Imagine firing up TikTok, your go-to spot for endless entertainment, only to pause and wonder: is this video real or crafted by artificial intelligence? Now, TikTok is empowering you with more control, launching a feature that lets you decide just how much AI-generated content pops up in your “For You” feed. But here’s where it gets intriguing—how will this shape the future of social media? Let’s dive in and unpack this exciting update step by step.
TikTok, which started as a hub for homemade videos and viral challenges, is evolving. The platform is introducing a new option within its “Manage Topics” tool, allowing users to fine-tune their exposure to AI-generated content (often abbreviated as AIGC). This isn’t about banning AI entirely; it’s about customization, giving you the reins to curate your experience. TikTok explains that this builds on existing controls for categories like Dance, Sports, and Food & Drinks, helping you personalize your feed without wiping out content altogether.
To put this in perspective for beginners, AI-generated content refers to videos, images, or sounds created using advanced algorithms rather than traditional filming or editing. Think of it as a computer mimicking creativity—perhaps generating a realistic clip of historical events or celebrity gossip that looks almost indistinguishable from the real thing. TikTok users are already experimenting with this, like crafting visuals for ancient history reenactments or celebrity spotlight videos, blending fun with technology.
But here’s where it gets controversial—while TikTok allows you to see more or less of this AI flair, companies like OpenAI and Meta are going all-in on AI-exclusive feeds. Meta’s Vibes, for instance, is a dedicated space for sharing and making short AI videos, and OpenAI’s Sora acts as a social platform for similar creations. Is this the dawn of AI-dominated entertainment, or are we risking a flood of ‘fake’ content that could blur the lines between reality and simulation? Some argue it’s innovative and democratizes creativity, while others worry it undermines human artistry and spreads misinformation. What do you think—should platforms like TikTok push for more AI, or prioritize real voices?
Amid this shift, TikTok’s new setting is rolling out soon, and it’s simple to use. Head to your app’s Settings, tap “Content Preferences,” then select “Manage Topics.” There, you’ll find sliders for various topics, including AI-generated content, where you can adjust the dial—from minimal sightings to a fuller dose if you’re an AI enthusiast.
And this is the part most people miss—TikTok isn’t stopping at user controls; it’s beefing up its tech to better identify AI content. Currently, the app mandates labels for realistic AI creations and uses a standard called Content Credentials from the C2PA organization to embed hidden data in files, signaling when something’s AI-made. This helps platforms verify authenticity, but here’s the catch: these labels can vanish if the content gets edited or uploaded elsewhere, like on other social networks.
Enter TikTok’s new innovation: invisible watermarking. This advanced technique adds a hidden marker that only TikTok’s systems can detect, making it tougher for anyone to erase. They’ll apply this to AI videos produced using TikTok’s own tools, such as AI Editor Pro, and even to uploads that already carry C2PA credentials. As an extra layer, TikTok will keep reading those C2PA markers and attach them to AI content created on their platform. For newcomers, think of watermarks like a secret code that proves the video’s origins, protecting against misuse—similar to how banks use security features on money to prevent counterfeiting.
Tying into this push for transparency, TikTok is also launching a $2 million AI literacy fund. This initiative supports experts and nonprofits, like Girls Who Code, in developing educational materials that teach users about AI’s ins and outs, including safety tips. It’s a proactive step to empower everyone, from kids to professionals, to navigate this tech-savvy world confidently.
As we wrap up, this update from TikTok highlights the balancing act between innovation and control in digital spaces. But here’s the real question: Are we on the brink of an AI revolution in social media, or should there be stricter limits to preserve authenticity? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you welcome more AI in your feeds, or prefer to keep things human-made? Let’s discuss!
Aisha is a dedicated consumer news reporter at TechCrunch, bringing fresh insights since 2021. Before that, she covered telecom at MobileSyrup. With an honors bachelor’s from the University of Toronto and a master’s in journalism from Western University, she’s passionate about tech’s impact on everyday life.
Reach out to Aisha at aisha@techcrunch.com or via encrypted Signal at aisha_malik.01.
View Bio