TikTok unveils new AI chatbot 'Genie' in development

TikTok is gearing up to introduce its AI chatbot, "Genie," to Western users, according to a recent US filing. Semafor reported that TikTok has sought to trademark "Genie" for a chatbot that will enable users to ask questions in-stream and receive immediate responses, among other functions.

“In May in the US, the viral video app filed to trademark the name ‘Genie’ for an AI chatbot software that will, among other functions, simulate conversations, facilitate interaction and communication between humans and AI, and produce human-like speech and text,” Semafor stated.

This move aims to make TikTok a central hub for AI functionalities, connecting users to different elements of the app. TikTok has been developing its AI chatbot for some time, with users in the Philippines accessing its "Tako" chatbot tool last year. However, Tako primarily guides users to other videos within the app, rather than answering complex queries.

The new chatbot promises to be more robust, integrating various AI elements into one stream. This includes TikTok's generative AI search function, now available in Douyin, the Chinese version of the app, which enhances discovery both inside and outside the app.

TikTok's updated chatbot will likely incorporate this expanded search functionality and other evolving AI features, such as building virtual humans that can live-stream within the app. Another potential feature, as indicated by Semafor, could be TikTok's "StreamVoice" system, which can simulate a person’s voice from just a few utterances. Additionally, TikTok is developing AI music generation processes and text-to-video creation tools, which could also be integrated into the expanded chatbot offering.

While Meta has rolled out its AI chatbot across all its apps, TikTok appears to be focusing on functional discovery, making it easier for users to access its various tools rather than generating text summaries. This approach could provide more practical value for TikTok users, enhancing their overall experience on the platform.