U.S. TikTok Introduces 'Local Feed' to Surface Nearby Events and Content
Source: MacRumors
Summary
The U.S. version of TikTok is being updated with a new community‑focused Local Feed, according to a blog post shared by the TikTok USDS Joint Venture.
Overview
The Local Feed is designed to let TikTok users “discover and connect with content, businesses, and services” wherever they are. It appears as a tab on the TikTok home screen and showcases content related to travel, events, restaurants, shopping, as well as posts from nearby small businesses and local creators.
How It Works
- Selection criteria: Posts are chosen based on the user’s location, the topic of the content, and the time the content was posted.
- Location requirement: Users must enable precise location to access the Local Feed. Precise location is off by default and the feature is opt‑in; location data is only relayed while the app is actively in use and is “protected in the TikTok USDS JV secure environment.”
“This approach is consistent with how many modern apps use location today and gives people the choice to enable it when they want more relevant, local experiences, while keeping them in control,” the blog post reads.
Privacy & Opt‑In
- Precise location is disabled by default.
- The feature only transmits location data during active app use.
- TikTok states the data is stored securely within the USDS joint‑venture environment.
Recent Issues
In late January, the rollout experienced problems: some TikTok users were unable to upload videos, and posts were flagged as ineligible for recommendation. TikTok attributed the issue to a power outage at a data center.
Ownership & Management
- TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC is 80.1 % owned by U.S. and global investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi‑based MGX (each holding 15 % as managing investors). Additional U.S. stakeholders include the Dell Family Office and affiliates of Susquehanna International Group.
- ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, retains a 19.9 % stake.
- The U.S. version of TikTok is overseen by a seven‑member majority‑American board of directors, with Adam Presser (former global head of operations) serving as CEO.
Related Features
A similar “Nearby Feeds” feature was rolled out for TikTok users in Europe in December.
Tag: TikTok
This article first appeared on MacRumors.com.