TikTok is aiming to speed up its moderation process using automated video removals. Find out what content it hopes to catch and how this could impact you here!

The video sharing platform has announced that it will be “advancing [its] approach to user safety.” With the service attracting all kinds, from teen influencers to savvy social media marketers, a fairly robust system for keeping everybody safe is a must.

So far, TikTok has used human power in the form of their US-based Safety Team in order to vet videos. But now, in addition to the team, new technology will be used to automatically remove violative or explicit content upon upload. Categories where the technology has the highest level of accuracy will have the automated video removals applied to them. This includes violations of policies on minor safety, adult nudity and sexual activities, violent and graphic content, and illegal activities and regulated goods.

However, users can appeal a video removal, which will then be reviewed by human eyes for a second opinion.

It is hoped that this change will have a positive impact on those working within the Safety Team. The amount of distressing and violent videos needed to be viewed by people should be dramatically reduced. Whilst having a healthy impact on mental wellbeing, it will also enable the team to spend more time on trickier cases that require more careful consideration. This could include potential cases of bullying and misinformation.

What Do Automated Video Removals Mean for Creators?

As a content creator, automated video removals could mean a couple of changes to your TikTok experience.

Probably the most noticeable change will be the wait time in regards to moderation. Currently, any content uploaded to TikTok passes through technology that flags any potential policy violation, which is then passed onto a moderator. So, if any of your content gets held up during upload, you won’t have long to wait for it be reviewed.

On the other hand, this could result in some videos getting falsely removed. Although TikTok is implementing this automated system on areas with the highest accuracy, mistakes are inevitable.

No exact date has been given for the launching of automated video removals. TikTok have stated it’ll be rolling out the new system in the US and Canada “over the next few weeks”.