TikTok’s trying to latch onto the AI hype, with the launch of a new AI chatbot throughout the app, which is at the moment being examined with customers within the Philippines.
As you may see in these photographs (posted by Watchful.ai), TikTok’s ‘Tako’ chatbot, the place out there, 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 software.
However given the early issues 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 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 provoking content material on TikTok. No present plans for this past these early assessments, 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. But it surely may additionally present direct solutions about sure components of video clips, and information customers in the direction of content material developments.
Which could possibly be good and unhealthy. 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 customers in the direction of dangerous, harmful content material 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 to present extra direct solutions and responses. And given the broader questions concerning the security of TikTok, it’ll possible be hesitant to provoke a full launch of the performance until it may be assured that the dangers on this entrance are restricted.
But it surely could possibly be an fascinating addition, and it may assist you uncover extra throughout the app, whereas additionally leaning into the generative AI pattern.
With TikTok below scrutiny within the US, which may nonetheless result in ban on the app, I doubt US customers shall be seeing Tako anytime quickly. But it surely may, ultimately, be a big step for TikTok, if it could actually get it proper.
