TikTok is adding more ways for users to fine-tune their “For You” feed, aiming to give people greater control over the content that shows up as they scroll. The latest update includes two main features: topic sliders and keyword filters. Both are designed to help tailor what appears in your feed — but how much difference they’ll actually make depends on how users engage with them.
These settings don’t block topics completely, but they do influence how often certain themes appear. So while you might not be able to entirely avoid, say, travel-related videos, you can at least reduce how often they pop up.
The feature isn’t brand new — TikTok began testing it back in August 2024 — but this marks a full rollout to everyone.
This could be especially useful for avoiding content tied to harmful trends. Just this week, TikTok started removing “SkinnyTok” from its search results in Europe after backlash over its potential to encourage unhealthy behavior. These new filters could give users an added layer of protection by letting them avoid such topics on their own.
Exactly how these limits are applied isn’t clear yet, but it seems aimed at further reducing exposure to harmful or misleading trends.
Will People Use These Tools?
The updates are well-intentioned and offer more control to users. But realistically, it’s unclear how many people will take the time to adjust their settings. Most users rely on TikTok’s algorithm to deliver what they want — passively, without extra effort. Following accounts, tweaking filters, and adjusting preferences has largely fallen by the wayside as the app learns user behavior automatically.
Still, for those who do want a more curated or safer experience, these tools are now more accessible than ever.
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Broader Topic Controls Now Available
First up, TikTok is expanding its “Manage Topics” option to all users. Found under Settings > Content Preferences, this tool lets users adjust their interest levels in a handful of general categories — things like Creative Arts, Nature, Travel, and Sports. You can move sliders to indicate whether you’re more or less interested in each.
These settings don’t block topics completely, but they do influence how often certain themes appear. So while you might not be able to entirely avoid, say, travel-related videos, you can at least reduce how often they pop up.
The feature isn’t brand new — TikTok began testing it back in August 2024 — but this marks a full rollout to everyone.
Smarter Keyword Filters to Block What You Don’t Want
TikTok is also introducing AI-powered Smart Keyword Filters, which let you block specific content by entering keywords or hashtags. For instance, if you’re tired of seeing home renovation videos or workout routines, you can enter those terms, and TikTok will try to keep them out of your feed altogether.
This could be especially useful for avoiding content tied to harmful trends. Just this week, TikTok started removing “SkinnyTok” from its search results in Europe after backlash over its potential to encourage unhealthy behavior. These new filters could give users an added layer of protection by letting them avoid such topics on their own.
More Action Behind the Scenes
In addition to user-facing tools, TikTok is reportedly tightening its content standards. The company says it’s working on tagging certain videos as inappropriate for general audiences, and it may limit how often users are exposed to particular types of content — especially if they could become harmful when watched in large quantities (such as intense fitness challenges).Exactly how these limits are applied isn’t clear yet, but it seems aimed at further reducing exposure to harmful or misleading trends.
A New Guide to the “For You” Feed
TikTok has published a new guide explaining how its algorithm works and how users can influence what they see. The guide outlines how content is recommended and explains the role of settings like topic sliders and keyword filters.Will People Use These Tools?
The updates are well-intentioned and offer more control to users. But realistically, it’s unclear how many people will take the time to adjust their settings. Most users rely on TikTok’s algorithm to deliver what they want — passively, without extra effort. Following accounts, tweaking filters, and adjusting preferences has largely fallen by the wayside as the app learns user behavior automatically.
Still, for those who do want a more curated or safer experience, these tools are now more accessible than ever.
Read next: ChatGPT Expands Memory Features to Free Users, With Limits
