Hannah CarterTikTok’s New AI Controls Let You Tame Your For You Page
- TikTok has rolled out new features allowing users to control the amount of AI-generated content (AIGC) in their “For You” feed.
- The update includes sliders to “see more” or “see less” AI content, but not block it entirely.
- New transparency measures, like invisible watermarks and C2PA Content Credentials, are being implemented to better identify AI-made videos.
- The move is part of a broader push for user safety, particularly concerning teens and the spread of misinformation.
TikTok’s AI Content Revolution, Letting Users Choose Their Experience
In a world buzzing with AI-generated content, TikTok is handing some of the control back to its users. The social media giant recently unveiled new features designed to let people choose just how much AI they want popping up in their “For You” feed. This comes as hyper-realistic videos, powered by tools like OpenAI’s Sora and incredibly powerful AI voice generators, are becoming almost indistinguishable from reality.
The explosion of this kind of content has put platforms in a tricky spot. How do you embrace innovation while keeping the community safe? Adam Presser, TikTok’s Head of Operations, addressed this at the European Trust and Safety Forum, stating, “This update builds on our ongoing work to support the safety and wellbeing of the TikTok community, especially teens.” It’s a clear signal that TikTok is trying to get ahead of the curve, giving users a say in their own viewing experience rather than letting the algorithm call all the shots.
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How the New AI Content Control Feature Works Inside TikTok
So, how does it actually work? Buried in your settings, under Content Preferences and Manage Topics, you’ll find the new controls. TikTok has introduced a simple slider system that lets you tell the algorithm whether you want to see more or less AI-generated content. It’s a pretty straightforward approach aimed at personalizing what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming flood of synthetic media.
It’s important to know that this isn’t an on/off switch. You can’t completely block AI content. The goal is to refine your feed, not to create an echo chamber. According to TikTok’s official newsroom, “Like those controls, the AIGC setting is intended to help people tailor the diverse range of content in their feed, rather than removing or replacing content in feeds entirely.” It’s a nudge, not a shove, giving you a bit more influence over your digital diet.
Boosting Transparency with New Watermarking and Content Labelling
Beyond just giving users control, TikTok is also stepping up its game in identifying AI content in the first place. The familiar “AI-generated” labels are getting a high-tech upgrade. The problem with simple, visible labels is that they can be easily removed or cropped out.
To tackle this, TikTok is introducing invisible digital watermarks. Julie de Bailliencourt, TikTok’s Head of Trust & Safety, confirmed the move, saying, “Over the coming weeks, we’ll start adding invisible watermarks to AI-generated content made with TikTok tools… The watermarks will help us label content more reliably, and give us more context around changes made to content.” These watermarks are embedded directly into the video’s data, making them much harder to tamper with. This initiative is part of a broader industry effort using C2PA Content Credentials to create a more transparent digital ecosystem.
Safety, Misinformation, and TikTok’s Broader Trust Initiatives
Let’s be real, the timing of these new features is no coincidence. Concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health and the spread of convincing deepfakes are at an all-time high. This is about more than just personal preference; it’s a matter of digital safety.
As reported by RTÉ News, “The new content control setting was unveiled at the social media company’s European Trust and Safety Forum where it outlined the ways it is aiming to use technology to bolster user safety on the app.” This isn’t happening in a vacuum. In the first half of this year alone, TikTok says it removed over 6.5 million videos and shut down 920 hate accounts, showing a continued focus on moderating its platform.
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With the rise of AI-powered scams and misinformation, protecting your digital identity is more important than ever. The TechBull recommends using an all-in-one online safety tool like Aura to help safeguard your personal information and give you peace of mind while you scroll.
The Future of User-Controlled Feeds and What Industry Experts Say
TikTok’s move could signal a broader shift in how social media platforms operate. For years, the algorithm was king, but now, platforms are starting to give users more tools to shape their own experience. Social technology analyst Dr. Bernice King told Storyboard18, “TikTok’s approach is a significant move to put content choice directly in the hands of users at a time when AI-only feeds are becoming commonplace across platforms.”
We’re seeing similar trends elsewhere. Meta has been testing features like “Vibes” to let users influence their feeds, showing that the industry is recognizing a growing user demand for more personalization and control. But will these controls truly empower users, or are they just a small concession in the face of mounting pressure? Only time will tell if this sets a new industry standard or remains a limited feature.
What Users Should Know About Managing Their AI Content Preferences
If you’re ready to tweak your feed, here’s a quick rundown. Just head to your profile, tap the menu in the top right, go to “Settings and privacy,” then “Content preferences,” and finally, “Manage topics.” There, you’ll find the new AI-generated content controls waiting for you.
This is likely just the beginning. TikTok has emphasized its ongoing commitment to transparency and user wellbeing. As AI continues to evolve, we can probably expect more updates like this, aimed at helping users navigate a social media world that’s becoming more synthetic by the day.
