TikTok's Algorithm Dilemma: US Version May Retain Chinese Tech Amid Ongoing Negotiations

The US version of TikTok might still use the Chinese algorithm

A potential TikTok deal emerged Monday between the US and China, two days before the Trump administration's latest sell or be banned deadline. Now, attention is shifting to the app's Chinese algorithm, with the Financial Times reporting it will be used in the US version. Wang Jingtao, deputy director of the China's national internet regulator, told reporters that the deal included "licensing the algorithm and other intellectual property rights." The Financial Times further reports that US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said a US version of TikTok would have some "Chinese characteristics" but that American investors would control it. That's a significant turnaround as TikTok's algorithm has been at the heart of many conversations and analysis about the app's presence in the US. Lawmakers have sought to analyze how it operates and pushed for TikTok to be banned or sold in large part to move away from Chinese technology. President Trump holds the power to approve any potential deals. The TikTok turmoil has seen American companies pitch themselves as a solution. In March, Perplexity AI proposed itself as a buyer with the promise to completely rebuild TikTok's algorithm for the US audience. April saw a near agreement occur which would have given Oracle responsibility over the US version's data and a small stake in the company. Oracle's cloud storage has held US users' data since 2022 and the company has conducted reviews of TikTok's algorithm.

TikTok Algorithm Changes Could Transform Your US Feed Experience - Phandroid

Your TikTok experience might change in unexpected ways. Reports suggest any potential US deal could require making drastic changes to TikTok's famous algorithm. The new system would replace the existing ByteDance technology. Nothing has been officially confirmed yet. However, this alleged restructuring could fundamentally alter what American users see on their feeds. The current speculation centers around China licensing its algorithm technology to US operators. Those operators would then rebuild the recommendation system from scratch. This approach differs significantly from simply transferring ownership of existing code. TikTok engineers would essentially reverse engineer the complex system. They would recreate how the app determines which videos appear on your For You page. This matters because TikTok's algorithm makes the app so addictive. The current system analyzes how long you watch videos. It also tracks which sounds you interact with. The system builds an eerily accurate picture of your interests. A recreated algorithm might work differently. It could change the types of content that get promoted. It might also affect how quickly the app learns your preferences. The algorithm situation becomes more interesting when you consider TikTok and Douyin. Both apps already use different systems. Douyin operates under stricter content guidelines. It includes features like mandatory time limits for younger users. If US TikTok gets its own rebuilt algorithm, it could become a third distinct variation. ByteDance has developed impressive AI technology that powers features across its apps. However, the company has faced ongoing pressure from US regulators over data privacy concerns. Recent developments suggest TikTok may have found a path forward to remain operational in America. Whether that involves algorithm changes remains unclear. Users should prepare for a potentially different TikTok experience ahead.