipes” or “workout tips,” adding a hashtag before your search term (#easyrecipes, #workouttips) can lead you to a collection of videos that revolve around that theme.

   

3. Check out Trending Topics

   TikTok’s Discover page showcases trending topics and hashtags. This can be a great place to start if you’re looking for content that’s currently popular. Even if it’s not exactly what you’re looking for, it might lead you down a path to finding something useful.

4. Follow Creators in Your Areas of Interest

   If you find a creator who posts content that interests you, follow them. Over time, you’ll build a feed of content creators who regularly post information and tutorials you find useful. This turns your TikTok feed into a personalized search engine.

5. Use the Search Bar for Direct Queries

   Got a specific question? Type it directly into the search bar. TikTok has a vast amount of how-to videos and tutorials, and there’s a good chance someone has posted exactly the kind of help you’re seeking.

   

6. Engage With Content

   When you find a video helpful, like it, comment on it, or share it. TikTok’s algorithm will take note of your engagement and begin to show you more content related to your interests, making your search for new information even easier next time.

7. Take Advantage of Sound Searches

   Sometimes, the background music or a particular sound clip from a video becomes trending. If you’re interested in content that uses a specific track or sound, you can search for it using the sound feature. This is especially useful if you’re looking for variations on a popular meme or challenge.

8. Look Through Comments

   Often, users will ask additional questions or request further explanations in the comments section of a video. Browsing through these can provide more in-depth insights or lead you to other related videos.

9. Utilize the Save Feature

   

   If you stumble upon a useful video but don’t have time to watch it right away, you can save it for later. This creates a personal database of helpful information that you can refer back to whenever needed.

   By following these tips, you can effectively use TikTok search engine optimization not just for entertainment but also as a dynamic and visual search engine to find helpful tips, tutorials, and insights across a variety of topics.

Related Article: TikTok Marketing 2024: An Ultimate Guide From Basics to Inspirations

How Many People Use TikTok as a Search Engine

Using TikTok to look things up is becoming really popular, especially with younger folks. Studies show that around 40% of people in the U.S. are using TikTok and Instagram when they want to find out about something.

This big move towards TikTok for finding info shows a big change in how we’re all looking for and taking in information these days. TikTok’s style, with its short and snappy videos, really clicks with people.

It makes finding out stuff way more straightforward and fun, letting users quickly get answers or stumble upon new ideas they hadn’t thought about before.

What Are the Benefits of Using TikTok as a Search Engine

TikTok is becoming a go-to spot for searching up stuff, and there’s a good reason why. Here’s a breakdown of why TikTok is catching on as a solid choice for digging into information:

1. Visual Content

   TikTok gives you the scoop through catchy videos instead of just text. This way, finding out about things is not only super informative but also fun. Videos often make it easier to get the hang of a topic fast, unlike reading long explanations.

2. Quick and Straight to the Point

   Thanks to the short nature of TikTok videos, you get the info you need quickly and without fuss. It’s great for when you just want the gist of something without having to wade through a lot of extra details.

3. Customized for You

   The more you use TikTok, the more it learns what you like and shows you stuff that fits your interests. This means you spend less time searching because TikTok’s getting better at guessing what information you’re looking for.

4. Real Stories From Real People

   Lots of TikTok users share their takes and experiences on products or places. Getting the lowdown from someone who’s been there or used it can be way more helpful than just a regular review.

5. Latest Trends and News

   If something’s trending or just happened, chances are you’ll hear about it first on TikTok. It’s on the ball with new and current stuff that might not have even hit the mainstream search engines yet.

6. Interaction Encouraged

   You can get more out of your search by talking directly with the content creators. Asking questions or commenting adds a whole interactive layer to looking stuff up, making it a two-way conversation.

7. Stumble upon New Interests

   TikTok’s good at throwing up surprises — you might find yourself getting into topics you never thought you’d be interested in. Its suggestions can lead you down new paths of discovery in a really enjoyable way.

8. A World of Views

   With users all over the globe, TikTok opens up perspectives from different cultures. This broadens your view and understanding of a variety of topics, showing how diverse the world really is.

