TikTok, the popular short-form video app, is jumping on the AI bandwagon with the testing of its new AI chatbot called ‘Tako.’ Currently being trialed with users in the Philippines, Tako is accessible through the right-hand on-screen menu and allows users to ask questions within the app. While Tako’s primary purpose is to help users discover entertaining and inspiring content on TikTok, it may also provide direct answers about specific video clips and guide users towards trending content.
TikTok is proceeding cautiously with the rollout of Tako, given the early challenges experienced with Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ generative AI response tool and other similar AI tools. The company emphasizes that Tako is still in the early stages of testing and is powered by a third-party chat assistant. TikTok is keen to gather feedback from users during this limited testing phase and has no immediate plans for a broader release.
“We’re in the early stages of exploring chatbot tools with a limited test of Tako with select users in the Philippines. Tako is powered by a third-party chat assistant and is designed to help make it easier to discover entertaining and inspiring content on TikTok. No current plans for this beyond these early tests, but we’re excited to hear your feedback!”
The aim of Tako is to enhance the TikTok discovery experience by suggesting relevant video clips based on user queries. However, relying on an AI bot does raise concerns, particularly as TikTok’s content recommendation system has faced scrutiny for occasionally promoting harmful and dangerous content. To mitigate risks, TikTok has implemented measures such as not making Tako available to younger users and displaying warning screens within the app.
While Tako shows promise in providing direct answers and responses, TikTok is understandably cautious due to the safety concerns surrounding the platform. It will likely delay a full-scale launch until it can ensure the risks are minimized. Nonetheless, the introduction of Tako represents an intriguing addition to TikTok’s features and aligns with the growing trend of generative AI technology.
Considering TikTok’s ongoing scrutiny and potential ban in the US, it is uncertain whether Tako will be introduced to US users in the near future. However, if TikTok can successfully navigate the challenges and ensure user safety, Tako could become a significant milestone for the platform, expanding content discovery capabilities and embracing the power of generative AI.
