TikTok Enhances User Control with AI-Powered Smart Keyword Filters

TikTok is introducing AI-powered Smart Keyword Filters, giving users greater control over the content they see on their For You page. The company announced the new feature on Tuesday, aiming to refine content filtering capabilities.

TikTok already allows users to filter out specific keywords from their feeds. The new Smart Keyword Filters take this a step further by using AI to identify and filter content containing similar keywords and synonyms. This enhancement ensures users can comprehensively avoid topics they’re not interested in.

The tool provides transparency by showing users the additional keywords being filtered alongside their original selections. For instance, filtering “remodeling” will also filter “renovation” and “renovations.” TikTok plans to allow users to customize these additional keywords, enabling them to include or exclude specific terms as desired.

TikTok is also increasing the number of keywords users can add, doubling the limit from 100 to 200. The social network intends to simplify bulk keyword addition.

The company believes that the Smart Keyword Filters will improve over time as more users engage with the feature, enhancing its precision and effectiveness.

In addition to Smart Keyword Filters, TikTok announced the global availability of its Manage Topics feature, previously piloted in the U.S. This tool allows users to fine-tune their For You feed by indicating their interest levels in various topics, such as sports, travel, humor, current affairs, dance, and food.

Users can access the Manage Topics feature in Settings under “Content Preferences.” A slider allows them to customize the amount of content they see for each specific topic.

TikTok also announced a new education guide aimed at helping users better understand and configure their For You feed settings.