   In short, TikTok as a search engine is all about quick, visual, personalized information gathering. It shows how digital platforms are changing to match how we prefer to learn and explore today, especially appealing to the younger crowd.

Related Article: How to Make a Playlist on TikTok to Increase Views

TikTok Search Engine vs Google

TikTok overtakes Google search engines, offering very different ways to find information, each with its own set of advantages.

Here’s a straightforward comparison between the two:

TikTok as a Search Engine

• Visual and Fun Content: TikTok shows you what you want to know through entertaining short videos. This makes learning or getting info more fun and engaging.
• Tailored to You: The app gets better at showing you videos you’ll like based on what you’ve watched or searched for before, making your searches feel more relevant.
• Up-to-the-Minute Topics: If something’s trending or new, TikTok is likely to have the latest scoop, making it a solid pick for keeping up with what’s current.
• Talk to Creators: On TikTok, you can easily chat, like, or share videos, which lets you get involved and even learn more from the community around a video.
• Quick Answers: It’s great for when you want a fast, simple explanation or insight into something without going too deep.

Benefits

1. TikTok’s use of short-form videos offers a dynamic and engaging way to absorb information, often presented in a relatable and entertaining manner.
2. TikTok excels at providing real-time content on trends and viral topics, making it a go-to for current events and popular culture.
3. The platform’s algorithm quickly adapts to user preferences to show more of what interests them, creating a highly personalized browsing experience.
4. TikTok enables direct interaction with content creators through comments, likes, and shares, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Drawbacks

1. Given its nature, content on TikTok might not always come from verified or reliable sources, leading to potential misinformation.
2. TikTok’s format is designed for quick consumption, which may not provide the depth or breadth of information that users seek for more complex queries.
3. The platform’s highly engaging content can lead to users getting sidetracked easily, potentially hindering productive searches.
4. The personalized feed means users might end up in an “echo chamber,” receiving content that only aligns with their existing views or interests.

Google as a Search Engine

• Wide Range of Results: Google digs up all kinds of results for you, like articles, news, studies, images, and videos, giving you a fuller picture of whatever you’re looking up.
• Detailed Searches: You’ve got more tools to narrow down what you’re looking for, so finding that needle in a haystack gets a lot easier.
• Trustworthy Sources: Google tends to show results from well-known and reliable sites first, so you’re more likely to get info you can trust.
• Deep Dives: If you need to really get into the weeds on a topic, Google is your best bet. It’s great for when you need more than just the basics.
• Custom Searches: Google also shapes its results based on what you’ve looked up before but shines with its ability to pull in a vast array of info from across the web.

Benefits

1. Google provides a wide array of information types, including web pages, news articles, research papers, forums, and multimedia content, making it a versatile tool for detailed research.
2. With its sophisticated algorithms and search filters, Google allows users to refine their searches with precision, leading to more relevant results.
3. By prioritizing established and authoritative sources in its search results, Google helps ensure users receive reliable information.
4. Google indexes billions of web pages from around the world, offering an extensive pool of information across languages and regions.
5. Google’s integration with services like Google Scholar, Google Maps, and Google Images enriches the search experience by providing diverse formats of information.

Drawbacks

1. The vast amount of results Google can generate may overwhelm users, making it hard to sit through to find exactly what they need.
2. Google tracks search activity and personal data to tailor search results and ads, raising privacy issues for some users.
3. Algorithmic biases and the prioritization of certain sites could limit the diversity of viewpoints and information presented to users.

Making the Choice

Deciding between TikTok and Google depends on what you’re after:

• For a quick, visually appealing take or to catch up on trends, TikTok is the way to go.
• For more thorough research or a wide variety of info types, Google can’t be beaten.

Basically, TikTok is about quick, fun learning and staying in the loop with video content, while Google is more about depth, range, and reliability. In light of Google’s concern about TikTok’s increasing popularity, it’s evident that each platform caters to different user preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

TikTok as a search engine in 2024 is a testament to the platform’s ability to adapt and meet the changing needs of its users.

By providing a visual, personalized, and engaging search experience, TikTok has become a popular alternative to traditional search engines, particularly among younger users.

As the platform continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the way we search for and consume information online.

Frequently Asked Questions