TikTok SEO: How to Rank Your Videos in Search

For Gen Z, TikTok is Google.

According to Google's own internal data, nearly 40% of young people prefer searching TikTok or Instagram over Google Maps or Search when looking for a place to eat.

This means TikTok is a search engine. And where there is search, there is SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

If you are only relying on the "For You" page (FYP), you are missing out on long-term, passive views. The FYP gives you a spike of traffic for 24-48 hours. Search traffic gives you views for years.

Here is how to rank your videos on TikTok.

Part of our series: Mastering Short-Form Video: TikTok, Reels, and Shorts

The 4 Ranking Factors of TikTok SEO

1. Spoken Keywords

TikTok's algorithm automatically transcribes everything you say. If you say "best budget laptop" in your video, TikTok knows your video is about budget laptops.

Action: Script your videos with keywords in mind. Say the keyword in the first 5 seconds.

2. Text Overlays

Text placed on the screen (using the TikTok editor or tools like Reelbase) is readable by the algorithm.

Action: Put the main keyword on screen as a title. E.g., "How to cook steak."

3. Captions and Hashtags

This is the traditional metadata.

Action: Write natural captions that include keywords.
- Bad: "Vibes ✨ #fyp"
- Good: "Here is how to maximize battery life on your iPhone 15 in 2024. #techtips #iphone15 #apple"

4. User Interaction Signals

If people search "iPhone tips" and watch your video all the way through, TikTok ranks you higher for that term. Retention is still king.

Step-by-Step Optimization Strategy

Step 1: Keyword Research

Don't guess. Use TikTok's search bar.

Type in your niche (e.g., "Excel").
Look at the suggested searches ("Excel tips," "Excel hacks," "Excel for beginners").
These are the keywords people are actually searching for.

Step 2: The Script

Write a script that naturally integrates these keywords.

Hook: "Here are 3 Excel hacks you need to know..."
Body: "This formula helps you..."

Need help? Reelbase's AI Script Writer automatically integrates niche keywords into your script for maximum SEO value.

Step 3: Production

Add the keyword as a text sticker in the video.
Use the native auto-captions feature.

Step 4: Publishing

Caption: 1-2 sentences describing the video using keywords.
Hashtags: 3-5 specific tags (e.g., #exceltricks) + 1 broad tag (e.g., #productivity). Avoid generic spam like #fyp or #viral—they don't help SEO.

SEO for YouTube Shorts vs. TikTok

YouTube Shorts uses Google's massive search data.

Titles matter more: On YouTube, the title is the #1 SEO factor.
Descriptions matter: You can write long descriptions with keywords.
Tags: Use YouTube tags properly.

Reelbase allows you to export content optimized for both platforms, adjusting captions and metadata automatically.

Conclusion

Stop treating TikTok like a slot machine and start treating it like a library.

By optimizing for search, you build a library of content that works for you 24/7/365, bringing in new followers who are actively looking for exactly what you offer.

Ready to automate your SEO strategy? Try Reelbase. Our AI generates keyword-rich scripts and captions automatically.