TikTok Launches Tool to Retrain “For You” Feed Algorithm

TikTok’s new feature allows users to refresh their “For You” feed and refine the app’s recommendation algorithm.

TikTok has launched a new feature called “Refresh,” which enables users to reset their “For You” feed and retrain the app’s algorithm based on their interests and preferences. This feature is beneficial for users who feel their feed recommendations are no longer relevant to them.

By activating this feature, the “For You” feed resets to its original setting, and the recommendation system starts showing more content based on new interactions. As a result, the “Refresh” feature provides an easy and convenient way to retrain TikTok’s algorithm and personalize the user experience.

How does TikTok’s new “Refresh” feature work?
TikTok’s newly launched feature is a solution for those who want to update their “For You” feed and retrain the app’s algorithm. If your tastes have changed over the years or if the recommendation system no longer understands your interests, this update is a welcome addition.

For example, if you used to watch baking videos but are no longer interested in them, you might still receive many baking-related videos in your feed. With this new feature, you can clear your feed and start from scratch.

TikTok emphasizes that this new feature complements existing content controls. Users can automatically filter content using specific hashtags or phrases, and there’s a “not interested” option to remove particular videos that don’t meet your interests. However, sometimes these controls may not be enough, and that’s where the Refresh feature comes in.

It’s important to note that the refresh will not affect any existing settings you have enabled, nor will it affect the accounts you already follow.

You can access “Refresh” by navigating to your settings, clicking on your content preferences, and selecting the “Refresh your For You feed” option. From there, click the “Refresh” button. TikTok will notify you that this action cannot be undone.

Greater concern for users
TikTok is striving to ensure that viewers discover a variety of content and minimize content that doesn’t meet their policies. The company is filtering adult-themed content from teen accounts, and more than 65,000 plastic surgery videos have been deemed ineligible for the teen viewing experience.

Furthermore, TikTok is working to prevent viewers from seeing two consecutive videos made by the same creator or using the same sound. It is also limiting some content that may impact users even if it doesn’t violate their policies, such as content with themes of sadness, extreme workouts, dieting, or sexually suggestive content.

The platform allows educational and recovery content but limits the frequency at which it is eligible for recommendation.

According to TikTok: Our systems do this by looking for repetition among themes like sadness or extreme diets within a set of eligible recommendation videos. If multiple videos with these themes are identified, they will be replaced with videos on other topics to reduce the frequency of these recommendations and create a more diverse discovery experience.

This work is ongoing, and just last year, we implemented over 15 updates to improve these systems and expanded support for more languages.

Why should I care?
This news may be important for marketers using TikTok to promote their products or services. The new feature allowing users to update and train the “For You” algorithm may affect how videos are recommended and displayed to users, potentially impacting ad visibility and reach.

Marketers may want to stay alert to the implications of this change and consider adjusting their TikTok advertising strategies accordingly. Moreover, the ability to refine the algorithm could offer these professionals new opportunities to reach a more targeted and engaged audience.

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