TikTok gives users another small peek into its algorithm's powerful mechanics

Image: TikTok

When scrolling the bottomless pit of videos on your TikTok #ForYou page, you've probably seen a video that makes you wonder, "What am I watching that would make this weird video show up on my For You page?" 

Today, TikTok announced that you can find the answer to that question in the app with a new feature. 

In a blog post, TikTok explains that users can now see why they are recommended certain content. When you see a video on the For You page, and you're not sure why it's there, you can tap the share button and the "why this video" icon.

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Then, TikTok gives a few reasons why the algorithm recommended the video. These reasons can be that the video is popular in your region, that you're following the video's creator, or that its algorithm believes that the video is similar to videos you like.

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TikTok says that allowing users to understand why specific videos are on their For You page is an effort to achieve "meaningful transparency" between users and the platform. The goal of achieving more transparency comes after years of users not fully knowing how TikTok's algorithm works.

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