Based on analysis of SERPs, expert blog posts, and TikTok’s evolving algorithm (especially since it’s now widely used as a search engine by Gen Z and younger Millennials
1. Do Keyword Research for TikTok Search
Use tools like:
- TikTok Creative Center – Keyword Insights
- Autocomplete in TikTok’s search bar
- TikTok’s own Search Ads Tools (if accessible)
- Google Trends & YouTube Trends for overlap
🔹 Tip: Think like a user – what would you type when searching for this content?
2. Use Keywords in Multiple Places
Place your target keyword(s):
- In the video caption (early in the text)
- In on-screen text (overlays)
- In your spoken audio or voiceover
- In the hashtags
- In the alt text for accessibility (if enabled)
🔹 Example: For a keyword like healthy breakfast ideas
, you could:
- Say it out loud in the first 3 seconds
- Display it as overlay text
- Add
#healthybreakfast
in hashtags - Include it in your caption: “Need new healthy breakfast ideas for busy mornings? Try this…”
3. Optimize for Engagement Metrics
TikTok’s algorithm rewards:
- High watch time
- Replays
- Shares
- Saves to favorites
- Meaningful comments
🔹 Tactics:
- Hook viewers in the first 2 seconds
- Use captions like “Wait for it…” or “Watch to the end!”
- Ask specific questions in captions to drive comments
4. Don’t Overuse Hashtags
Use 3–5 focused hashtags per video:
- 1–2 trending/general (#foryou #tiktoktips)
- 2–3 niche/targeted (#emailmarketingtips #copywritingforstartups)
Avoid spammy tags like:
#viral #fyp #explore
if not relevant
🔹 Instead, use intent-based hashtags like:
#learnontiktok #howtoeditvideos #diykitchenideas
5. Speak Like a Search Snippet
Treat your video script like a search result:
- Use clear, structured language
- Repeat core phrases like “Here’s how to…” or “3 tips for…”
- Add context so TikTok knows who it’s for
🔹 Example:
“If you’re a small business owner looking for free marketing tools, here are 3 apps I use every week.”
6. Leverage TikTok Trends—Strategically
Trends help with exposure, but match them to your niche:
- Remix trends with industry‑specific keywords
- Add branded overlays
- Turn trends into “X for Y” content:
- “Trending Outfit Hacks – For Plus Size Bodies”
- “Barbiecore – But for Interior Designers”
7. Optimize Your TikTok Profile for Search
TikTok indexes profiles based on:
- Username and display name
- Bio text
- Video themes & keywords
🔹 Checklist:
- Use a keyword in your name (e.g.,
@AnnaDigitalSEO
) - Bio should include niche + benefits: “SEO tips for busy creators | 0 → 10K followers”
- Link to external blog or site
8. Use TikTok’s Built-in Tools
Use:
- Captions (auto-generated & edited)
- Video descriptions
- Alt text (if applicable)
- Trending music from Creative Center
- TikTok Series for educational SEO content
These help TikTok categorize your content better.
9. Analyze What Works (and Why
Review:
- Video performance in Creator Tools
- Retention graphs
- Top traffic sources (Search vs FYP)
Repeat what’s working:
- Which keyword brings most search views?
- Which format got the best average watch time?
10. Be Consistent and Niche-Focused
TikTok favors accounts with content consistency:
- Pick 1–2 topic clusters
- Use a consistent style & tone
- Publish at least 3–4x a week
This builds topic authority in TikTok’s system.
Bonus: SEO-Friendly Video Template Structure
Here’s a repeatable SEO‑optimized TikTok video format:
- [0–2s] Hook
→ “3 mistakes new freelancers make” - [3–7s] Context + Keyword use
→ “If you’re just starting freelancing in 2025…” - [8–20s] Tips with keywords
→ Use overlays and say each keyword aloud - [21–30s+] CTA or loop
→ “Save this for later!” or “More in part 2!”
I’ve been involved in SEO since 2016. I gained my experience by successfully running optimization campaigns across various industries, with three of my projects reaching the finals of the Search Awards competitions. My passion for big data and working with large datasets naturally led me to specialize in technical SEO. Outside of work, I’m a mountain enthusiast and literature lover.