TikTok could be stepping on Google's toes by launching its own search widget for iPhone. From now on, users will be able to search the social network without having to open the application.

iPhone owners can now add a shortcut to use TikTok directly on their home screen. Specifically, they can add a search widget that allows them to search for content, similar to Google's search bar widget, without having to launch the TikTok application.

If this discreetly launched tool might only save five seconds, it lands in response to the massive use of TikTok as a search tool by young people. In 2022, Prabhakar Raghavan, Google senior vice-president responsible for Search, already stated that almost 40% of young people in the US, aged 18 to 24, supposedly prefer going to Instagram and TikTok rather than to Google Maps or Search when looking for a place to eat, for example.

This phenomenon does not only exist in the United States, but also in Europe. As well as in the US, people in the UK are turning to TikTok as a source of news. In addition, many users go on TikTok to search for information about their mental or physical health, often before even seeing a doctor. Meanwhile, some go to social networks to find financial advice.

In addition to the search widget, iPhone owners can opt to add a widget to create a story, discover trending hashtags, activate TikTok Rewards, watch a live stream, and post or view a TikTok Now.

 - AFP Relaxnews