TikTok’s seeking to latch onto the AI hype, with the launch of a new AI chatbot throughout the app, which is at present being examined with customers within the Philippines.
As you may see in these photos (posted by Watchful.ai), TikTok’s ‘Tako’ chatbot, the place out there, is accessible through the right-hand on-screen menu, which then allows customers to ask questions of the bot throughout the app – much like Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ generative AI response instrument.
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 levels 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 checks, 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 parts of video clips, and information customers in the direction of content material tendencies.
Which might be good and dangerous. Ideally, Tako will assist to boost the TikTok discovery expertise, and spotlight more and more related video clips – however on condition that TikTok’s system can already push customers in the direction of dangerous, harmful content material 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 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.
But it surely might be an fascinating addition, and it may provide help to uncover extra throughout the app, whereas additionally leaning into the generative AI development.
With TikTok below scrutiny within the US, which may nonetheless result in ban on the app, I doubt US customers can be seeing Tako anytime quickly, but it surely may, ultimately, be a big step for TikTok, if it will possibly get it proper.
