New TikTok Community Guidelines Are Coming
TikTok is about to drop a fresh batch of rules on its Community Guidelines, the playbook that tells creators and users what’s allowed on the platform and how the For You feed decides what to show. The update mainly does a quick rewrite for readability, but a few things stand out: the focus on marketplace, sharper personalization, and a tweak in the deal with AI‑generated content.
When Will These Rules Take Effect?
Starting September 13, 2025, the new guidelines will roll out. The changes aren’t as dramatic as a blockbuster reboot – it’s more like a “get the same game with a cleaner box” situation.
The Live Stream Section Gets a Dose of Extra Drama
- Creator responsibility on Live. TikTok reminds streamers that they’re in charge of everything that happens during their broadcast, even if they’re using cool third‑party tools like real‑time translations or voice‑to‑text that read comments out loud.
- Watch those tools. If a tool’s translating or reading back comments, make sure it’s not slipping past the rules. TikTok wants creators to keep tabs on what their external apps are doing.
- New rules for sponsored content. If you’re promoting a product, you’ve got to call it out. TikTok wants transparency on every commercial shout‑out.
- Off‑platform sales get lower visibility. Content that directs viewers to buy stuff outside of TikTok Shop—especially in markets where the shop is active—will get a hit in the algorithm’s favors.
What About AI‑Generated Videos?
There’s a minor tweak in the AI realm: the platform has loosened some restrictions on certain types of AI‑created content. The goal? Let creators experiment while staying within the safety net.
Why This Update Matters
Across the world, social media is under the microscope from laws like the UK’s Online Safety Act, the EU’s Digital Services Act, and the US’s TAKE IT DOWN Act. These rules push brands and platforms to tighten things up. TikTok’s latest guidelines are a straight‑forward response to those regulatory pushes, with a sprinkle of new content‑specific clarifications.
Keeping Tabs: The TechCrunch Connection
Just yesterday, Bluesky rolled out an update, a reminder that the digital landscape is in constant flux. TikTok’s changes echo this same trend—policy updates are happening in real time.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
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Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
TikTok’s New Rules: Personalised Search, Comments, and a Cleaner AI Policy
The biggest update from the platform noone expected is that everything you see on TikTok is now custom‑made for you. That includes not just the recommendations in the For You feed, but the search results and even comments that pop up.
Personalised Search In A Nutshell
- When you type in a query, TikTok pulls in data from your previous searches and what you’ve watched to surface the most relevant results.
- That means two people searching for “pasta” could get entirely different videos in the results.
Comments That Suit Your Taste
Did you know TikTok now sorts the comment section based on signals like:
- Past replies you’ve made
- Likes you’ve received on your own comments
- The number of reports that other users have filed against certain comments
In short, the comment thread feels as personal as the feed. Someone who loves cheesy jokes will see that flavor more often.
AI‑Generated Content Gets a Tightening Grip
The platform has trimmed the blog‑style jargon that used to describe prohibitions on deepfakes. Instead of a long list of weirdly worded restrictions, TikTok now says:
- You can’t post content that is “misleading about matters of public importance or harmful to individuals.”
- That covers everything from fake news about elections to disturbing depictions with no real intent to joke.
And guess what? The line about “AI‑endorsed content” disappeared. A subtle hint that TikTok might, in the future, allow real‑life celebrities to put their stamp on AI‑generated videos. Stay tuned!
The For You Feed Rules? All Over the Place
Once a tidy list, The FAQs section on what is not eligible for the For You feed has now been scattered through the entire guidelines. With that, the old handy checklist is gone—making it a bit of a puzzle to figure out what doesn’t qualify.
New Reasoning for Moderation
Earlier, they said moderation keeps the platform “safe, trustworthy, and vibrant.” The new phrasing has shifted to “safe, fun, and creative for everyone.” Looks like “trustworthy” fell out of the lineup. Maybe they’re looking for a less formal vibe!
All in all, TikTok’s revamped guidelines steer the platform toward a more personal, safer, and slightly lighter-ish user experience—while tightening up the AI content rules and scattering the rulebook for a bit more mystery. Enjoy the new, more tailored feed—just keep an eye on those deepfakes!