TikTok Expands Local Discovery With New GPS-Based Feed Feature

TikTok has officially introduced a new feature in the United States called the “Local Feed,” expanding how users discover nearby content. The tool appears as a dedicated tab on the app’s home screen and relies on a user’s precise GPS location to recommend videos and posts created in their surrounding area. The rollout follows updates to TikTok’s terms of service that allow the platform to use more accurate location data to personalize recommendations.

The Local Feed is designed to highlight nearby businesses, attractions, and activities. Users may see content related to restaurants, retail stores, museums, local events, and other points of interest close to where they are. Although the feature uses precise location information, it is disabled by default and must be manually activated within the app’s settings by those who want to use it. However, TikTok notes that the app may still collect precise location data even if the Local Feed itself is not turned on.

Importantly, the Local Feed does not display personal information about nearby individuals or neighbors. Instead, its focus remains on commercial and public-facing content, including shopping suggestions, food recommendations, and promotional posts from local businesses or creators.

From a business perspective, the feature aligns with TikTok’s broader strategy to strengthen relationships with small companies, advertisers, and local creators. According to the company, approximately 7.5 million businesses in the United States currently use the platform to reach audiences.

The introduction of a feed based on precise location has also sparked discussions about privacy and data collection practices; despite these concerns, TikTok is expected to continue expanding the feature internationally, building on earlier launches in European markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany.

Filed in Cellphones. Read more about Social Media and Tiktok.