TikTok has launched a new “Nearby” feed that displays local content tailored to users’ immediate surroundings, giving people an easier way to explore events, businesses, and activities near them. The rollout began Thursday and is currently available in the U.K., France, Italy, and Germany.
The company says the feature is designed to “help users discover what’s happening around them,” whether that means finding a new restaurant, a cultural spot, or an interesting place to visit during a trip. TikTok previously tested the feature with select users in Southeast Asia back in 2022.
According to TikTok, posts shown in the Nearby feed are determined by location, content type, and when the post was uploaded, making it easier for users to see local videos related to travel, events, food and drink, and other interests. Creators who tag a location or service may have their public posts surfaced to people in the same region.
The company emphasises that location sharing is optional and limited to users aged 18 and above. If enabled, TikTok may use a device’s GPS data while the app is open to provide more accurate recommendations. iOS users will see a visible indicator whenever their location is being accessed.
Content appearing in the Nearby feed excludes posts from under-18 creators, private accounts, or videos set to “Friends” or “Only You.”
For travellers or users planning a trip, TikTok says the location displayed in the feed can be manually changed to view posts from different areas.
TikTok notes that the introduction of the Nearby feed also supports local economies by increasing visibility for small businesses and cultural institutions. The company claims that 46% of U.K. TikTok users have visited a local shop, restaurant, or attraction after seeing it on the platform.
The Nearby feed can be accessed directly from the main home screen, although the tab will reflect a user’s current location rather than displaying the word “Nearby.”
For now, TikTok has not announced when the feature will expand to more regions.
