ByteDance, the visionary force behind TikTok, is making significant strides in the realm of AI, potentially positioning TikTok ahead in AI usage and reshaping user behaviors. Unlike other social apps struggling to find valuable use cases for generative AI, TikTok takes a strategic approach by introducing features that drive real engagement.
The latest experiment by ByteDance, named "StreamVoice," introduces an AI model capable of replicating any person's voice with remarkable accuracy based on minimal input. While this raises concerns about potential misuse and deceptive behavior, it aligns with Meta's development of "AudioBox" for accessible audio creation, hinting at broader creative expression opportunities.
TikTok's evolving AI toolkit already includes generative AI profile images, contextual search improvements, AI music generation in-stream, and ongoing tests of text-to-video creation tools and AI chatbots. A standout feature is TikTok's automated shopping experience, where the app identifies objects in videos, prompting viewers to explore similar items on TikTok Shop.
The incorporation of smarter AI into TikTok's shopping feature enhances its value by showcasing more products tailored to user preferences. As a key discovery tool for many young users, TikTok strategically integrates AI in a complementary way to enhance its core use case, setting it apart from platforms struggling to incorporate AI seamlessly. The journey ahead will reveal how TikTok's continued integration of AI functions guides new usage behaviors within the app.
