June 4, 2025 – TikTok unveiled its “AI-Powered Smart Keyword Filter” yesterday, leveraging artificial intelligence to assist users in more effectively curating the content they see on their “For You” page.
While TikTok had previously offered a keyword filtering feature that allowed users to block content associated with specific terms, the new “Smart Filter” takes content blocking to the next level by integrating AI analysis. This advanced technology can automatically detect and block content containing similar terms or synonyms, providing a more comprehensive shield against unwanted material.
The tool will display related keywords identified by the system. For instance, if a user opts to block “remodeling,” the system will also automatically exclude “renovation” and its plural form “renovations,” which carry similar meanings related to refurbishment or overhaul. TikTok has hinted that in the future, users will have the flexibility to manually select or deselect certain keywords for inclusion in the filter.
In addition to the AI-enhanced filtering, TikTok has increased the maximum number of keywords users can block from 100 to 200. The platform has also streamlined the process of adding keywords in bulk, enhancing user efficiency.
TikTok anticipates that as more users engage with the “Smart Filter,” the system will become increasingly accurate in tailoring content recommendations to individual preferences.
According to TechCrunch, another feature rolled out concurrently is “Manage Topics,” which was initially piloted in the United States in August 2024 and is now available globally. This feature empowers users to customize the intensity of recommendations for specific content categories, such as sports, travel, humor, current events, dance, and food.
Users can access this functionality by navigating to “Settings,” then “Content Preferences,” and finally “Manage Topics.” Here, they can use sliders to adjust the proportion of content they wish to see from each category, allowing for a highly personalized “For You” page.
Furthermore, TikTok has introduced a new user guide designed to help users better understand and configure their content recommendation settings, ensuring a more tailored and enjoyable experience on the platform.
