How to use Social Media as a search engine

In an age dominated by digital technology, social media platforms have become more than just places to share photos and connect with friends. Today, they also act as powerful search engines that give users instant access to a vast amount of information. 

Rising Popularity

Traditional search engines like Google have long been our main sources of finding information on the internet. However, social media platforms have now become valuable alternatives and offer unique advantages. 

Almost 56% of the world's population uses social media platforms, with the average person spending 2 hours and 25 minutes daily on social media. The main ones, which function as search engines, are TikTok, Instagram and a newcomer is Threads.

TikTok

TikTok is mainly known for viral videos, however the platform is also frequently used by Gen-Z as a search engine. As many as 40% of young people would rather use TikTok or Instagram as a search engine than Google. 

Instagram

Compared to TikTok, Instagram is used by 92% of the younger generations daily. And like TikTok, Instagram also ensures that users experience the feeling that real people compose and deliver the information on their search engine. 

A good example of this is a reel of a person reviewing a restaurant, since the user can see how the person felt during the visit. A visual experience, in the form of a video or photo, conveys more feeling than a long-winded review. 

Threads

Threads recently made its debut as a search engine on social media in 2023. It allows users to search through posts on a larger scale. However, the feature will not be rolled out globally. 

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, reveals via a post on Threads that the feature will be rolled out in most English and Spanish-speaking countries for now. However Zuckerberg let it be known that more countries will follow.

Seine Kim, spokesperson for Meta, revealed in a statement that Threads' new feature will be usable in both the US and the UK. User search was previously Threads' only feature. After the new feature was tested  in Australia and New Zealand in early August 2023, it is now also possible to search based on a specific keyword.

Some users, after updating the app, can already use the new feature. If a search is performed, a list of users related to your search term will still be displayed. However, if the ''Search for'' option is selected, then users can scroll through the posted posts related to the keyword. 

Ultimately, it makes discovering new posts and users easier.

Power your Content Strategy using Social Search

Make use of Social Media Search Engines in your content strategy by taking note of the latest trending topics and viral content. 

Both TikTok and Instagram provide a lot of information in the ‘Hashtag’ section of their search engines. Enter a keyword, browse the related hashtags, and see what’s trending around that subject. 

YouTube can also give you some insight into what people are looking for through their auto-complete feature in the search bar - start typing your keyword, and you’ll be rewarded with popular phrases that are being searched for around that subject. 

Jumping on trending topics can be just the boost your content strategy needs, but make sure to take advantage of your research quickly, as most viral trends tend to fizzle out within just three days!