TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC launched an opt-in “Local Feed” in the United States on Wednesday, a feature that uses precise GPS data to surface nearby content related to dining, events, and shopping.
The rollout follows a recent update to TikTok’s U.S. terms of service allowing the collection of exact coordinates, a shift from the previous policy of gathering only approximate location data. The company stated the feature is intended to drive real-world foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores and strengthen the platform’s utility for small businesses.
The Local Feed is disabled by default and restricted to users aged 18 and older. When users opt in, the app collects precise location information only while the software is active, displaying an on-screen indicator to signify data access.
The launch aligns with TikTok’s strategy to position itself as an essential economic tool for small enterprises, a move analysts suggest may serve as a hedge against federal regulatory pressure. A 2025 Oxford Economics report commissioned by the company estimated that 7.5 million U.S. businesses on the platform support more than 28 million workers.
“This approach gives people the choice to enable it when they want more relevant, local experiences, while keeping them in control,” the company said in its announcement.
The feature was previously introduced in several European markets, including the United Kingdom and France, in December 2025. The U.S. version is the first major product update since the finalization of the TikTok USDS joint venture involving Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX.
