TikTok is taking its search capabilities to new heights by introducing a feature that displays reviews for specific places right within the comments section of a video. This intriguing update is currently in a testing phase and aims to streamline the user experience by eliminating the need to jump to another platform, such as Google, for more information about a location mentioned in a TikTok video.
For those who have access to this feature, the comments section will now include a “Reviews” tab, located to the right. Imagine watching a video of Central Park, and with the location tagged, you’re immediately presented with star ratings, written reviews, and even user-uploaded photos of the park.
This interactive addition uniquely allows users to navigate directly to a reviewer’s TikTok profile, setting it apart from TikTok’s previous Google Maps partnership which was identified by a map icon.
While some users may welcome this new feature as a handy addition, others might feel it clutters their viewing experience, making it a topic of mixed opinions.
TikTok’s move is a strategic push to expand its search capabilities, directly competing with Google, especially after reports in 2022 suggested that TikTok was beginning to encroach on Google’s core areas like Search and Maps for younger audiences. TikTok’s rising influence is evident as it has not only become a go-to place for location searches among Gen Z but has also enhanced its platform with image search capabilities. This feature, introduced last year, allows users to find similar products within TikTok Shop by taking or uploading a photo.
In addition, TikTok ventured into advertising by launching “TikTok Search Ads Campaigns” in September 2024, allowing brands to place ads directly in search results through a keyword-based strategy.
As of now, it’s uncertain whether TikTok will expand the availability of the reviews tab, as the company has yet to comment on its wider rollout plans. Initial tests reveal that only select videos with a tagged location feature this option, leaving users eager to see where TikTok takes this experiment next.
