TikTok is testing a new “watch history” feature with some users to allow them to find videos that appeared on the “For You” page and didn’t have a chance to save. Given the constant stream of content on TikTok, accidentally refreshing the “For You” page and missing a video before you have a chance to “like” it is a common problem for users. It seems that TikTok is trying to solve this problem with the potential addition of this new feature.
See also: TikTok algorithm directs users to fake news about the war in Ukraine
When asked if the company plans to expand the test and make the feature available to more users, TikTok told TechCrunch that it has nothing more to share at this time.
“We’re always thinking of new ways to provide value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience,” a TikTok spokesperson told TechCrunch.
See also: TikTok expands Stories pilot feature
Twitter user Hammod Oh, who often reveals features currently being tested by social media platforms, first spotted the feature, which was then flagged by social media consultant Matt Navarra. Screenshots posted by Hammod Oh and other users indicate that a TikTok user’s watch history will be accessible in the “content and activity” section of the app’s settings.
The test comes as some TikTok users have come up with solutions to help find lost videos. Earlier this year, TikTok user “rachforaday” posted a video that walks users through the process of uncovering a lost video on the platform. The video instructs users to go to the Discover page, click on search, enter a star, go to the search filters tab, and toggle the “watched videos” button. Once you click on the app, you’ll get a list of videos you’ve watched in the last seven days. The video has been viewed more than 32 million times and has more than 5.5 million likes.
This method isn't the only way users have uncovered lost TikTok videos. Another solution walks users through the process of downloading their entire data from the app, showing their "video browsing history."
See also: Netflix and TikTok withdraw from Russia
TikTok's watch history feature will make the process of finding lost videos much simpler than the methods above.
Information source: techcrunch.com
