As TikTok continues to evolve, small business owners should take note of its latest feature: Footnotes. Launched after a successful pilot, this new addition allows users to enhance video content with additional context, which can be a game changer for businesses looking to engage with their audience.
Footnotes enable TikTok users to contribute supplementary information to videos, providing essential context that helps viewers understand complex topics or offers more profound insights. “Footnotes bring additional written context to videos,” said Adam Presser, TikTok’s Head of Operations and Trust & Safety. Whether it’s citing research on a health topic or presenting new statistics relevant to your product, Footnotes can enrich the content and make it more informative.
A critical aspect of this feature is that it draws on the collective knowledge of the TikTok community, thereby making it a dynamic tool for learning and interaction. Small business owners could leverage this by creating videos that address industry-specific questions or concerns, encouraging viewers to add their insights or clarify misunderstandings. Imagine posting a video about a new coffee blend where audience members contribute notes about the sourcing process or flavor profiles based on their experiences.
With nearly 80,000 U.S. users qualifying to write and rate Footnotes, the reach and impact of this feature are substantial. To participate, contributors must be in the U.S., maintain an account for at least six months, and adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines. As the community grows, the potential for small businesses to gather useful information and feedback increases.
Interestingly, Footnotes will appear progressively to users based on a bridging-based ranking system that identifies consensus among contributors. This means that the more helpful a footnote is deemed, the more likely it is to become visible to a broader audience. For small business owners, this creates a unique opportunity to initiate discussions, gather customer feedback, and enhance customer relationships directly through the platform.
However, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. Ensuring that the Footnotes feature remains constructive relies heavily on moderation. TikTok will reportedly employ a blend of automated and human moderation to keep the content in line with its Community Guidelines. While this effort aims to prevent misinformation and maintain content quality, it can also lead to a delay between posting and visibility. Initial implementation may see footnotes taking time to become public as users familiarize themselves with the feature.
Additionally, since Footnotes can be reported if users believe they violate community standards, businesses should strategize on how to foster positive contributions from their audience rather than inadvertently inviting criticism. Encouraging constructive feedback can help mitigate negative interactions while promoting a community-driven content experience.
Moreover, TikTok’s commitment to platform integrity reinforces the importance of responsible content sharing. With pre-existing programs aimed at combating misinformation and promoting media literacy, businesses can leverage Footnotes while also contributing to a culture that prioritizes factual accuracy. This is critical for small businesses aspiring to be viewed as trusted authorities in their fields.
In summary, TikTok’s Footnotes feature presents a valuable tool for small business owners seeking to engage their audience in meaningful ways. By utilizing this feature, businesses can enhance their storytelling, build stronger connections with customers, and foster an informed community. As with any new tool, it requires thoughtful implementation and ongoing engagement to reap its full benefits.
For more information, visit the original press release here.
Image Via Envato
