Tiktok just rolled out some amazing new features that let you be the boss of your own TikTok experience. No more being held hostage by the algorithm’s questionable decisions!
These features are rolling out to everyone, so you don’t have to wait around hoping you’re part of some exclusive beta test. Let’s break down what’s new and how you can start using these features today!
Feature 1: Manage Topics
First up, we’ve got the “Manage Topics” feature, and this one’s actually pretty clever. “With Manage Topics, you can customize how often content related to over 10 popular topics is recommended in your feed – from Creative Arts, Travel, Nature and Sports. These settings won’t eliminate any topics entirely, but can influence how often they’re recommended as your interests evolve”
Here’s how it works: you go to Settings > Content Preferences, and you’ll find this new “Manage Topics” option. You can use sliders to tell TikTok how much or how little you want to see of certain topics.
The Good News and The Reality Check
Now, I’m going to be honest with you this isn’t going to give you surgical precision over your feed. The categories are pretty broad (we’re talking Creative Arts, Travel, Sports, etc.), so there’s still a lot of variety within each topic. You can’t exactly say “I love basketball but hate golf” – it’s all lumped under “Sports.”
But here’s why it’s still awesome: if you’re completely over seeing certain types of content dominating your feed, you can dial it way down. Tired of endless cooking videos? Turn down that slider. Want more travel inspiration? Crank it up!
The cool thing is that TikTok actually tested this feature with some users back in August 2024, so they’ve had time to work out the kinks. If you haven’t seen it yet, now you know where to find it!
Feature 2: Smart Keyword Filters
TikTok’s new “Smart Keyword Filters” feature is like having a personal bouncer for your feed. While TikTok already allows users to use keyword filters to restrict specific content from appearing in their feeds, the new Smart Keyword Filters will use AI to additionally limit content that contains similar keywords, such as synonyms.
Here’s what makes this feature so powerful: you can enter specific keywords or hashtags related to content you absolutely don’t want to see, and TikTok’s AI will not only block that exact content but also related stuff that might slip through the cracks.
How to Set Up Your New TikTok Controls Today
Ready to take control of your feed? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
For Manage Topics:
1. Open TikTok and go to your Profile
2. Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right
3. Go to Settings and Privacy
4. Find “Content Preferences”
5. Select “Manage Topics”
6. Adjust the sliders based on your preferences
For Smart Keyword Filters:
1. Go to Settings and Privacy
2. Find “Content Preferences”
3. Look for keyword filter options
4. Add specific keywords or hashtags you want to avoid
5. Let the AI do its magic!
What Content Creators Should Know
If you’re a TikTok creator, these changes might affect how your content gets distributed. The key is to focus on creating authentic, engaging content that your target audience actually wants to see. Quality and relevance are going to matter even more now that users can fine-tune their preferences.
Don’t try to game the system or force your content into categories where it doesn’t belong. Instead, lean into what makes your content unique and valuable to your specific audience.
