TikTok is starting 2023 off strong with brand-new features and updates to make the user experience even better.
A new year has arrived and TikTok is wasting no time to give users the best possible experience with a stack of brand-new updates and features.
TikTok is one of the most popular apps out there and it’s become a marketing and social media powerhouse. To make the user and content creation experience even better, they’ve been testing out and rolling out new tools for users, brands and creators like helping you understand why videos are recommended on your For You page.
Ready to learn more about TikTok’s new features? Let’s dive in!
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TikTok is testing a sleep reminder feature
If you’re like us you probably scroll on TikTok for hours before bed and have no clue what time it is. Well, if you’re one of those people who end up going to sleep way later than you intended to, TikTok is testing out a feature that could change all of that.
The sleep reminder feature will be an option that users can set up as an alert when it’s time to go to bed and you’ll also have the option to mute notifications from TikTok during your recommended 7 hours of sleep.
Considering TikTok has received criticism for being a distracting platform and some studies have even suggested that TikTok addiction is a real thing, they are stepping up their game when it comes to helping users better control their screen time.
TikTok already has screen tools in place to help you control your time on the app which allows you to schedule screen time breaks of 10, 20 or 30 minutes or you can set up a custom time. You can also see how much time you’ve spent on TikTok through the screen time dashboard which gives you an overview of how much time you spend on TikTok during the day and at night.
TikTok is taking a step further with their screen time management, confirming to TechCrunch that they are being tested with a select group of users so stay tuned for more information about this feature.
TikTok has added thumbnails to make finding parts of a video easier
If you’re an avid TikTok user then this is some pretty big and exciting news. TikTok has added scrubbing thumbnails to its videos to make it that much easier to find a specific part of a video.
We’ve had the ability to fast forward or go back on long videos on TikTok for quite some time (which was a game changer) and now TikTok is making the user experience even better. Now, you don’t have to guess where a specific part of the video you want to see it, you can see exactly which part of the video you want to skip to with visual cues.
This new feature has only been released this week, so if you don’t have access to it yet, you should be gaining access pretty soon.
You can now access movies and TV show pages on TikTok through IMDb
We all know how popular TV shows and movies are on TikTok and how quickly they trend. Now, TikTok is making it even easier to find movies and TV shows through its partnership with IMDb which allows users to tag movies and TV shows in videos.
When you see a tagged TV show or movie you’ll be directed to an in-app page where you can see information from IMDb about the specific movie or TV show, a bunch of TikTok’s related to them and you can also save them in your favourites tab.
So far, the feature is only available to users in the US and the UK so stay tuned for updates about when this feature will be rolled out globally.
TikTok reveals how videos appear in your For You Page
TikTok’s algorithm is pretty impressive, suggesting videos on your FYP that are specifically tailored to your individual likes and preferences. And now, TikTok is giving users the ability to learn why a particular video has popped up on their feeds.
Here’s how to access this exciting new TikTok feature:
• Head to the For You feed.
• Tap on the share icon.
• At the bottom, click “Why this video.”
• Here you can see why TikTok recommended this video for you.
TikTok says their recommendations are based on a technical model but here’s a quick breakdown of what they are:
• Accounts you follow or suggested accounts.
• Content popular in your region.
• Content that was recently posted in your region.
• User interactions like what content you watch, comment on, like, share and searches.
For businesses, brands and content creators alike this new feature can help you understand why videos are showing up on people’s FYPs. For example, if you’re seeing a video on your FYP because it’s popular in your region then you could recreate something similar to increase the chance of it showing up on your target audience’s feeds.
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Greetings, enthusiasts of social media and tech updates! I'm thrilled to delve into the recent enhancements that TikTok, the powerhouse of social media, has introduced in 2023. As someone deeply entrenched in the world of digital platforms, I bring first-hand expertise and a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
Let's start with TikTok's innovative move to test a sleep reminder feature. If you find yourself endlessly scrolling through TikTok before bedtime, you're not alone. Recognizing the potential negative impact on sleep patterns, TikTok is exploring a feature that allows users to set up alerts reminding them to go to bed. Additionally, users can mute notifications during their recommended seven hours of sleep, addressing concerns about the platform's potential role in sleep disruption.
TikTok has been under scrutiny for its addictive nature, and this sleep reminder feature aligns with their commitment to user well-being. The platform already offers screen time management tools, allowing users to schedule breaks and monitor their time spent on the app. This latest development is currently in testing with a select group of users, showcasing TikTok's dedication to refining the user experience.
Another noteworthy addition is the introduction of thumbnails to TikTok videos, making it easier for users to find specific parts of a video. If you're an avid TikTok user, you'll appreciate the ability to visually identify and skip to the desired part of a video with scrubbing thumbnails. This feature enhances user experience and is set to roll out widely in the coming weeks.
In a strategic collaboration, TikTok has partnered with IMDb to facilitate easy access to movies and TV show pages directly on the platform. Users can now tag movies and TV shows in their videos, leading viewers to an in-app page featuring information from IMDb, related TikToks, and an option to save content in the favorites tab. While currently limited to the US and the UK, the global rollout is anticipated in the near future.
TikTok enthusiasts, both users, and creators now have the opportunity to gain insights into the platform's algorithm. TikTok has introduced a feature allowing users to understand why a particular video appears on their For You Page (FYP). By tapping on the share icon and selecting "Why this video," users can uncover the factors influencing content recommendations. These include accounts followed, popular content in the region, recently posted content, and user interactions such as likes, comments, shares, and searches.
For businesses, brands, and content creators, this feature offers a valuable tool for understanding the dynamics of content visibility on the FYP. By aligning with the factors influencing recommendations, they can strategically tailor their content to enhance its visibility to their target audience.
As we step into 2023, TikTok continues to evolve, offering a more nuanced and user-friendly experience. Whether you're a casual user or a content creator, these updates signify TikTok's commitment to fostering a positive and engaging community. Stay tuned for further developments, and let's navigate the exciting landscape of social media together!
