TikTok has started rolling out a new feature called “Manage Topics” to users around the world, offering more direct control over what shows up in the platform’s For You feed. Previously piloted in the U.S., the feature now allows global users to influence the frequency of content tied to specific interests, without relying entirely on passive algorithm signals.
With Manage Topics, users can adjust how often they see videos tied to categories such as travel, health and fitness, food, dance, and creative arts. The goal is to provide more user-driven customization of the content feed while still preserving TikTok’s algorithmic discovery engine. Modifying a topic’s frequency won’t eliminate that content altogether, but it will gradually change how often it appears.
This added level of customization arrives alongside the platform’s evolving content controls, including the new Smart Keyword Filtering feature. Powered by AI, this tool enhances existing keyword filters by catching related terms, synonyms, and context from captions and hashtags—making it more effective for those looking to avoid specific content types. Users can further refine what they see by choosing which AI-suggested keywords to include or exclude from their feed.
TikTok still offers familiar tools for shaping the For You feed, such as liking or skipping videos, following specific creators, and using Restricted Mode. Users can also mute individual accounts or use keyword-based filters manually.
To access the Manage Topics feature, go to Settings > Content preferences > Manage Topics, or use the in-app shortcut by tapping “Share” on a video, selecting Why this video, and choosing Adjust your For You > Manage Topics. From there, you’ll see a list of content topics, each with adjustable sliders that allow you to indicate if you’d prefer to see more or less of that category. Descriptions of each topic are available before confirming changes with the Save button.
By offering more transparent and granular control, TikTok is trying to strike a balance between personalized discovery and user agency—an ongoing challenge in algorithm-driven social media platforms. As concerns about digital wellbeing and content moderation persist, tools like Manage Topics may become increasingly important for users looking to regain control over their online experience.
