TikTok Trials “Nearby” Feed To Show Local Content To Limited Testers

TikTok limited trial of new "Nearby" feed (photo: doc. Unsplash)

JAKARTA - TikTok is reportedly testing a new "Nearby" or "Local" feed that allows TikTok users to view local content or content closest to their location.

This feature was first discovered by a social media consultant on Twitter named Matt Navarra. According to him, this feature comes along with a new option that gives creators the ability to add location tags to videos.

The news was later confirmed by a company spokesman to TechCrunch. He said the new feed was being tested internally and was limited to select users in Southeast Asia.

TikTok is working on a NEW ‘Nearby’ / ‘Local’ feed.

This is in conjunction with a new option giving creators the ability to add a location tag to videos.

TikTok is playing catch-up with Snapchat’s Snap map and Instagram’s recently launched searchable photo map features.

— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) August 22, 2022

Based on the information provided, this new feed will be displayed next to the "Following" and "For You" feeds in the app's home view.

"We're always thinking of new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the Tiktok experience," a Tiktok spokesperson told TechCrunch in an email.

As for the ability to add location tags, a TikTok spokesperson said that they will be rolling it out gradually to content creators.

A TikTok spokesperson did not reveal more about the Nearby feed, saying it was "too early" to reveal details as it was still being tested to a limited extent.

Tiktok says, as with other testing features, it is possible that its Nearby feed may change at some point before the official launch or may not launch at all.