According to Techcrunch, the new Nearby data source is being tested with certain users in Southeast Asia.
Users participating in this test will see a new data source tab displayed along with the Following and For You pages on the applications homepage.
We are always trying to explore new ideas and methods that bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience, a TikTok spokesperson told TechCrunch via email.
Nearby, first discovered by social media consultant Matt Navarra, is being tested with a feature that helps creators add location tags to their videos.
In addition, the answers to the question of whether Nearby data sources will only display videos with location cards have not been confirmed, the spokesperson said it is too early to provide accurate information based on the current limited range of data sources.
Previously, TikTok had built its reputation through the recommendation algorithm and the addition of a neighborhood data source would help users of this application display more relevant and personalized content.
It is worth noting that the launch of Nearby data source will also help TikTok catch up with Snap's Snapchat map and Instagram's newly launched map. Both of these services are aimed at helping users explore nearby locations in the locality.
Nearby data source will provide a similar experience but supported by a previously successful proposal algorithm. In theory, the data source will display the content you really want to see.
For example, if the Dedicated to You page often displays recommendations for restaurants or long-distance walking spots, the neighborhood data source will display you videos of restaurants and long-distance walking trails near you.
It is expected to open up some great new features for the app and will also impact platforms like TripAdvisor and Google. Google itself has admitted that TikTok is reducing its number of searches.
Prabhakar Raghavan, Google's Information & Knowledge organizer, recently shared that 40% of GenZ users often access to search on apps like Instagram and TikTok instead of Google Search or Maps. And if TikTok deploys a more open source of Nearby data, it is likely that this application will achieve great success.
Another thing is that Nearby could also open up new opportunities for local advertisers because this data source could be used to display ads to businesses and surrounding services.
While TikTok already has advertising in its data source, adding local ads could give small brands and businesses the ability to reach users who may not know about them.
TikTok stressed that, like any other experimental feature, Nearby could change before its official launch or even be completely removed.
