TikTok Adds Keyword Management Tool for Video Metadata

TikTok has introduced a new feature that allows creators to manage keywords attached to their videos, giving them more control over how content is discovered through searches within the app.

The update enables creators to review keywords that TikTok automatically assigns based on popular search terms. Users can now block specific keywords from being used for matching or suggest additional relevant terms that better align with the video’s content. A screenshot shared by app researcher Jonah Manzano on Threads shows the interface with options to manage these keywords.

According to TikTok, the keywords are generated automatically to connect posts with relevant searches. Creators can adjust them at any time, though the platform retains final oversight. This means suggested keywords must still be deemed relevant by TikTok’s system, preventing users from adding unrelated or misleading terms.

The feature provides creators with a direct way to influence algorithmic matching. By refining keywords, creators may improve the chances of their content reaching the intended audience and reduce mismatches caused by automated detection. It could also help avoid showing videos to irrelevant users, potentially improving engagement metrics.

This manual input option addresses a common frustration with fully automated systems, where algorithmic errors sometimes push content to the wrong viewers. However, there are potential downsides: incorrectly blocking keywords could unintentionally restrict a video’s visibility. While TikTok’s algorithms are expected to handle most matching effectively, the new keyword management feature gives users an additional layer of input to fine-tune how their videos appear in search results.