TikTok is launching a new feature designed to bring more context to the content shown to users on their ‘For You’ feeds. The company announced a new feature that allows users to find out why a particular video was recommended to them on their feeds.
The users can now tap on the share options while viewing a TikTok video and click the question mark icon named “Why this video.” By doing so, relevant information will show in a pop-up screen and describe the reason for the video’s appearance on their feed.
The platform can inform users that they saw a specific video because of the content they watch, like, share, comment on, interact with, or look up. The videos can also appear because of the accounts the user follows.
TikTok says its algorithm may also suggest videos from the users’ region that were recently posted or have spiked in popularity in the area. The company said in a blog post,
It further went on to say,
Controversies Regarding TikTok’s Algorithm
TikTok has already talked about its algorithm and recommendation systems, although the company has largely kept its methods under wraps.
Last year’s Wall Street Journal’s investigation alleges that the TikTok algorithm “reads” its users and finds out what they like by the time they spend watching specific videos, including the time spent without interacting with a video.
While the company’s algorithm is responsible for its success, it’s also been a target of criticism, particularly regarding how users can be overwhelmed by harmful content and those wondering if TikTok can log your keystrokes.
A report from the Wall Street Journal detailed how young girls kept seeing diet and weight loss content on their For You feeds. Shortly before the story was published, TikTok announced it aimed to diversify the content served to its viewers to avoid repetitive content.
TikTok has gradually improved its algorithm over the years, adding more ways for its users to fine-tune their For You feeds, at least by flagging unwanted content. In July 2022, TikTok implemented the ability to filter content based on hashtags and keywords.
Users can also long press on a post and click “not interested” to dislike a video and avoid similar content. With the most recent update, users will have an insight into how the algorithm is tailored specifically for their account for the first time since the app launched.
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