Best Practices
When searching on different platforms, knowing how each one processes queries is key to getting relevant results. This guide covers best practices for optimizing search strategies based on platform-specific search behavior.
Quick Comparison of Social Media Search Behaviors
| Social Media Site | Search Behavior | Best Practice |
| TikTok | Hashtag-based | Use individual keywords, trending hashtags |
| YouTube | Full query or question | Use complete questions or phrases |
| Combination of hashtags and keywords | Combine hashtags with descriptive terms | |
| Community (subreddit) and keyword-based | Target specific subreddits and use filtering options (top/new/controversial) | |
| X (Twitter) | Keyword and hashtag-focused | Mix hashtags with conversational terms |
Tips for Better Search Results
TikTok
How it works: TikTok mainly uses hashtags to organize content. The app shows you videos based on what's popular and what people are engaging with.
Tips:
- Use simple keywords or hashtags instead of typing full questions
- Try trending hashtags related to your topic
- Keep it short and specific
Example: Search #skincaretips or skincare2024 instead of "what are good skincare tips"
YouTube
How it works: YouTube searches like Google, looking at video titles and descriptions to find what you want.
Tips:
- Use complete phrases that likely match video titles
- Include the year for up-to-date content
Example: best skincare products 2024 or how to layer skincare
How it works: Instagram looks at both hashtags and captions to find content for you.
Tips:
- Mix popular hashtags with specific ones
- Uses location tags to find local content
Example: #skincareroutine or #cleanskin
How it works: Reddit's search is text-based and works best with exact keywords in posts, comments, or communities.
Tips:
- Search within relevant subreddits (like r/SkincareAddiction)
- Use simple keywords instead of questions
Example: retinol results , moisturizer recommendation or r/SkincareAddiction
X (formerly Twitter)
How it works: X searches through tweets in real-time, finding exact words or hashtags.
Tips:
- Try both with and without hashtags
- Use specific words you expect to see in tweets
Example: skincare routine or #skintok