tiktok-seo

name	tiktok-seo
description	TikTok search ranking signals for F&B content — title keywords, captions, audio selection, and in-video text optimisation
version	1.0.0
tier	community
category	platform-mastery
author	12eat AI Lab
license	MIT
min_plugin_version	0.5.5

TikTok SEO — F&B Playbook

TikTok is increasingly a search engine, especially for food content. Gen Z uses TikTok search the way Millennials use Google. Optimising for TikTok SEO means more discoverability long after a video is posted — not just the first 48 hours of the algorithm push.

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When to Use

Apply when writing TikTok video titles, captions, and in-video text overlays. Use alongside the core tiktok platform skill.

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Where TikTok Reads Keywords

TikTok's algorithm extracts keywords from 5 places, in order of weight:

1. Video title (typed in the "Describe your video" field) — highest weight
2. Spoken words (auto-transcribed by TikTok ASR) — very high weight
3. On-screen text overlays — high weight
4. Caption / description — medium weight
5. Hashtags — lower weight than most creators think

Implication: Say the keywords aloud in the video. TikTok hears it.

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Keyword Strategy for F&B

High-Intent Food Search Terms

Target keywords people actually search on TikTok:

"best [cuisine] in [city]"
"[dish name] recipe"
"[dish name] near me"
"authentic [cuisine] restaurant"
"[city] food tour"
"Chinese food [city]"
"is [dish] worth it"
"[dish] review"

How to Use Keywords

Title formula:

[Primary keyword] + [Secondary keyword] + [Hook or qualifier]

Example: "Authentic char siu in Toronto — is it worth the hype?"

Spoken script opening (first 3 seconds): Say the primary keyword out loud immediately. "If you're looking for the BEST dumplings in [city]..."

Caption formula:

[2–3 sentences expanding on the title] + [primary keyword used naturally] + [3–5 hashtags]

On-screen text: Repeat the primary keyword as a text overlay in the first 3 seconds. TikTok's OCR reads it.

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Hashtag Rules for F&B TikTok

• Use 3–5 hashtags — same as Instagram, more is not better
• Priority order: #[specific dish] > #[cuisine]food > #[city]food > #foodtok
• Always include #foodtok — it's the largest F&B community hashtag and actively recommended by TikTok
• Avoid: #fyp, #foryoupage, #viral — no evidence these affect ranking

Good: #charsiu #chinesefood #torontofood #foodtok
Bad:  #fyp #viral #food #yummy #delicious #foodie #foodlover

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Audio Selection

Audio type	SEO impact	Reach impact
Trending audio (from Trending tab)	None	High (+2× distribution)
Original audio (no music)	High (TikTok transcribes spoken words)	Medium
Popular but not trending	Low	Low

Best practice for F&B: Use trending audio for reach-focused content, original audio (talking head or voiceover) for SEO-focused content. Combine by using trending audio as background and speaking keywords clearly over it.

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Content Formats with Highest F&B Search Ranking

Format	Search performance	Why
"Best [dish] in [city]" review	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Exact-match search queries
Recipe walkthrough	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	High save rate = sustained push
Restaurant tour / order walkthrough	⭐⭐⭐⭐	"What to order at [restaurant]" queries
Behind the scenes kitchen	⭐⭐⭐	Authenticity signal, saves
Pure entertainment / trend	⭐⭐	Short-term reach, low search value

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Notes

• TikTok's search algorithm updates frequently — test monthly
• Videos rank in search for 90+ days if they have sustained watch time and saves
• For ZH-language content targeting Chinese diaspora, use ZH keywords AND EN keywords in caption — TikTok serves both
• Never keyword-stuff the caption; TikTok's spam filter deprioritises it