TLDRs:
Contents
- TikTok updates rules requiring creators to disclose ads and follow AI content standards globally.
- Personalized feeds and comment sorting now reflect user history and engagement metrics.
- Off-platform product links may see reduced visibility in regions with TikTok Shop.
- New rules aim to balance user safety, creativity, and regulatory compliance internationally.
TikTok is set to roll out updated Community Guidelines on September 13, with a focus on clarifying rules around commercial content, personalization, and AI-generated material.
Under the new framework, creators must disclose commercial posts, ensuring transparency in sponsorships and advertisements. Posts that direct users to purchase products outside TikTok Shop may face reduced visibility in markets where the platform’s shopping infrastructure is active.
The update also places responsibility on creators for any third-party tools used during live sessions, such as translation services or voice-to-text applications. TikTok emphasizes that these tools must comply with its rules to maintain platform integrity.
Personalized Feeds and Comment Sorting
TikTok’s update introduces further clarity on content personalization. Search results and recommendations will be tailored to individual users, while comment sections will be sorted based on previous interactions, likes, and replies.
This adjustment ensures each user experiences a unique and curated feed, reflecting their engagement history.
The platform stated that its aim is to maintain a “safe, fun, and creative place for everyone,” simplifying content moderation language to make guidelines more accessible.
Commercial Strategy Shifts
The timing of these changes coincides with TikTok’s broader push into e-commerce. By limiting visibility for posts promoting off-platform sales, TikTok is prioritizing its own commerce ecosystem over external monetization avenues.
This algorithmic shift directly impacts creators who previously directed followers to external stores, potentially reducing their reach unless they migrate to TikTok Shop. The change aligns with strategies used by platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which also favor native commerce over external links.
For creators, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Aligning with TikTok Shop can increase discoverability and potential revenue, but transitioning existing audiences may require significant adjustments in content and business strategy.
Regulatory Compliance Drives Updates
TikTok explicitly cites global regulatory pressures as a major driver behind its updated guidelines. The company mentions compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act, EU’s Digital Services Act, and US TAKE IT DOWN Act, highlighting the increasing complexity platforms face in navigating international regulations.
Since 2023, TikTok has iteratively refined its AI content policies, introducing requirements for labeling synthetic media.
The ongoing updates reflect a move from reactive moderation toward proactive compliance frameworks, aiming to satisfy regulators while maintaining a creative and engaging platform for users.
That said, TikTok’s September 13 update underscores the company’s commitment to safety, transparency, and commerce-first strategies. For creators and users alike, understanding these changes will be essential in navigating the platform’s evolving ecosystem.
