TikTok considers AI ad avatars

TikTok is exploring the use of AI-generated digital avatars for content creation and advertising purposes. These avatars are designed to serve as narrators with physical movements, facial expressions, and voiceovers, providing advertisers with over 100 different avatars to choose from, varying in appearance, accents, and languages[1][2]. This innovation is part of TikTok's broader integration of AI tools, which began last year when many social platforms started incorporating AI to create or modify assets for paid media ads[1].

The introduction of Digital Avatars on TikTok is seen as a cost-effective way for businesses and content creators to produce content. It offers the potential for early adopters to participate in a beta program in collaboration with House of Marketers, a leading TikTok Marketing Agency[2]. These avatars are not only designed for narrating product demonstrations and explainer videos but also for gameplay and other interactive content, aiming to transform the way stories are told and experiences are shared on the platform[2].

Moreover, TikTok is working on a feature that will allow users to create AI-generated profile pictures. This tool asks users to submit photos and choose from different styles for the AI-made photos, which can then be used as profile pictures or shared on TikTok stories[3][4]. The feature is currently in the early stages of testing and is not widely available, with no set timeline for a broader rollout[4].

The use of AI avatars and profile pictures is part of TikTok's commitment to adding value to the community and enriching the TikTok experience while maintaining a safe and creative environment[3][4]. However, the rise of AI-generated images and avatars has also raised concerns among privacy experts and digital artists, particularly regarding the potential misuse of personal data and the impact on traditional content creation jobs[5][9].

In summary, TikTok is testing and experimenting with AI-generated digital avatars and profile pictures as a new frontier in content creation and user engagement, while also navigating the challenges and implications these technologies bring to the platform's ecosystem and its users' privacy.

Citations:
[1] https://www.lindseygamble.com/blog/tiktok-tests-digital-avatars-realistic-ai-generated-narrators-for-product-demos-and-how-to-ads
[2] https://www.houseofmarketers.com/tiktok-digital-avatars-ai-content/
[3] https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/25/23698394/tiktok-ai-profile-picture-avatar-lensa
[4] https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/26/tech/tiktok-ai-avatars/index.html
[5] https://creatify.ai/features/ai-avatar
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TDIBJF0HU8
[7] https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/interactive/2022/bytedance-tiktok-privacy-china/
[8] https://atelier.net/insights/avatar-privacy-metaverse/
[9] https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/ai-photography-taking-social-media-concerned-privacy-94526042
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNetsec/comments/zluzzy/what_does_tiktok_actually_do_that_is_so_bad/
[11] https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/30/viral-ai-generated-tiktok-star-is-a-hoax-17267784/
[12] https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2021/01/26/why-you-should-stop-tiktok-tracking-your-apple-iphone-or-google-android-phone/?sh=31c7bd0f69de