Marketing

TikTok Introduces Footnotes: User-Driven Content Verification

July 31, 2025 Maddy E. No comments yet

What are TikTok Footnotes?

TikTok Footnotes are short, user-generated annotations that appear beneath videos to provide additional context or clarification. This feature allows users to flag AI-generated content, correct misleading claims, and link to reliable sources. By doing so, TikTok aims to foster a more informed and transparent community, where content is not only engaging but also credible.

Who Can Write Footnotes?

Currently, the ability to write Footnotes is limited to approximately 80,000 users based in the U.S. To qualify as a contributor, users must meet specific criteria:
– Reside in the U.S.
– Have an account that is at least six months old
– Maintain a clean record with no recent violations of TikTok’s Community Guidelines

TikTok is open to expanding this pool of contributors, allowing eligible users to apply for participation. Each Footnote must be supported by a credible source, and moderation is achieved through a combination of automation, community reviews, and human oversight.

How Does TikTok Decide Which Footnotes Appear?

The selection of Footnotes is governed by a “bridging algorithm.” When a user like Andrew writes a Footnote, it is reviewed by other approved contributors such as George and Wendy. They assess its helpfulness and accuracy. A Footnote is displayed only when there is a consensus among reviewers from diverse backgrounds that it is beneficial.

As more users contribute and the algorithm becomes more sophisticated, Footnotes will become more prevalent. Viewers also have the ability to rate these Footnotes, and report any that seem inaccurate or biased.

Dual Verification: Community and Fact-Checkers

TikTok’s approach to content verification is not to replace professional fact-checkers with community notes but to use both in tandem. This multi-layered verification system is designed to enhance the platform’s credibility, combining the insights of community contributors with the expertise of professional fact-checkers. This dual approach sets TikTok apart from other platforms like Meta and X, which have different methodologies for content moderation.

Implications for Creators and Social Media Marketers

For creators and marketers, TikTok Footnotes present both opportunities and challenges. While Footnotes do not currently impact reach, they can influence how audiences perceive content. Accurate and well-supported Footnotes can enhance a creator’s credibility, while misleading content may be flagged, potentially affecting brand reputation.

As TikTok continues to face regulatory scrutiny in the U.S., features like Footnotes demonstrate the platform’s commitment to transparency and user trust. Creators and marketers should stay informed about these developments to effectively manage their brand presence on TikTok.

Additional Features and Future Prospects

In addition to Footnotes, TikTok is experimenting with a feature called “Content Check Lite” within TikTok Studio, available on desktop. This tool allows creators to preview their videos for potential guideline violations before publication, offering suggestions for compliance. This proactive approach can help creators ensure their content is suitable for the platform’s guidelines and increase its chances of reaching the “For You” page.

Conclusion

TikTok Footnotes represent a significant step towards enhancing content verification on the platform. By empowering users to contribute to content moderation, TikTok is fostering a more informed and trustworthy community. For creators and marketers, staying abreast of these changes is crucial for maintaining credibility and leveraging TikTok’s vast audience effectively. As the platform continues to evolve, features like Footnotes and Content Check Lite will play a vital role in shaping the future of content creation and consumption on TikTok.

Maddy E.

Expert in Brand Identity and Communication | +10 Years of Experience.