TikTok is giving its 1.5 billion users around the world even more control over their time on the app – with a suite of new features designed to help you “control your scroll” and look after your wellbeing while you’re at it.
Rolling out now, the update includes new tools to manage what kind of content shows up in your For You feed, as well as an in-app guided meditation feature designed to help users wind down from 10pm. And in a move that goes beyond the screen, TikTok is also donating $375,000 USD (about $575,000 AUD) to leading mental health organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
What’s new in your feed
First up, is Manage Topics, which gives users the ability to “dial up or dial down” how much they want to see of a certain topic. So, whether you’re over endless outfit hauls or trying to watch fewer fitness trends, you can now subtly steer your For You page without having to hit the full block button. It’s not about banning a subject altogether, but about influencing how often TikTok recommends it – helping your feed grow and evolve with your interests.
Then there’s Smart Keyword Filtering, a tool that lets you list out words or phrases you’d prefer not to see. It’s like a personalised mute button. But, smarter. TikTok’s new technology will now also detect similar slang, synonyms and variations to help keep that content out of your feed entirely.
And, for those of us who scroll right up until we’re falling asleep (guilty), TikTok is introducing a new Sleep Hours Meditation tool. Available to all users, regardless of age, the feature offers guided wind-down sessions from 10pm, right in the app.
A mental health mission … on and off the app
Alongside these new features, TikTok is putting its money where its mouth is, donating $375,000 USD to six top mental health organisations across Australia and New Zealand.
Each organisation will receive funding as well as $75,000 USD in TikTok advertising credits to boost positive, informative, and engaging mental health content across the platform.
The aim is to empower trusted voices in the mental health space to cut through the noise and speak directly to the TikTok community in a way that actually resonates.
A safer, more supportive TikTok
These announcements are part of TikTok’s broader push to build a safer and more supportive digital space. Especially for younger users and families.
From Family Pairing features and screen time limits, to community guidelines and this latest crop of wellbeing tools, TikTok says it’s committed to giving people more ways to shape a healthier online experience.
So, whether you’re aiming to clean up your feed, get better sleep, or just want a bit more control over your late-night scroll, TikTok’s new features are here to help you swipe a little smarter.
And, with a solid show of support for mental health organisations working on the ground, it’s a reminder that your feed might be digital – but the impact can be very real.
