TikTok gets a way to reset algorithm on For You page

Video app TikTok is getting a way to reset the For You page, the most important page in the app. Then the algorithm acts as if the account has just been created. This should get users out of a ‘rabbit hole’ caused by, for example, one-sided videos.

TikTok Refresh

TikTok previously experimented with the option and is now releasing it to all users, parent company ByteDance said. With the option, users erase everything the algorithm has learned about the user’s preferences and the process of training the algorithm begins again. Users see videos that new users also see, especially the most popular videos.

According to ByteDance, the move is necessary as “part of our efforts to protect against repetitive recommendations.” The company also says it seeks a balance between ‘enabling self-expression’ and offering an enjoyable viewing experience.

The algorithm learns by looking at how long users watch videos and what topics users are interested in. This can leave users in a ‘rabbit hole’ where they are mainly shown videos about certain topics. The option will be found in the settings under ‘content preferences’.