The short-form video app is taking its search results more seriously than ever as it tests another feature. At first, TikTok search results showed users snippets from Wikipedia, now it may be adding external Google links as well, which has shown up to select users.
TikTok as a Search Engine
The social media app is on its way to becoming an efficient search engine as it adds more informative features to its search results. When looking into a certain topic, you might be presented with an external link that leads you to a Google search page.
App researcher Radu Oncescu spotted the addition and shared a post on X, although it only shows up to certain users as the company is still testing it in some markets. It serves as a third-party integration in the app, as reported by Tech Crunch.
A TikTok spokesperson has already confirmed the feature, which means that it might become available to other users soon. Google has already acknowledged that the entertainment app has become a competitor as users now turn to it for information.
Google Senior Vice President Prabhakar Raghavan stated that they "keep learning, over and over again, that new internet users don't have the expectations and the mindset that we have become accustomed to."
Raghavan added that almost 40% of young people no longer go to Google Maps or Search when looking for a place to eat for lunch. With that said, Google's decision to collaborate with TikTok is an interesting choice.
TikTok is becoming a more popular search engine since it provides more information than a Google search result can. When you search for a restaurant, the app loads tons of videos where creators share their experiences in the place.
It could just be a way for them to encourage searchers who use TikTok to head to Google instead given that there's already a convenient link to do so, which is different from what Wikipedia aims to do since its purpose is more on providing credible information.
In Addition to Wikipedia Links
TikTok has also added Wikipedia links to search results, which has been more widely rolled out to users than the external Google link feature. However, the Wikipedia snippets only appear when users search for particular topics.
TikTok spokesperson Zachary Kizer already confirmed that the company has partnered with the online encyclopedia site, and unlike Google's external links, users can view the additional information without exiting the app.
The feature appears in between the videos in the search results when you scroll further down. It also offers various links to other related topics, as shown in The Verge. For instance, when you search for a publication, it also offers links to its history, content, products, and more.
This could be the app's way to fight off the rampant misinformation in the app. Despite having tons of reviews and informative videos, TikTok is also the host of countless videos that contain misleading information, which is contributing to the already growing problem.
