8 TikTok SEO Tips You Need to Succeed

Posted on 1st Sep, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

SEO isn't just for Google - it can help you boost your TikTok growth, too.
You can optimise your profile and posts using strategic keywords, captions, subtitles, and even an optimised display name.
Read on for more tips on TikTok SEO!

TikTok is the place to be for aspiring influencers, whether you're looking to promote your business or become a full-time content creator. But with millions of followers uploaded to the app, how do you get noticed and gain more views? That's where SEO comes in.

SEO (search engine optimisation) makes your content more discoverable both within the platform and on search engines, so whether you're just starting or seeking to refine your TikTok presence, here are 8 essential TikTok SEO tips to propel your success. Let's get into it.

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1. Know Your Audience and Keywords

Just like traditional SEO, TikTok SEO starts with understanding what your audience is searching for. Use TikTok’s Discover page to see trending topics, hashtags and keywords in your niche. Observe what’s gaining traction, be it “#homeworktips”, “#mindfulness” or “#budgetmeals”, and incorporate these into your captions, on-screen text and spoken words.

Pro tip: Try subtle variations of keywords to test which perform best. For instance, “mental health tips” vs “wellbeing hacks” as even slight tweaks can help you stand out from the crowd.

2. Optimise Your Username & Display Name

Your username and display name are among the first things users (and TikTok’s algorithm) see. Incorporating relevant keywords makes you more discoverable. For example, a baking creator could use “BakingWithBecca” in the username and “Becca – Baking Tips” in the display name. This enhances clarity and improves search visibility. Since most users will be searching for baking tips, rather than names, they'll find you with the help of keywords in your display name.

3. Craft Captivating, Keyword-Rich Captions

Captions on TikTok don’t need to be lengthy, but including your primary keyword near the beginning helps the algorithm grasp the content’s focus. Opt for captions that are informative yet catchy, something like “Easy 5-ingredient vegan brownies for beginners” is far more clickable than “Try this!” Include secondary keywords or related terms when space allows.

4. Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags are the backbone of discovery on TikTok. Balance between broad and niche-specific tags, which are as follows:

Broad hashtags (e.g. #DIY, #fitness) help expose your video to a wide audience.
Niche hashtags (e.g. #UpcyclingWithGina, #QuickHIIT20) target those actively interested in that content.

Limit yourself to around 3–5 hashtags. Overcrowding a caption with 15-plus tags appears spammy and may reduce impact.

While broad hashtags are more searched, it also means there's more competition, so niche hashtags can sometimes be more effective.

5. Use On-Screen Text & Closed Captions

TikTok’s algorithm is able to scan visible text within your video and the closed captions (auto-generated or manually added). Adding on-screen keywords, particularly early in the video, can reinforce your topic. For example, if you're showcasing “quick makeup hacks”, display that phrase overlaid in bold near the opening.

6. Speak Clearly and Include Keywords Verbally

The in-video audio matters. By clearly speaking your main keywords, TikTok’s speech-to-text engine will pick up on them, helping your video surface in relevant search queries. Even saying your keyword phrase once in the first few seconds (e.g. “Today, I’m showing you top travel packing tips”) can bolster SEO.

7. Engage Early and Encourage Interaction

TikTok rewards videos that generate interaction shortly after posting. Ask your audience to like, comment or share with a prompt, such as “Which tip did you find most useful?” or “Tag a friend who needs to see this!”, Interactions provide behavioural signals that your content is relevant and engaging, helping it get pushed to more users.

While this tip isn't directly related to hashtags, it can have a huge impact on your engagement.

8. Optimise the Video Cover and Thumbnail

From other users' For You pages and your profile grid, your cover image is key to catching attention. Choose a high-contrast, text-overlayed cover that highlights the core message (such as “5½ Star Hotel Hacks” with bold text and clear imagery). Make sure the cover text echoes the keyword used in your caption for consistency and search reinforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you optimise SEO for TikTok?

To optimise SEO for TikTok, focus on making your content as discoverable as possible both within the app and on search engines. Research trending and niche keywords in your area, then weave them naturally into your captions, hashtags, on-screen text, and spoken words. Make sure your username and display name reflect your niche, and enable closed captions for accessibility and keyword recognition. A strong video cover with keyword text also helps. Consistency is key, while posting regularly and engaging with your audience signals to TikTok that your content deserves a wider reach.

How to rank higher on TikTok?

A mix of SEO, purchasing followers, and focusing on engagement rate will help you rank higher on TikTok. The platform prioritises content that attracts attention quickly, so it’s vital to encourage interaction such as likes, comments and shares within the first few hours of posting.

Equally important is retention. TikTok rewards videos that keep viewers watching until the end, so creating concise, engaging clips that loop seamlessly or use a fast pace can make a big difference. By looping videos, you can keep users watching without them even realising!

Pair good content with smart use of trending sounds, effects and hashtags, but always tailor them to fit your niche rather than chasing trends blindly.

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