TikTok’s trying to latch onto the AI hype, with the launch of a new AI chatbot within the app, which is presently being examined with customers within the Philippines.
As you possibly can see in these pictures (posted by Watchful.ai), TikTok’s ‘Tako’ chatbot, the place accessible, is accessible by way of the right-hand on-screen menu, which then permits customers to ask questions of the bot throughout the app – much 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 method 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 checks, however we’re excited to listen to your suggestions!”
So the goal 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. However it might additionally present direct solutions about sure components of video clips, and information customers in direction of content material traits.
Which may very well be good and dangerous. Ideally, Tako will assist to boost 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 may be 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 screen within the app:
So clearly, Tako will have the ability to present extra direct solutions and responses. And given the broader questions concerning the security of TikTok, it’ll probably be hesitant to provoke a full launch of the performance until it may be assured that the dangers on this entrance are restricted.
However it may very well be an attention-grabbing addition, and it might provide help to uncover extra throughout the app, whereas additionally leaning into the generative AI pattern.
With TikTok below scrutiny within the US, which might nonetheless result in ban on the app, I doubt US customers shall be seeing Tako anytime quickly, however it might, ultimately, be a big step for TikTok, if it might probably get it proper.
