TikTok is currently the most popular short video platform in the world. Millions of users visit the service daily and spend many hours simply scrolling through videos.
TikTok content variety is wide, as you can find videos on almost any topic. For instance, there are accounts dedicated solely to entertainment, recipe channels, or even scientific disclosure.
Also, the TikTok video recommendation algorithm based on user tastes is one of the strongest among the multiple similar platforms.
Although other large companies have similar alternatives (like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, etc), TikTok still dominates a segment whose popularity originally exploded with the defunct Vine service.
However, it seems that many users of the service have been experiencing problems with Ads. Apparently, TikTok promoted or sponsored Ads have become excessive and intrusive (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).
TikTok promoted or sponsored Ads being excessive and intrusive
Promoted or sponsored Ads is one of TikTok monetization methods. As the name suggests, the system shows users some videos or channels that have paid ad packages while they scroll.
Until now, the operation of the system was discreet enough not to disturb users. But, it seems that now the TikTok Ads system is more aggressive, causing a lot of inconvenience (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10).
For many users, the current behavior of the TikTok Ads system is ruining the experience. Apparently, Ads are appearing much more frequently than before during scrolling.
The first post I see when I open Tik Tok is now an ad (a long one with a “skip ad” button after a while). There is a sponsored post or ad after every few organic posts. The sponsored posts and ads are often repeated. Tik Tok has adopted the worst aspects of YouTube and Twitter.
Source
Every 4-5 posts on Tik Tok there is an ad. It’s so annoying. Everything is just filled with ads. Every app you open. That’s why I’m taking the Google Ads specialist course on Skillshop. This is ridiculous. Forget my degree.
Source
TikTok for iOS app especially affected
According to reports, the problem is mainly affecting TikTok app for iOS devices.
I saw none on both platforms before but now only see them on iOS
Source
That‘s what i‘ve noticed. Swapped my Android for an iPhone a few weeks ago and I was shocked by the amount of ads while I had not a single one on Android 🤡
Source
There is no official acknowledgment on the issue from TikTok team yet. We will update this story as new events related to the matter arise.
PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.