TikTok’s trying 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’ll be able to see in these photos (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 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 take a look at 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 parts of video clips, and information customers in direction of content material developments.
Which might 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 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 be capable of 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.
Nevertheless it might be an attention-grabbing addition, and it might show you how to uncover extra throughout the app, whereas additionally leaning into the generative AI pattern.
With TikTok underneath scrutiny within the US, which might nonetheless result in ban on the app, I doubt US customers will probably be seeing Tako anytime quickly, nevertheless it might, finally, be a major step for TikTok, if it will possibly get it proper.
