TikTok is testing a new “Reviews” tab inside the comments section of some videos. As first reported by TechCrunch, the new feature allows users to see star ratings, written reviews, and even photos that others have posted about a place mentioned in the video, all without leaving the app.

The reviews show up in a new tab labeled “Reviews” after you click on the video’s comments. Users can scroll through others’ star ratings, read written reviews, and check out any user-uploaded pictures. Tapping on a reviewer’s name will lead to their TikTok's profile.

TikTok is aiming for Google’s search dominance

With reviews in the comments section, the platform wants to ensure users don’t leave the app to check out what people are saying about a local spot on Google. Instead of watching a video on TikTok and going over to Google Maps to see the reviews, users might just stay on TikTok to gather information.

Social media platforms are aiming to reduce users’ reliance on Google. For instance, Instagram is testing a tool that adds AI-generated search summaries in the comments section. If that feature rolls out, it could turn casual content browsing into a search-friendly experience, much like TikTok is trying to do.

TikTok also wants to challenge Google's search dominance, and this isn’t TikTok’s first attempt at building out its in-app search. In September 2024, it launched “Search Ads Campaigns”, allowing advertisers to place keyword-targeted ads on its search results page. That update gave brands a direct way to target high-intent users already searching for products on TikTok, similar to how they would on Google Search.

In June last year, TikTok also introduced image search functions, which let users upload a photo to find similar products inside TikTok Shop.

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