As Tiktok continues to build search experiences, social networks are surfaced with reviews of specific locations within the video's comments tab. The new feature that looks like a test eliminates the need to conduct a new search or open Google when you encounter a Tiktok location and want to know more about it.
Tiktok users who have access to this new feature will click to view the video's comments and then a new “Reviews” tab will appear on the right.
For example, if the creator comes across a video in Central Park in New York City where the location is tagged, you can see the location, written reviews, and the user's star rating for the uploaded photos.
Image credit: TechCrunch/Screenshots
You can also click on the reviewer's username to access your Tiktok profile from this section to distinguish this feature from the previous Google Maps integration specified by the Google Maps icon.
While the new feature may be a welcome addition to some, others may think it will congested the user experience when viewing content.
The move is the latest way Tiktok is trying to expand its search ambitions to tackle Google.
In 2022, Google executives suggested that Tiktok is eating core services, searches and maps, especially for younger users. Fast forward to today, Tiktok is challenging Google's advantage in several areas.
In addition to being the top stop for location searches between Gen Z, Tiktok last year added an image search feature that allows users to take or upload photos to find similar products in the Tiktok shop.
In September 2024, Tiktok also enabled advertisers to target search results pages through Tiktok Search Ads Campaigns, a keyword-based search solution designed to display brand ads in search results.
It is unclear whether Tiktok plans to expand its review tab more widely as Tiktok refused to provide comments prior to its publication. However, in TechCrunch testing, we found that only videos with tagged locations showcase the feature.