While I used to delight in my daily perusal of the harmful impact of TikTok Live, a recent inundation of Live videos suggested on my feed has marred the app’s appeal for me.
These are just a few reasons why this type of content is detracting from what was once an enjoyable experience.
I often See them in my Feed
Initially, my TikTok feed was devoid of any Live videos. Though the frequent ads persisted, I found solace in the seamless scrolling experience. However, as August 2024 neared its end, a sudden influx of Live videos disrupted an otherwise delightful browsing session on TikTok.
In an effort to curtail excessive social media use, I allocate just 15 minutes daily on TikTok. However, my experience is often marred by the inundation of live videos which detract from my enjoyment.
Despite scrolling past them hastily as a deterrent for future instances, they persistently reappear in my feed – particularly during midday hours.
Unless TikTok’s algorithm comprehends the issue promptly, my engagement with the application could cease entirely.
It is impossible to exclude them
You can use keywords to omit specific content on TikTok, eliminating any videos with that keyword from your feed. However, Live videos cannot be filtered out as they are a distinct category of content and not merely a word present in the title or description.
I would enhance my TikTok FYP by using a feature that allows me to exclude specific types of content such as reposts and Live videos if TikTok provided it.
They have no relevance
Apart from location, I am uncertain about the factors that TikTok takes into consideration when suggesting Live videos to you.
The ones recommended to me are based in South Africa and aren’t particularly relevant. My feed is abundant with amusing songs, animal-related content along with sporadic posts on technological advancements.
However, Live videos have strangely prompted me to receive suggestions for tarot readings, astrology readings, car auctions, vlogs from unfamiliar individuals and numerous other forms of content that I would never deliberately engage with.
If the TikTok Live feature displayed a live feed of animals at a rescue center or captured real-time footage from tech events, it would be far more appealing. Unfortunately, as I browse through my FYP (For You Page), what often pops up are disruptive ads and subpar Live videos that detract from the content I truly desire to view.
Conclusion
The only solution to reduce the videos appearing is swiping past them quickly.
However, when I took screenshots for this article and swiftly moved on from a video, it actually caused an increase in Live videos suggested to me over the following days.
For the next several days, I intend to diligently skip Live videos with the expectation that it will enhance my feed.
However, if TikTok continues forcing me irrelevant and subpar content, then I might need a break from using this app.
