TikTok Launches Opt-In Precise Location Feed in the U.S.

TikTok has introduced a new “Local Feed” feature in the United States, announced February 11, 2026, that surfaces content related to nearby travel, news, events, shopping, and dining based on the user’s current location. The feed is opt-in and requires users to grant permission for precise location access, which is set to “off” by default.

The feature, already available in select European markets including the U.K., France, Italy, and Germany since December 2025, prioritizes recency alongside location and topic relevance. It is restricted to users aged 18 and older and collects location data only while the app is actively in use. On first access, users receive a prompt to allow location sharing (once, while using the app, or never), consistent with standard mobile OS permissions.

TikTok stated: “This approach is consistent with how many modern apps use location today and gives people the choice to enable it when they want more relevant, local experiences, while keeping them in control.”

The launch follows a January 2026 update to TikTok’s U.S. terms of service under the new TikTok USDS joint venture structure (involving Oracle, Silver Lake, MGX, and others, with ByteDance retaining a minority stake). The policy change added precise GPS tracking, initially sparking user concern over privacy. TikTok now ties this capability directly to powering the Local Feed, aiming to connect users with community-relevant content and drive real-world foot traffic to small businesses.