KATHMANDU, Jan 9 – TikTok’s search function is rapidly becoming Nepal’s preferred tool for discovering content, with millions of users turning to the video-sharing app to explore ideas, learn skills and engage with material that reflects their culture and daily lives.

Once seen largely as an entertainment platform, TikTok in Nepal is now being used as a video-first search engine, offering short, visual explanations on everything from exam preparation and travel planning to breaking news and lifestyle tips. The shift highlights a growing appetite for creator-led, authentic content that feels practical and relatable.

Searches for hashtags such as #LearnOnTikTok, #TravelTok, #BookTok and #FoodTok have surged over the past year, underscoring the platform’s role as a discovery hub. “Our community in Nepal is using TikTok’s Search feature as a natural starting point when they want to discover how something works, understand a topic quickly, or find inspiration from real people,” said Umais Naveed, Content Operations Lead for South Asia.

TikTok has also introduced “Search Interventions” in Nepal to promote safety and digital well-being. These in-app features guide users toward credible resources when they search for sensitive topics, including mental health, sexual abuse awareness, misinformation and disaster response.

“The Search feature on TikTok is built on a safety-by-design approach,” said Asma Anjum, Regional Trust & Safety Lead, South Asia.

The company has activated disaster-related interventions during monsoon seasons to provide timely information on floods and emergencies. It has also launched banners linking users to local helplines and support pages when searching for sexual abuse–related terms.

TikTok’s growing role as a discovery platform in Nepal reflects a wider South Asian trend: users increasingly prefer information delivered visually and simply, whether for education, travel, sports or everyday “how-to” content.