TikTok to Bring Ads on Search Results—Is There a Way to Turn it Off?

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 23 August 2023, 12:08 am

The latest development on TikTok is changing the way people look for something in the app, with the company adding ads to its search results that would give everyone branded or sponsored content. For the longest time, different companies have integrated ads in their search results, and it has seen a trove of massive complaints from the public as it disrupts their exploration of the app.

Search result ads have become more frequent on different platforms like Meta, Google, Apple, and more, and while some give helpful ads, others consider it a breach of privacy as ads are personalized.

TikTok to Integrate Ads on its Search Results

(Photo : Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

According to TikTok's latest announcement, the app is adding a new experience for search results, centering on ads appearing on every search that a user does on the platform. The company calls this the "Search Ads Toggle" which brings a partnership with specific brands and companies that join the program to bring their products or services available on every TikTok search.

"The Search Ads Toggle leverages advertisers' existing In-Feed Ad creative to serve ads alongside organic search results from relevant user queries," said TikTok.

This latest addition centers on bringing more power to brands that are making their presence known on social media. "With the Search Ads Toggle, brands can extend the reach of their campaigns to high-intent users who are seeking information relevant to their business, driving incremental engagement and revenue potential."

Is There a Way to Turn this Ads Off?

The Search Results' ads would be displayed with a "Sponsored" label that will clearly distinguish that it was inserted into their search, and not the specific thing people are looking for on the platform.

The Search Ads Toggle is not available for users or the audience to turn on or off in their search results. However, advertisers have the power to do that on the platform to opt out of getting placements in the app.

TikTok's App and Development

One of the most popular social media platforms in the world took the reigns when it became the top destination for different generations to look for information, socialize, and get into what is trending and hype in the present. What is more iconic with TikTok is how it presents multimedia content on the platform, giving people either long-form or short-form videos, as well as photos and music.

The company has let AI in, and it does not restrict content made with the machine or include AI-generated content when uploading to the platform, only requiring that creators declare this when publishing.

Still, TikTok is facing massive controversy with its data collection and other aspects, with different states and cities enforcing the app's ban on government devices.

TikTok's operations have been one of the rapidly growing ones in the modern age, and it has shown its massive reach in the world, with many features added to the app. This new addition, ads on search results, may see a mixed reaction from the public, especially as it promises to bring tailored content to one's exploration on the app, but may also be subject to data privacy problems yet again.