SUMMARY

• The popular social media platform TikTok is testing an AI chatbot named "Tako", aimed at enhancing user interaction and content discovery.
• TikTok's development follows the trend set by OpenAI's innovative ChatGPT, offering a responsive and fluid conversational experience.
• Unlike all-purpose chatbots, Tako serves as a navigation aide, offering facts, advice, and recommending related videos while users browse through the app.

Popular social media giant TikTok is currently trialing an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot with the aim of enhancing user engagement and discovery of new content, according to information obtained from an app intelligence agency.

Israeli firm, Watchful Technologies, has reportedly identified this AI chatbot, affectionately named "Tako," within certain versions of the TikTok app available on Apple's mobile devices. According to evidence provided by the firm in the form of screenshots and video footage, this chatbot – symbolized by an ethereal ghost icon – seamlessly integrates into the app's interface. Users can simply tap this icon while browsing videos to engage in text-based discussions with Tako or seek assistance in locating content.

When approached for comments on Tako, a TikTok spokesperson underlined the company's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and enhancing user experience. The spokesperson revealed that the company is probing new strategies to bolster content search and discovery on TikTok, eager to learn from and meet the expectations of their diverse community.

This initiative by TikTok appears to be a response to the launch of next-generation chatbot ChatGPT by OpenAI, supported by Microsoft. Released last year, ChatGPT offered one of the most fluid and human-like conversational experiences, sparking a wave of competitive innovation within the industry. This includes TikTok's rival Snap Inc, which has integrated ChatGPT technology into their own chatbot feature called "My AI".

Previous reports in April suggested that TikTok was experimenting with a generative AI tool aimed at enabling users to create personal avatars. While ByteDance, TikTok's parent company based in China, has been working on an extensive AI model, there is currently no AI chatbot feature on their Chinese version of the app, Douyin. Furthermore, recent filings with the U.S. patent and trademark office indicated that TikTok has applied for a trademark for "TikTok Tako" under categories related to AI-generated human speech and text.

According to Watchful's researcher Daniel Buchuk, his team started noticing Tako on certain versions of the TikTok app earlier this month. Unlike ChatGPT, Tako is more of a navigation aide, nudging users towards viewing more videos. For instance, if asked a factual question such as the date of King Charles' coronation, Tako would provide the answer and additionally suggest related TikTok videos. The chatbot also offers advice and video recommendations when asked how-to questions. Despite its usefulness, TikTok has added a disclaimer to Tako, warning users not to share private information with the chatbot and clarifying that it is still in its experimental phase.

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