- TikTok Nearby content feed is coming soon
- In addition to the current “For You” and “Following” tabs, TikTok has confirmed that it is now testing with a new “Nearby” content feed.
- This is a result of several users noticing it during testing.
- Later, TikTok admitted to TechCrunch that a small sample of Southeast Asian users had helped test the new “Nearby” feed.
- Recently, Instagram added a similar feature to its app so users could discover new places based on other people’s content.
TikTok Nearby content feed is on the way. The company has verified that, in addition to the current “For You” and “Following” tabs, it is now experimenting with a new “Nearby” content feed. This comes after it was noticed in testing by a number of users.
TikTok Nearby content feed is shared on the social media
This screenshot of the “TikTok Nearby” feed was uploaded to Twitter by user @sofeashra.
HUHHHH what is this nearby page on tiktok?😭 pic.twitter.com/9Rf3amC8lx
— Sofea (@sofeashra) August 9, 2022
The TikTok Nearby feed shows material submitted by users nearby to where you are right now.
As a result, TikTok might be able to display local updates that are relevant to your interests. Later, TikTok acknowledged to TechCrunch that it has tested the new “Nearby” feed with a select number of Southeast Asian customers. The “Home” page of the app will display all three feeds for users who have been chosen for the test. Naturally, for a function like this, the user must provide the TikTok app access to the device’s location.
“For example, if your For You page often displays restaurant recommendations or must-see hiking spots, the TikTok Nearby feed should show you videos of restaurants and hiking trails that are near you,” explains a TechCrunch report.
Which, of course, may be a significant factor for brands. With predictions that TikTok will have 1.5 billion users by the end of the year, it will rank third in terms of overall audience, only behind Facebook and YouTube.
TikTok is also attempting to catch up with Snapchat, which already has a function similar to this one, with the introduction of the TikTok Nearby feed. Users of Snapchat can currently peruse a map with nearby material that has been shared. Instagram recently introduced a comparable function to its app so users could find new locations based on other people’s content.
When you consider that, according to Google, almost 40% of young people now use TikTok or Instagram instead of Google Search when they’re looking for a place to eat, that could indeed present a huge promotional opportunity. A dedicated local feed could give you access to a huge, engaged local user group.
Since the test is currently only being undertaken with a small number of users in South East Asia, details are somewhat limited. As of right now, it’s unclear whether posts featured in the TikTok Nearby feed will be added automatically based on where a user’s profile is situated or if location tags need to be supplied. TikTok also recently implemented a location tagging option for posts.
Even TikTok itself appears to be unaware of all the specifics, merely stating that:
“We’re always thinking about new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience.”
It is therefore both constrained and experimental. But depending on the direction TikTok takes next, it might become a more important factor.
It’s important to take note of Google’s remarks in this regard, as it recently made a point to warn of a competitive threat from TikTok’s growing percentage of search traffic. A local feed might become even more relevant if this is a significant rising trend among younger users, and it might eventually rival Google in relevance for SEO in this regard.
There isn’t a much to go on, but we’ll keep you informed of any growth and/or advancement.
