Think TikTok is just a video app? Think again. It's a search engine. For millions of users, TikTok is the new Google for finding recipes, tutorials, and answers to their questions. If your content doesn't show up in those search results, you're missing out on a massive, high-intent audience. This guide will teach you how to find the exact words and phrases your audience is using, so you can stop hoping for views and start attracting them with a smart SEO strategy.

What is TikTok SEO? A Quick Primer

TikTok SEO is the process of optimizing your videos to rank higher in TikTok's search results and be more discoverable throughout the platform. Unlike traditional Google SEO, TikTok's is heavily influenced by engagement metrics, but the foundation is the same: it all starts with understanding and using the right keywords. Properly optimized content is a key factor in mastering the TikTok algorithm.

Where to Place Keywords for Maximum Impact

Before we find the keywords, you need to know where to put them. The algorithm looks for keywords in four key places:

1. On-Screen Text: This is arguably the most important place. Text overlays are read directly by the algorithm and are a powerful signal of your video's topic.
2. Your Spoken Words: TikTok automatically transcribes your audio. The words you say are a direct input into its understanding of your content. Speak clearly!
3. Your Caption: Your caption is your chance to write a keyword-rich sentence or two that describes your video.
4. Hashtags: While distinct from keywords, they function similarly for categorization. A smart hashtag strategy is essential. We cover this in-depth in our guide to the power of hashtags on TikTok.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Winning Keywords

Effective keyword research is a detective process. Here’s how to find your clues.

Step 1: Brainstorm "Seed" Keywords

Start broad. What is your niche? What are the main topics you cover? If you're a fitness coach, your seed keywords might be "fat loss," "workout tips," "healthy recipes," and "gym motivation." Write down 5-10 of these core topics.

Step 2: Use the TikTok Search Bar Autocomplete

This is your best friend for keyword research. Type one of your seed keywords into the TikTok search bar and don't hit enter. Pay close attention to the list of suggestions that appears. These are real, popular searches from other users.

For example, if you type "healthy recipes," you might see:

• "healthy recipes for weight loss"
• "healthy recipes for dinner"
• "healthy recipes under 30 minutes"

These are called "long-tail keywords," and they are goldmines because they represent specific user intent.

Step 3: Analyze Your Competitors

Find 3-5 successful creators in your niche. Go to their profiles and analyze their most popular videos. What keywords are they using in their on-screen text and captions? This is a core part of a successful competitor analysis strategy. Don't copy them, but look for patterns. Are there specific phrases they use repeatedly that you could adapt?

Step 4: Read the Comments Section (Yours and Theirs)

The comments section is a direct line to your audience's brain. What questions are they asking? What words are they using to describe their problems? If you have a video on making sourdough bread and people are asking, "How do I make my crust less tough?", then "tough sourdough crust" is a keyword you should target in a future video.

Common TikTok SEO Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Many creators make simple errors that hurt their discoverability.

• Keyword Stuffing: Don't just list keywords. Write natural, human-readable sentences in your caption.
• Using Irrelevant Keywords: Don't use a popular keyword just because it's trending if it has nothing to do with your video. This will lead to low watch time and hurt your account.
• Ignoring On-Screen Text: Many creators neglect to put their primary keyword as text on the screen. This is a huge missed opportunity.

For a full breakdown, be sure to read our complete guide on the top TikTok SEO mistakes.

Conclusion: Integrate Keyword Research into Your Workflow

Keyword research isn't a one-time task. It's a habit that should be part of your content creation process for every single video. Before you film, take 5-10 minutes to research relevant keywords. This small investment of time will pay massive dividends in views, followers, and community growth. By treating TikTok like the search engine it is, you position yourself for long-term, sustainable success.