How TikTok’s New Content Preferences Enhance Personalization and User Control
Manage Topics Feature for Broad Content Customization
TikTok has expanded its Manage Topics option to all users, allowing you to adjust how frequently content from over 10 popular categories appears in your “For You” feed. Found under Settings > Content Preferences, this tool uses sliders to indicate your interest level in topics like Creative Arts, Travel, Nature, and Sports. While it influences recommendations, it does not completely remove topics from your feed, offering a broad-scale content tuning experience.
AI-Powered Smart Keyword Filters to Block Unwanted Content
Introducing Smart Keyword Filters, TikTok now enables users to enter specific keywords or hashtags they wish to avoid. This AI-driven filter helps remove videos containing these terms from your feed, ideal for excluding content types you dislike or deem harmful, such as certain controversial trends. This feature supports user-driven content control and complements TikTok’s ongoing efforts to restrict harmful or inappropriate content.
Additional Measures to Enhance Content Safety and Transparency
- Enhanced Content Standards: Restrict reach of videos inappropriate for general audiences.
- Limits on Frequent Recommendations: Reduce exposure to potentially harmful content like extreme fitness videos.
- New “For You” Feed Guide: Provides insights into TikTok’s recommendation algorithm and tips on shaping your feed preferences.
User Adoption and Impact on Content Discovery
While these features provide more control, most users may not engage with manual customization, relying instead on TikTok’s algorithm to learn their preferences automatically. These tools are designed to empower those who wish to actively curate their experience, but casual users will likely continue scrolling without adjusting settings.
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read original.
