TikTok is testing an in-app AI chatbot called Tako

Webmaster’s Home (ChinaZ.com) May 26 news: Short video platform TikTok said on Thursday that it is in the early stages of exploring a chatbot called "Tako" that will Bots can communicate with users about short videos and help them discover content. TikTok is currently being tested with select users in the Philippines.

Last year, OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, launched ChatGPT, a chatbot that offers the most natural way of interacting to date. This has sparked a race to develop features based on disruptive generative artificial intelligence (AI), including TikTok rival Snap Inc, whose “My AI” is powered by ChatGPT technology.

TikTok said Tako is designed to help users discover "interesting and inspiring content" on the app.

Earlier in the day, Israeli app intelligence company Watchful Technologies said it had discovered Tako in versions of the TikTok app on some Apple mobile devices.

Watchful show that Tako appears as a ghost-shaped icon on TikTok’s interface, which users can tap while watching videos to engage in text-based conversations and get help finding content.

Picture from Watchful

In April, media reported that TikTok was experimenting with a generative AI tool that would allow users to create avatars. Chinese parent company ByteDance is developing a massive AI model, Chinese media reported, but its Chinese version of TikTok does not yet offer AI chatbot functionality.

Disclosure documents submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last month showed that TikTok had submitted a trademark application for "TikTok Tako", which covers "artificially generated software for human speech and text."

Asked about Tako, a TikTok spokesperson said the social media platform is always exploring new technologies. He said: “In select markets, we are testing new ways to power search and discovery on TikTok, and we look forward to learning from our community and continuing to create a safe place that provides entertainment, inspires creativity and drives culture. 』

The company did not say why it chose the Philippines for testing.

Watchful researcher Daniel Buchuk said his team began finding references to Tako in some versions of the TikTok app earlier this month, including on a beta version for U.S. iOS devices.

Watchful uses computer vision and data analytics to identify and simulate application changes. It monitors devices in different countries but cannot determine which markets TikTok is testing in.

Unlike ChatGPT, which is positioned as a do-it-all chatbot, Tako feels more like a navigation assistant focused on encouraging users to watch more videos, Buchuk said.

"So if you ask 'When is King Charles' coronation?'" Tako will tell you the answer, and then you'll see the related TikTok video," he said.

Watchful showed that when a user asks Tako a question, such as "How do we teach children to respect children," the chatbot responds by summarizing TikTok users' tips, while also recommending related videos.

TikTok has set up a disclaimer saying Tako is an experimental chatbot and responses may be inaccurate. It said it would review conversations with Tako for security purposes and warned users not to share private information with it.

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