👁️ TikTok Prompt The Algorithm

Do you ever wish you could tell the algorithm what you want to see more of instead of trying to manipulate it with likes and comments?

In 2025, I want to dive deeper into two specific topics: calisthenics and maximizing credit card reward miles. Consuming content on social media is one of the best ways to learn subtly. Small tidbits of information can accumulate and significantly enhance our understanding when we start putting things together or deciding which to discard.

However, this hasn’t been easy, especially on TikTok. Despite searching for these topics and engaging with relevant posts, the algorithm often reverts to previous content, such as comedy sketches or clips from “The Office” or “How I Met Your Mother.” I rarely encounter content that aligns with my searches. This first-world problem got me thinking.

What If… TikTok introduced a prompt banner encouraging users to specify the content or topics they want to see. With user-initiated requests, the algorithm wouldn’t have to rely solely on behavior. Instead, it could use explicit input to gather and distribute relevant content.

I can see how this might complicate the experience if users make overly specific requests, leading to recycled content they’ve already seen. However, for broader topics like reward miles, personal finance, and healthy eating, this feature could empower users to take control of their content, ultimately increasing engagement with the app.

What do you think? Would you like to prompt the algorithm for a topic of interest? I know I would! Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and follow for more half-baked design ideas.

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