TikTok is testing a new feature to help creators understand why some of their videos may not appear in the For You feed, offering more transparency into its recommendation algorithm. The platform has long been a mystery for creators, with many unsure why certain content goes viral while other posts struggle for visibility.
The company is rolling out a tool called Content Check Lite, currently available on desktop via TikTok Studio. This feature allows creators to preview their videos before posting to see if they meet the criteria for the For You feed. If there are issues, the tool flags them so creators can make adjustments. TikTok is also experimenting with a broader version of this feature that will check content against all community guidelines before it goes live, providing specific feedback on how to fix ineligible posts.
A small group of creators is currently testing the feature, which has already shown promise in reducing low-quality uploads. TikTok previously tested a similar tool for TikTok Shop sellers, resulting in a 27 percent drop in poor-quality posts. The move could help ease concerns among creators who often speculate about shadow bans or unexpected drops in reach.
Adam Presser, TikTok’s head of operations and trust and safety, explained that the goal is to help creators better understand the platform’s rules and grow their audience more effectively. The company plans to gather feedback from the pilot program before expanding the feature further.
In addition to the content check tool, TikTok is introducing new moderation features for creators, including enhanced comment filtering to block specific terms in live streams and posts. The app will also get a dedicated creator inbox to streamline messaging and new chat rooms that allow eligible accounts to host discussions with up to 300 followers.
These updates aim to give creators more control over their content and interactions, making it easier to navigate TikTok’s ever-evolving algorithm. With clearer guidelines and better moderation tools, the platform hopes to foster a more transparent and supportive environment for its user base.
