How does TikTok figure you out so well? How does it know that thing you never told anyone?
An insanely powerful algorithm.
We created dozens of automated TikTok accounts that watched thousands of videos to learn more.
Our @WSJ visual investigation: wsj.com/tiktokalgorithm
An insanely powerful algorithm.
We created dozens of automated TikTok accounts that watched thousands of videos to learn more.
Our @WSJ visual investigation: wsj.com/tiktokalgorithm
Some highlights of what we did and some stuff that I haven’t seen reported before:
🔴 The incomparable @rob_barry + @JohnWest designed a system with dozens of automated TikTok accounts. We gave these 🤖s hidden interests. That is, they rewatched videos with certain #s + images.
🔴 The incomparable @rob_barry + @JohnWest designed a system with dozens of automated TikTok accounts. We gave these 🤖s hidden interests. That is, they rewatched videos with certain #s + images.
🔴 From this we learned, you only need to watch videos for the app to figure you out. You don’t have to give it any other info for it to get at your unspoken desires. You don’t need to like, follow, search. It doesn’t need to track you across the web. It just needs you to watch.
🔴 That’s because TikTok serves a wide variety of videos with millions of views in the first few days and then uses what you linger over or rewatch to get you to the stuff that will keep you hooked. wsj.com/tiktokalgorithm
🔴 Yes, those are often called rabbit holes. And niche rabbit holes are one of the best parts of TikTok. Powerwashing Tok? Mom Tok? They're great. But some of those🐰 holes are not so great. One of our bots was served wall-to-wall depression content. wsj.com/tiktokalgorithm
🔴 Look at this hashtag map we put together. In the middle is the mainstream of TikTok. The arms are the rabbit holes. As you go down the arms, the content has less views and can be less moderated. wsj.com/tiktokalgorithm
There’s much more in our visual investigation. Take 13 minutes to watch it: wsj.com/tiktokalgorithm
It was so amazing to collaborate with @rob_barry, @fxmatt4, @georgia_wells, @JohnWest over the last few months. @RobLibetti + @csstewart were the most patient, sharp editors.
It was so amazing to collaborate with @rob_barry, @fxmatt4, @georgia_wells, @JohnWest over the last few months. @RobLibetti + @csstewart were the most patient, sharp editors.
@rob_barry @fxmatt4 @georgia_wells @JohnWest @RobLibetti @csstewart And finally just look at these damn graphics. @JenniTolls did a crazy job of bringing everything to life.
This is a view of some of our bots and the videos they watched. SO MANY THUMBNAILS. SO MUCH METICULOUS WORK from Bill, @fxmatt4 and @editorbae!
This is a view of some of our bots and the videos they watched. SO MANY THUMBNAILS. SO MUCH METICULOUS WORK from Bill, @fxmatt4 and @editorbae!
And if you prefer to train another algorithm as you watch a video about algorithms, we’re live on YouTube here:
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