TikTok is taking a significant step towards competing with Google by enabling the search widget feature for iPhone users. With this new feature, TikTok users can directly search within the app without having to open it or navigate through menus. This search bar, similar to Google's search bar, allows users to perform searches directly within TikTok.

Research conducted by Google reveals that approximately 40% of users aged 18–24 in the United States prefer TikTok's search engine when looking for something during their lunchtime. This indicates that TikTok's aspiration to be more than just an entertainment platform is resonating among young users. With this move, TikTok seems to be positioning itself as a competitor to Google.