1️⃣ Why TikTok SEO Matters

Google itself acknowledges that young users are skipping traditional search engines and heading straight to TikTok for answers.

🔹 Why?

• More engaging – People prefer watching a 30-second video over reading a long article.
• Real user reviews – Users trust authentic content over polished ads.
• Quick answers – TikTok provides bite-sized, visual solutions instantly.

💡 Example Search Queries on TikTok:
✅ “Best running shoes 2025” – Instead of reading blog reviews, users watch unboxings & wear tests.
✅ “How to style oversized blazers” – Users prefer video guides over reading a fashion article.
✅ “Easy vegan meal prep” – Short, step-by-step TikTok recipes get more attention than written ones.

If your business isn’t showing up in TikTok search, you’re losing a massive SEO opportunity.

2️⃣ TikTok Ranking Factors: What Matters?

TikTok’s algorithm works differently from Google’s, but it still follows basic SEO principles.

🔹 The main TikTok SEO ranking factors:
✅ Keywords in captions – TikTok scans captions for relevant search terms.
✅ Spoken keywords in videos – TikTok’s AI detects words spoken in your video (use them strategically!).
✅ Text overlays – On-screen text reinforces relevance (important for silent viewers).
✅ Hashtags – Use specific, searchable hashtags to improve discoverability.
✅ Watch time – The longer people watch your video, the better it ranks.
✅ Engagement – High likes, comments, and shares tell TikTok your video is valuable.

💡 Example: If you’re posting a video on “Best Morning Routine for Productivity,” make sure:

• The title and caption include the phrase “Morning Routine for Productivity”.
• You say the phrase out loud in the video.
• You add an on-screen text overlay with the same phrase.

This reinforces the keyword and helps TikTok understand what your content is about.

3️⃣ How to Optimise Your TikTok Videos for Search

🔹 Step 1: Keyword Research for TikTok SEO

Before creating content, find out what people are searching for on TikTok.

✅ Use TikTok’s Search Bar

• Type in a keyword related to your niche.
• TikTok autofills popular search terms—these are high-volume keywords!

✅ Check Competitor Videos

• Search for your topic and see which videos rank at the top.
• Note which keywords, hashtags, and video styles they use.

✅ Use Google’s “People Also Ask”

• TikTok and Google SEO overlap—Google’s suggested questions can inspire TikTok topics.

💡 Example: If you run a fitness brand, search “best workout for beginners” and see what videos are ranking highest.

🔹 Step 2: Use Keywords in All the Right Places

Once you’ve found high-volume keywords, use them strategically:

✅ In the Caption – Keep it short but keyword-rich.
✅ In the Video Script (Spoken Words) – TikTok’s AI scans voiceovers & speech.
✅ As On-Screen Text – Reinforces your keyword visually.
✅ In Hashtags – Use a mix of broad and specific hashtags.

💡 Example: If your video is about “How to Make Overnight Oats”, your TikTok SEO should look like this:

🎥 Video Script: “Want to learn how to make overnight oats? Here’s a quick recipe!”
📝 Caption: “Easy overnight oats recipe – perfect for meal prep! 🥣 #HealthyEating #OvernightOats”
📌 Hashtags: #OvernightOats #MealPrep #EasyRecipes

This ensures TikTok’s algorithm understands your video and ranks it for the right searches.

🔹 Step 3: Focus on Engagement (Likes, Comments, Shares)

The more interactions your video gets, the higher TikTok ranks it.

✅ Ask a question in the caption – “What’s your go-to breakfast?”
✅ Encourage saves & shares – “Save this for later!”
✅ Reply to comments with a new video – This boosts engagement & visibility.

💡 Example: A travel vlogger could post:
📝 Caption: “Best hidden beaches in Australia 🇦🇺 Which one would you visit first? 👇”

This encourages comments, which TikTok loves!

4️⃣ The Best TikTok SEO Hashtags to Use in 2025

Hashtags still play a role in TikTok SEO, but keyword placement matters more.

✅ Use a mix of broad & niche hashtags:

• Broad (for reach): #Travel #HealthyFood #DigitalMarketing
• Specific (for ranking): #SoloTravelTips #EasyVeganMeals #TikTokSEO

❌ Avoid overly generic hashtags like #FYP or #Viral – These don’t help SEO!

💡 Example: If you’re posting about social media marketing, use:
✅ #SocialMediaMarketing #TikTokSEO #ContentStrategy

5️⃣ Bonus: How to Use TikTok to Rank Higher on Google

Google now indexes TikTok videos, meaning TikTok SEO can help you rank in Google search results!

🔹 Tips to Make Your TikToks Appear on Google:
✅ Include your target keyword in the first 5 seconds of your video.
✅ Add a clear call to action in your caption (e.g., “Watch the full guide on my website”).
✅ Embed your TikTok videos on your blog or website to improve ranking signals.

💡 Example: If you post a TikTok titled “How to Start a Skincare Routine”, Google might rank it in search results when someone searches for that phrase!

🚀 Conclusion: Why TikTok SEO is a Game-Changer

TikTok SEO isn’t just about trends—it’s about search visibility. The platform is becoming a major search engine, and if your business isn’t optimised for TikTok search, you’re missing out.

✅ TikTok SEO Checklist:

• 🔎 Do keyword research using TikTok’s search bar.
• 🎥 Say your keyword in the video (TikTok listens!).
• 📝 Use the keyword in captions & text overlays.
• 🔥 Encourage engagement (likes, shares, comments).
• 🚀 Use a mix of broad & niche hashtags.
• 🔗 Leverage TikTok SEO for Google rankings.

Start optimising your TikTok content today—because search on TikTok is only getting bigger!

This guide is written by Hedgehog, a ‘Done With You’ digital marketing consultancy specialising in small and medium businesses in Australia. We offer digital marketing consulting, coaching, and training.

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