TikTok’s seeking to latch onto the AI hype, with the launch of a new AI chatbot within the app, which is at present being examined with customers within the Philippines.
As you may see in these photographs (posted by Watchful.ai), TikTok’s ‘Tako’ chatbot, the place obtainable, is accessible through the right-hand on-screen menu, which then permits customers to ask questions of the bot throughout the app – just like Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ generative AI response tool.
However given the early problems with My AI, in addition to different generative AI instruments, TikTok’s taking a cautious strategy to the rollout, with restricted testing at this stage.
As per TikTok:
“We’re within the early phases of exploring chatbot instruments with a restricted check of Tako with choose customers within the Philippines. Tako is powered by a third-party chat assistant and is designed to assist make it simpler to find entertaining and galvanizing content material on TikTok. No present plans for this past these early exams, however we’re excited to listen to your suggestions!”
So the purpose of Tako is theoretically much less about offering solutions to all queries, and extra about serving to customers discover related TikTok content material matches for his or her questions. Nevertheless it might additionally present direct solutions about sure components of video clips, and information customers in the direction of content material developments.
Which may very well be good and dangerous. Ideally, Tako will assist to reinforce the TikTok discovery expertise, and spotlight more and more related video clips – however provided that TikTok’s system can already push users towards harmful, dangerous content at instances, there is also some inherent dangers in leaving such to an AI bot.
Which is why TikTok’s not planning to launch Tako to youthful customers in any respect, whereas there’s additionally this warning display within the app:
So clearly, Tako will be capable of present extra direct solutions and responses. And given the broader questions concerning the security of TikTok, it’ll seemingly be hesitant to provoke a full launch of the performance until it may be assured that the dangers on this entrance are restricted.
Nevertheless it may very well be an attention-grabbing addition, and it might assist you uncover extra throughout the app, whereas additionally leaning into the generative AI development.
With TikTok underneath scrutiny within the US, which might nonetheless result in ban on the app, I doubt US customers shall be seeing Tako anytime quickly. Nevertheless it might, ultimately, be a major step for TikTok, if it will probably get it proper.
