Photo Courtesy of MBW
TikTok is addressing the rapid increase of synthetic media by introducing a significant new feature that gives users direct control over their viewing experience. The platform is currently testing an adjustment tool that allows individuals to increase or decrease the volume of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) appearing in their feeds.
The ByteDance-owned company confirmed the feature will integrate with its existing ‘Manage topics’ controls. Users can adjust a simple slider—just like they currently tailor their exposure to categories like “dance” or “sports”—to manage the influx of AI content.
Tailoring Your Digital Experience
The goal of this initiative is personalization, not prohibition. TikTok stated that the AIGC control is intended to help users tailor the diverse content range in their feeds, rather than entirely removing or replacing material. Someone interested in AI-generated historical explainers can opt to see more, while others can dial down their exposure.
This launch is critically timed. It comes as platforms like Meta (which introduced the AI-dedicated feed, Vibes) and Google (integrating Veo 3 into YouTube) rapidly accelerate their own AI content strategies. Even ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has released a standalone application for its advanced video creation model, Sora 2.
Invisible Watermarks and Trust
Beyond user preference, TikTok is also fortifying its content integrity framework. The company is actively testing invisible watermarking technology. This system, which requires creators to label realistic AIGC, works alongside the cross-industry standard, C2PA Content Credentials.
This technology embeds metadata into content, allowing TikTok and other platforms to reliably detect AI generation, even if the content is edited or re-uploaded elsewhere. These measures have already resulted in labels being applied to over 1.3 billion videos on the platform, showcasing the scale of AIGC adoption.
Investing in AI Literacy
To promote safety and responsible AI use, TikTok has committed a $2 million fund for AI literacy education. This money will support experts and organizations, including GirlsWhoCode, to create essential educational content. Over 20 experts across a dozen markets are currently participating in this vital effort.
The platform has also committed to sponsoring the nonprofit Partnership on AI, joining steering committees to research AI’s impact on human connection and enterprise. TikTok affirms that it will continue to refine its approach as industry standards evolve, prioritizing transparency and maintaining firm policies against harmful AIGC.
About the Author
