TikTok Tests an AI Chatbot Called 'Tako'
TikTok is experimenting with an AI chatbot capable of answering questions and helping users discover content that matches their preferences.
As Reuters reports(Opens in a new window), the chatbot is called "Tako," and was discovered by research company Watchful Technologies(Opens in a new window). TikTok is currently offering Tako as a feature on some iPhones in the US, with users able to ask the chatbot for help to find what they are looking for.
Watchful says Tako can engage in "direct dialogue with each user," provide personal recommendations, and help them navigate the platform to discover content. The Tako icon is positioned as the top icon on the right-hand side of the TikTok interface, suggesting TikTok wants this to be a prominent feature users can easily spot and hopefully come to rely on.
TikTok is not willing to talk about Tako just yet, and when asked about the chatbot a spokesperson said, "In select markets, we're testing new ways to power search and discovery on TikTok, and we look forward to learning from our community as we continue to create a safe place that entertains, inspires creativity, and drives culture."
It should come as no surprise TikTok is looking to embrace artificial intelligence on its platform. The launch of ChatGPT led to integrations with Bing, Google announcing Bard, and people becoming concerned their jobs could soon disappear. TikTok is playing catch-up to some degree, while at the same time facing a ban in Montana and attempting to alleviate security concerns by granting Oracle full access to its source code.
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