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Summary
Once upon a time, Google defined the Internet, but not anymore.
Due to the Gen Z generation, social media platforms are now used for searches, a phenomenon called social search. Wildnet unravels the mysteries behind it and how to leverage it in the AI era.
Key Takeaways
- Social search is redefining discovery for Gen Z, replacing traditional search with Google social search habits.
- TikTok and Instagram are now the preferred Gen Z search engines.
- Trust in authentic user-generated content has eclipsed the reliability of sponsored links on Google.
- Brands must adapt their SEO to social search marketing optimizing for hashtags, captions, and communities.
- To remain the best social searcher, marketers must combine platform insights from free social search engines and social analytics.
Table of Contents
- A few facts about Social Search
- Why Gen Z is Ditching Google?
- What is Social Search and How Does it Work?
- What are its Implications for Brands and Marketers?
- How do Social Search and LinkedIn Ads Strategy work together?
- The Future of Search
- Conclusion
- FAQs
In today’s digital ecosystem, social querying is the new front door to the Internet. For Gen Z, the term “I’ll Google it” has been replaced with “I’ll check TikTok.” Their idea of discovery is visual, fast, and social. Instead of search results, they prefer Google social lookups for authentic reviews, creator stories, and short-form videos.
As Google evolves with AI-driven snippets, its dominance is challenged by social media search platforms that offer immediacy and personality. This shift signifies that marketers must evolve from link-building to feed-building.
A few facts about Social Search
- Gen Zs are using TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, and Discord instead of Google.
- 41% of the users leverage TikTok to search in the USA.
- As per a Forbes study, Google gets 25% fewer Gen Z users compared to Gen X.
- As per reports by eMarketer, 46% of Gen Z & 35% of Millennials prefer social media search over Google search.
- Roughly 76% of the users have found new brands and products via social media.
Why Gen Z is Ditching Google?
Gen Z grew up scrolling and not typing. They don’t want pages; they want people.
Traditional Gen Z Google search experiences feel outdated when compared to TikTok’s discovery feed or Instagram’s Explore tab.
Key Reasons for the switch:
- Visual storytelling: TikTok’s short-form video gives instant answers.
- Trust in peers: A relatable creator’s review feels more honest than a Google ad.
- Social engagement: Each search becomes a conversation and not a static result.
This means social search marketing now holds more weight in visibility strategy than Google SEO alone.
What is Social Search and How Does it Work?
Social querying uses social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit as Gen Z search engines. Users look up topics, reviews, products, or locations directly on these platforms rather than Google them.
Unlike Google’s blue links, social search tools help in delivering UGC, visuals, discussions, and creator content—all in one stream.
Key Insights into Social Search
Let’s dive deeper…
- Google search is algorithmic; social media search is emotional.
- Social search by email or creator collabs increases retention and engagement.
- Apps like the social searcher app or free social media searcher platforms now help brands monitor content visibility and sentiment.
For marketers, using a free social search engine means tracking mentions, hashtags, and engagement rather than backlinks.
What are its Implications for Brands and Marketers?
The transition from Google search to its social counterpart demands an updated strategy.
The 5 steps to Become Gen Z search ready
1. Optimize for Search Intent inside Social Platforms:
Treat TikTok captions, Instagram Reels, and LinkedIn posts like search assets. Start looking for search intent on these social platforms, as they now offer the latest Tea on Gen Zs.
2. Leverage Authenticity & Micro-influencers:
Social query marketing thrives on real stories and faces, not brand-heavy copy. Remember, users prefer human-to-human marketing now.
3. Measure Social SEO:
Use analytics and social search tools to identify high-performing tags or keywords. Plus, we live in an era when Instagram SEO is slowly spreading its wings.
So, optimize your or client’s SEO strategy based on social inputs.
4. Cross-platform Visibility:
Repurpose content from TikTok to Instagram to LinkedIn. Each platform acts as a free social search engine and has a unique audience. Thus, you can cater to three types of user bases.
5. Develop Hybrid Content:
Long-form blog posts (for Google) plus short & high-engagement video posts (for social). This ensures both Google Gen Z reach and social relevance.
As you can see, the shift begins when the keyword strategy is developed, and it changes SEO marketing accordingly.
Case in Point: Social Search in Practice
We have two real-world stories from India for you that showcase the power of social discovery.
- A café in Mumbai once went viral because of a TikTok review that appeared under the tag #BestCoffeeMumbai—no Google ads, no blog—just discovery through social media search.
- A fitness trainer gained thousands of clients after creating bite-sized workout tips, optimized using social search tools like trending hashtags.
These real-world stories show how social search marketing and social searcher apps are becoming the new engines of visibility.
Today, brands use social search by email campaigns to follow up with leads who engaged via TikTok or Instagram, closing the loop between discovery and conversion.
How do Social Search and LinkedIn Ads Strategy work together?
For brands running LinkedIn Ads, understanding social querying is essential. Your prospects likely discover products on TikTok or Instagram before they see your LinkedIn ad.
Hence, LinkedIn must become part of your Gen Z search engine funnel.
- Align your creative tone, visuals, and CTAs with what the audience saw on social.
- Use insights from free social search engines to choose trending topics and optimize targeting.
The goal: Turn social lookup awareness into professional conversions by engaging an AI marketing agency that reaches Gen Z, and you are good to go.
The Future of Search
Search will no longer be limited to Google’s box. The best strategy blends AI with human discovery, combining Google search accuracy and social media search authenticity.
Soon, social listening tools will integrate AI to personalize results based on mood, peers, and even local trends. As this evolves, the best social searcher will be the one who bridges all platforms: Google, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and LinkedIn.
Conclusion
Gen Z don’t use Google. They discover through social search.
For brands, that means optimizing presence across every platform that fuels curiosity. Whether through social search marketing, influencer collabs, or social search tools, it’s time to meet your audience where they search —visually, socially, and authentically.
Adopt a hybrid strategy that combines Google search insights with the agility of a free social search engine. The brands that master both worlds will own visibility in 2026 and beyond.
Wildnet Technologies is a leading AI marketing company in India that has helped more than 4,100 clients worldwide to beat the competition and generate maximum leads.
Wish to Read more?
> Gen Z Marketing: Connect and Convert the Next Generation
> How Gen Z Brand Loyalty is redefining Branding & Marketing?
> Glossary (Key Digital Terms…unravelled)
Connect with us now at info[@]wildnettechnologies.com and become social search ready.
FAQs
Question 1. What is social search?
Answer 1: Social lookup is the use of social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit as search engines, where discovery happens through peer content & communities.
Question 2. Why does Gen Z prefer TikTok over Google?
Answer 2: Because Gen Z uses TikTok more than Google for authentic, short-form, and visual results instead of traditional text links.
Question 3. How can brands benefit from social search marketing?
Answer 3: By optimizing for hashtags, creator collaborations, and UGC (user-generated content), where social media search drives visibility & trust.
Question 4. Which is the best social search tool for brands?
Answer 4: Tools like Social Searcher App, Talkwalker, and Brandwatch act as free social media searchers that help monitor engagement.
Question 5. Is Google still relevant for Gen Z?
Answer 5: Yes, but as part of a hybrid journey. Google Gen Z behaviour shows they still use it for deeper research after discovering on social platforms.
