TikTok is introducing new control options for the "For You" feed to help users better customize their content preferences and discover creators they love. The For You feed is central to TikTok's experience, enabling users to explore new interests and communities, such as Karim and Jamal (@thecustardco), founders of The Custard Company.
New Customization Features
A new feature called "Manage Topics" allows users to adjust how frequently content from over 10 popular topics—like Creative Arts, Travel, Nature, and Sports—is recommended. While this setting influences recommendation frequency, it does not completely eliminate any topics. This helps communities interested in niche subjects, such as animal history and science, discover creators like @oddanimalspecimens.
Smart Keyword Filtering
TikTok is rolling out AI-powered "Smart Keyword Filters" to help users limit unwanted content more effectively. These filters restrict content containing specific keywords and their synonyms, showing users which additional keywords are filtered. Users will soon be able to select or deselect specific keywords. The keyword limit will double to 200, and bulk keyword additions will be made easier, improving feed personalization.
Educational Guide and Creator Collaboration
An educational guide is launching to provide tips and tools for understanding and shaping the For You feed. This initiative includes videos explaining how the feed works, which have already garnered over 180 million views globally. TikTok has partnered with creator and digital safety advocate @cathypedrayes, who shares advice on using these new tools to create a more personalized experience.
Responsible Content Recommendations
These updates will be available for both teen and adult accounts, building on existing safeguards such as:
- Strict eligibility standards to restrict inappropriate content.
- Content Levels to prevent mature themes from reaching teens.
- Tools to refresh the feed, mark videos as "not interested," and enable Restricted Mode.
- Measures to reduce frequent recommendations of potentially problematic content, like extreme fitness videos.
Together, these enhancements aim to empower TikTok users to explore, learn, and discover content and creators that align with their interests.
