Is TikTok Search the New Google? A Malaysian Perspective

It’s Saturday night. You’re trying to find a new, trendy spot for dinner in KL. What’s your first move?

Five years ago, you’d pull out your phone, open Google, and type in “best cafes in KL.” You’d scroll through a few text-heavy blogs, look at some star ratings, and make a logical choice.

Today, there’s a good chance you pull out your phone, open TikTok, and search for “best cafe KL.” In seconds, you’re watching 15 different videos that show you the food, the decor, and the vibe of each place, all reviewed by a real person.

This is the massive shift that has marketers and even Google itself talking. So, is it true? Is TikTok really the new Google?

The short answer: Yes, but not for everything.

Why the Shift? It’s a Search for “Vibe,” Not Just Facts

For decades, Google has been the undisputed king of information. It’s a giant, factual library. You use it to get answers.

• “What is the capital of Peru?”
• “How many public holidays in Malaysia this year?”
• “What is Maybank’s opening time?”

But Gen Z, in particular, isn’t just searching for facts; they’re searching for experiences. And for that, TikTok is a far better tool.

A Google executive famously admitted that their own research shows almost 40% of young people, when looking for a place for lunch, don’t go to Google Search or Maps. They go to TikTok or Instagram.

Why? Because they don’t want to read a 1,000-word review; they want to see the vibe in a 30-second video. It’s visual, it’s fast, and it feels more authentic.

What Are Malaysians Actually Searching For on TikTok?

This trend is not just a theory; it’s happening right here. My research (and recent studies) shows that a huge number of Malaysians are using TikTok for discovery:

• Food & Drink (The Big One): This is the #1 category. Studies (Vase.ai, Milieu) have shown 64% of Malaysians use TikTok to discover new places to eat and drink. You’re not just finding a restaurant; you’re seeing the food, the ambiance, and a real person’s reaction.
• Product Reviews (Beauty & Fashion): People are searching for “humidity-proof foundation” or “best local streetwear” and getting instant video reviews, try-ons, and “dupes” from Malaysian creators they trust.
• Career & Finance: You might be surprised, but a growing number of young Malaysians are searching for “resume tips Malaysia” or “how to save money fresh grad” and getting simple, digestible advice from local HR professionals and finance creators.

But Google Isn’t Dead (It’s Just Different)

This doesn’t mean Google is going anywhere. For “serious” information, it’s still the king. As one user put it, “If I’m searching for something serious, I’ll check on TikTok, but then I’ll double-check it on Google.”

Here’s the new rule:

• You use Google to find Facts.
• You use TikTok to find Feelings, Experiences, and Recommendations.

What This Means for Your Brand (The Mediapod Angle)

For decades, brands have built their entire marketing strategy around one question: “How do we rank on Google?”

This trend proves that’s not enough anymore. You can’t just wait for customers to find your website. You have to be where the discovery is happening, and that discovery is happening on TikTok.

The conversations, trends, and sentiments on TikTok are no longer just “fluff.” They are a primary source of market intelligence. You need to know:

• Are people searching for your product category?
• Which creators are reviewing your brand (and your competitors)?
• What is the sentiment of those conversations?

If you’re not listening on TikTok, you’re no longer just missing a social media trend—you’re missing your customer’s first point of contact.