As you’ll be able to see in these photos (posted by Watchful.ai), TikTok’s ‘Tako’ chatbot, the place accessible, is accessible by way of the right-hand on-screen menu, which then permits customers to ask questions of the bot inside the app – just like Snapchat’s ‘My AI’ generative AI response device.

However given the early issues with My AI, in addition to different generative AI instruments, TikTok’s taking a cautious strategy to the rollout, with restricted testing at this stage.

As per TikTok:

“We’re within the early levels of exploring chatbot instruments with a restricted take a look at of Tako with choose customers within the Philippines. Tako is powered by a third-party chat assistant and is designed to assist make it simpler to find entertaining and provoking content material on TikTok. No present plans for this past these early assessments, however we’re excited to listen to your suggestions!”

So the intention of Tako is theoretically much less about offering solutions to all queries, and extra about serving to customers discover related TikTok content material matches for his or her questions. However it may additionally present direct solutions about sure parts of video clips, and information customers in the direction of content material developments.

Which might be good and dangerous. Ideally, Tako will assist to reinforce the TikTok discovery expertise, and spotlight more and more related video clips – however provided that TikTok’s system can already push customers in the direction of dangerous, harmful content material at occasions, there is also some inherent dangers in leaving such to an AI bot.

Which is why TikTok’s not planning to launch Tako to youthful customers in any respect, whereas there’s additionally this warning display within the app:

So clearly, Tako will have the ability to present extra direct solutions and responses. And given the broader questions concerning the security of TikTok, it’ll probably be hesitant to provoke a full launch of the performance until it may be assured that the dangers on this entrance are restricted.

However it might be an attention-grabbing addition, and it may provide help to uncover extra inside the app, whereas additionally leaning into the generative AI pattern.

With TikTok below scrutiny within the US, which may nonetheless result in ban on the app, I doubt US customers can be seeing Tako anytime quickly, however it may, finally, be a big step for TikTok, if it may well get it proper.