TikTok recently announced a new feature called “Manage Topics,” which gives users more control over their For You feed content. This feature allows users to adjust their feed to show more or less of specific topics that interest them. By accessing the feature through the Settings menu, users can personalize their preferences for a variety of categories such as sports, travel, humor, current affairs, dance, and food.
Users can simply move a slider to indicate how much of a particular topic they would like to see in their feed. Additionally, if users are unsure about the types of videos that fall under a certain category, they can click on the information button for clarification. For instance, the “Creative arts” topic includes activities such as painting, drawing, graphic design, and art-related tutorials.
TikTok explains that the selections made using this feature will influence the frequency of specific topics appearing in a user’s For You feed. However, it is important to note that this customization does not affect the content from accounts that a user follows. The app may take some time to adjust to these preferences, so users should not expect immediate changes.
While TikTok previously introduced a feature allowing users to refresh their feed and retrain the app’s algorithm based on their preferences, the “Manage Topics” feature offers a more focused approach. It enables users to tailor their feed according to specific topics rather than starting fresh. Additionally, instead of individually marking videos as “not interested,” users can now directly set their preferences in the app’s settings.
Although users could previously filter content based on keywords and hashtags, the new “Manage Topics” feature eliminates the need to manually enter multiple filters. This streamlined approach simplifies the process of customizing content preferences on TikTok, making it easier for users to control their viewing experience.
TikTok’s “Manage Topics” feature represents a significant step towards greater user control and personalization on the platform. By allowing users to fine-tune their For You feed according to specific topics of interest, TikTok is empowering users to curate their viewing experience more effectively. This enhanced customization feature is a welcome addition for users seeking a more tailored content consumption experience on TikTok.