TikTok SEO: How to Use Keywords to Get Discovered on the Explore Page

TikTok SEO: How to Use Keywords to Get Discovered on the Explore Page

 

TikTok is no longer just a scroll-and-watch platform.
Users are actively searching for solutions, tutorials, and ideas.

This means TikTok now functions like a visual search engine — and if you know how to optimize your content, you can rank for high-intent keywords and get discovered by the right audience (without going viral).

Here’s how to do TikTok SEO right.

 

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1. Identify the Keywords Your Audience Is Searching For

Start with:

• TikTok’s native search bar

• Type your niche (e.g., “Instagram tips”)

• Look at autocomplete suggestions

• Check top-ranking videos → what words are they using?

Tools like:

• AnswerThePublic

• Ubersuggest

• Google Trends

…can give you keyword ideas that also work on TikTok.

 

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2. Add Keywords to the Video’s Spoken Script

TikTok uses voice recognition. If you say it, the algorithm hears it.

Example:

“Here are 3 content ideas to grow on Instagram as a small business owner…”

💡 Mention your topic naturally, especially in the first 5 seconds.

🎯 This reinforces relevance and helps TikTok categorize your video correctly.

 

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3. Use Keywords in On-Screen Text and Captions

✅ Add your keyword(s) as text overlays:

• “Instagram Growth Hacks (for Coaches)”

• “Freelancer Pricing Tips”

✅ In the caption:

“Struggling with content ideas? These TikTok SEO strategies will help you grow faster.”

TikTok scans both text layers and captions for indexing.

 

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4. Optimize Your Hashtags — But Don’t Spam

Choose 3–5 hashtags that mix:

• Niche-specific (#fitnessmarketing, #tiktokseo)

• Descriptive (#videotips, #contentideas)

• Low-competition terms (under 500K)

Avoid:

• Overused broad tags (#foryou, #viral) — they don’t help SEO

• Hashtag stuffing — looks unnatural and lowers CTR

🎯 Focused hashtags help TikTok place your content in the right search result set.

 

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5. Add Keywords to Your Profile Name and Bio

Your handle and bio also play into discoverability.

Instead of:

“@jenncreative”

Try:

“@jenn.contenttips”
Bio: “Instagram + TikTok strategies | DM ‘START’ for my checklist”

This helps your entire profile show up in search — not just single videos.

 

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6. Create Keyword-Focused Playlists

Once you have at least 3 related videos:

• Create a Playlist titled:

“Instagram Growth Tips”
“TikTok for Small Business”
“Freelancer Hacks”

This allows your content to rank as a group, increases session time, and makes your profile more bingeable.

 

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7. Use Comments to Reinforce Keywords

Drop a pinned comment:

“✅ Save this if you’re working on your Instagram content strategy.”

Or reply to comments with:

“Yep — this works great for Reels and TikTok.”

TikTok scans comments as contextual reinforcement. You’re building relevance across all parts of your post.

 

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Final Thoughts

TikTok SEO is your edge in 2024 and beyond.
Instead of chasing virality, design content that gets searched and stays discoverable over time.

✅ Say the keyword
✅ Show it in text
✅ Write it in caption
✅ Tag it smartly
✅ Organize it in Playlists
✅ Reinforce it in comments

This turns your TikTok profile into a search-friendly asset — not just a feed.

At socialbulker.com, we help creators optimize every post for discovery and design content that ranks, not just scrolls.