TikTok, the beloved hub for entertainment, has introduced a game-changing feature – an AI known as TikTok Tako chatbot. This digital companion has been creating quite a buzz, appearing in the DMs of users worldwide.
In this article, we’ll delve into the journey of Tako, explore its purpose, and speculate about its potential impact on the TikTok experience.
The emergence of TikTok Tako chatbot
The TikTok Tako chatbot made its debut a few months back, and the company has been transparent about its development process. The team even shared updates on Twitter, providing insights into their progress. Although TikTok has not made an official announcement, users who encounter the chatbot in their DMs report that clicking on it yields no response. This has led to speculation about whether it’s a bug or a deliberate teaser of an upcoming feature aimed at enhancing user interaction.
Tako’s purpose
TikTok is positioning itself as a contender in the realm of internet search, joining the ranks of tech giants like Google and Bing. The platform has been refining its search capabilities, introducing a dedicated search bar for trends and products in late 2022. Now, they’ve taken it a step further by introducing a specific search widget for iOS users, signaling their ambition to compete with industry stalwarts. As a TikTok spokesperson exlains:
Being at the forefront of innovation is core to building the TikTok experience, and we’re always exploring new technologies that add value to our community. In select markets, we’re testing new ways to power search and discovery on TikTok, and we look forward to learning from our community as we continue to create a safe place that entertains, inspires creativity and drives culture.
While Google and Bing have their own AI chatbots, TikTok is introducing its unique player – Tako. This move transcends search functionality; it’s about revolutionizing user navigation and interaction within the app. Tako’s mission is to redefine the TikTok experience, particularly in terms of discovering content and engaging with other users.
what is tiktok tako?? i clicked it and the notif disappeared (the number on the right) but nothing else happened pic.twitter.com/qSnFNP5Rm0
— sundae 🍦 (@sundae321) November 2, 2023
Behind the scenes of Tako’s development
TikTok has collaborated with an external, undisclosed AI provider to bring Tako to life. Interestingly, they’ve opted to customize an external source rather than leveraging their in-house AI technology to meet their specific requirements.
Upon its introduction, TikTok is forthright in stating that Tako is an experiment, and its responses may not always be infallible. It’s important for users to understand that relying on Tako for critical matters like medical or legal advice may not be the wisest choice. Nonetheless, TikTok is betting on Tako to infuse a sense of enjoyment and conversational flair into the process of finding content on the app.
Tako’s future
TikTok has set its sights on a grand vision for Tako, even filing a patent for it in the US, suggesting they’re onto something groundbreaking. However, the proliferation of AI chatbots has raised concerns, prompting companies like Apple and major financial institutions to approach their usage cautiously due to worries about data security.
While TikTok Tako chatbot is currently in the testing phase, the company envisions a transformative shift in how users discover and engage with content on the platform. This could potentially disrupt the status quo, especially for industry behemoths like Google, as TikTok’s popularity among younger demographics positions it as a primary destination for searches.
The introduction of TikTok Tako chatbot represents a significant stride in AI integration, potentially reshaping how users navigate and interact on the platform. This trial period may pave the way for a new era in TikTok’s evolution, fundamentally altering the way we explore, interact, and connect within the app. Keep an eye out for TikTok Tako chatbot, as it could be the next big thing in the world of social media innovation.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t done so back in the day, make sure to check out our article on how TikTok Tako chatbot was on its way to personalize the platform with AI to see if it aligns with the company’s current promises about it.
Featured image credit: Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
