Among popular social media platforms, TikTok was once a place for sharing video content that was often humorous. But now more and more people, especially younger generations, are turning to TikTok for search of information. A recent research by Adobe reveals that TikTok is currently used as the fourth most popular search engine. According to Google’s own data, at least 40% of young people prefer the TikTok app for online searches. There have been lots of discussions about TikTok becoming a new Google. If you’re considering how this shift affects your strategy, social media marketing in Lahore can be a powerful way to reach your audience on platforms like TikTok. Via this blog, we will try to understand if these claims are true and what’s the future of TikTok.
TikTok As a Search Engine
A key factor in TikTok’s continued success is because of its universal appeal. Even though the TikTok search engine is widely used by youth, people of different ages engage with the App. Some studies also show that one in five users is between the ages of 40 and 49 on TikTok.
Another reason for TikTok’s impressive growth lies in its strategy to evolve in the ever-changing digital world. TikTok provides a seamless user search experience. To showcase this thing, the company recently launched a marketing campaign in the UK and highlighted its new search-centric tendencies. The campaign featured renowned influencers like Hardest Geezer (the person who ran the entire length of Africa) and MadeWithMud (a pottery enthusiast). The campaign clearly showed TikTok’s community-harnessing and information-focused values. This campaign is also worth noticing because of its marketing outlets. These include traditional television advertising, social media, podcasts, radio, etc.
This initiative helped Tiktok earn positive engagement and present itself
as a reliable search engine as well as a content discovery tool.
TikTok’s Key Search Features
Let’s learn about TikTok content discovery. TikTok gives users the options of several search features to utilize its platform as a search engine.
- TikTok Discover Page
The first option is known as TikTok’s Discover Page. It gives users personalized recommendations, depending on a person’s interests, interactions, or browsing history, etc. This feature shows a combination of viral or trending videos on TikTok, it also gives recommendations for content discovery.
- TikTok Hashtag Search
On TikTok, users can also use the option of hashtags to find content. Based on interests and curiosities, people can utilize hashtag features in order to find the most relevant content. When it comes to TikTok’s algorithm, it ranks content based on how popular and relevant it is. This thing gives the audience the opportunity to discover content that is trending. #TikToker, #ForYouPage, and #Viral are some examples of hashtags that are popular on the TikTok platform.
- TikTok Keyword Search
In the TikTok platform trend, the role of keywords is really impactful. By using various keywords, you can discover content as per your interests and preferences. The search algorithm of TikTok analyzes various things, such as video captions, users profiles, etc. This way, in accordance with keywords, the platform facilitates search results. In the year 2023, several terms were highly popular keywords, for instance, “how to” and “what is.”
- TikTok Sound Search
For people who want to find videos via different sounds and music tracks, the platform allows this via the TikTok Sound Search option. The vast library of audio clips allows users to find content as per their preferred sound effects and songs. TikTok “Sound Library” can be utilized for this.
- TikTok User Search
If someone wants to find another user on TikTok, the platform makes it possible. The TikTok’s User Search feature also gives users the opportunity to discover their preferred TikTokers’ content. People can look for new accounts also based on their choices and personal preferences.
- TikTok Trending Searches
TikTok platform also allows users to find popular content, viral trends can also be joined. TikTok also highlights the most trending hashtags, sounds, and challenges on the platform.
- In-app Search Bar
The platform has a feature called an In-app search bar. It’s usually located on the top of its mobile app. This feature allows people to quickly search from any screen for the content, topics, and trends of their personal preferences.
- Advanced Filters
The advanced search filter is another powerful search feature of TikTok. Via these filters, you can look for specific types of content. The advanced search filter gives you different options to search, these include video type, duration, upload date, etc.
TikTok’s Future As a Search Engine
TikTok’s new and improved content-discovery features make it among powerful social media search trends. It is really valuable for finding information and seeking answers to questions. It is important to note that video-based search results have a higher clickthrough rate than their text-based counterparts. So we can say that visual search (is defined as a function that makes it possible for users to find content or information based on visual assets like images or videos). It is a solid part of any SEO strategy. That’s why many people think of TikTok as an important search engine.
TikTok Search Hype
No doubt, TikTok acts as a powerful visual search engine. But is it possible for TikTok to catch up with Google in the coming time? The source of the hype surrounding the fact is that forty percent of Generation Z users utilize TikTok. This statement was made by Google’s Senior who said in replacement of Google, around 40% of Gen Z users use TikTok.
Need Help With TikTok Marketing For Your Business?
Digital marketing company, Hiline Digital, is an expert at TikTok marketing and deeply understands TikTok platform trends. If you ever need a helping hand to kickstart your business marketing on the TikTok platform, remember that Hiline has your back. We have solid expertise in TikTok marketing and have made various brands a success.
Whether you run a small business or own an already established brand, we can create a customized marketing strategy tailored to your needs. With us, you can have a solid marketing plan that works according to your business requirements that suits you best. Hiline Digital, known for social media marketing in Lahore, knows everything about the TikTok platform and the value it holds in boosting your brand image. Contact us today and let us handle your TikTok marketing with unmatched expertise!