| 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.
When to Use
Apply when writing TikTok video titles, captions, and in-video text overlays. Use alongside the core tiktok platform skill.
Where TikTok Reads Keywords
TikTok's algorithm extracts keywords from 5 places, in order of weight:
- Video title (typed in the "Describe your video" field) — highest weight
- Spoken words (auto-transcribed by TikTok ASR) — very high weight
- On-screen text overlays — high weight
- Caption / description — medium weight
- Hashtags — lower weight than most creators think
Implication: Say the keywords aloud in the video. TikTok hears it.
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.
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
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.
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 |
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
