For Content Discovery, TikTok Is Trying An AI Chatbot

Users of TikTok may soon have access to a new method of content discovery. The business is “early stages” testing Tako, an AI-powered chatbot that can recommend films and answer questions about what consumers are watching.

According to a statement from TikTok, the bot, which was initially mentioned by TechCrunch, is presently being tested in the Philippines. According to the business, Tako is a third-party conversation assistant that aims to make it simpler to find inspiring and interesting content on TikTok.


Despite still being in the testing stage, Tako appears to be extensively featured in TikTok. According to TechCrunch, which took a look at the functionality, a shortcut to the assistant is located in the main right-hand menu alongside shortcuts for bookmarks and favourites.

Similar to how Snap gave My AI, its chatbot, prominence in its app by bringing it to the front of users’ discussions. But in contrast to My AI, it appears like TikTok is pushing Tako as a method to discover fresh content and learn more about the topics covered in the videos. The bot instructs users to “feel free to ask me anything and I’ll do my best to help you find what you’re looking for,” according to a screenshot of the chat interface.


TikTok is exploring with generative AI in more ways than only Tako. Although the corporation is testing AI-generated avatars, there are currently no plans for a wider release. However, it’s unclear at this time how seriously TikTok takes technology. The corporation stated in its statement that “beyond these preliminary tests” of Tako, it had “no current plans for this.”