TikTok has launched a Nearby Feed feature in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany to display local content such as nearby restaurants and travel spots. The feature enables users to discover events, food and drink options, and services based on their location and engagement patterns.
The Nearby Feed first appeared in testing during 2022, when TikTok provided access to select users in Southeast Asia. This initial rollout allowed the company to refine the functionality before broader implementation in European markets.
Posts within the Nearby Feed appear to users according to specific criteria. TikTok explained, “Posts in the Nearby Feed are shown to people based on location, the topic of the content, and when the content was posted.” This selection process ensures that relevant material surfaces promptly after creation.
For instance, individuals can view content tied to travel, events, food and drink, and various services that align with their interests and past interactions on the platform. Creators benefit as their public posts become visible to audiences in the city or region where the content was posted or where a specific location or service was tagged. Such exposure connects local producers directly with nearby viewers.
Participation in location sharing remains voluntary and restricted to users aged 18 years or older. Once activated, the setting permits TikTok to access the device’s GPS-based location data solely while the application operates. This approach delivers precise, location-specific recommendations without constant monitoring.
On iOS devices, users encounter a clear visual indicator whenever the app requests or utilizes their location information. TikTok maintains that it collects and processes such data in full compliance with applicable local regulations, safeguarding user privacy through established legal frameworks.
Certain content restrictions apply to maintain safety and privacy. Material from users under 18 years old does not feature in the Nearby Feed. Similarly, posts from private accounts or those configured for visibility to Friends or Only You remain excluded from this section.
Users seeking content from alternative areas can adjust their location directly within the app. By selecting the displayed location name and following the prompted steps, they update the view to reflect a different place. This capability proves practical for travelers exploring new destinations or individuals conducting preliminary research for upcoming journeys.
The Nearby Feed extends support to local economies by enhancing visibility for small businesses, cultural institutions, and regional creators. TikTok stated in its blog post that the feature fosters discovery, increases foot traffic to physical sites, and promotes real-world interactions stemming from online views.
Data from the United Kingdom illustrates this impact: 46 percent of TikTok users there have visited a local shop, restaurant, or attraction after encountering it on the platform. Such visits demonstrate how digital exposure translates into tangible community engagement.
This addition builds upon TikTok’s established recommendation algorithm, which already personalizes content delivery. The Nearby Feed introduces a layer of geographic relevance, allowing the platform to present material that matches both user preferences and immediate surroundings more effectively.
Access to the Nearby Feed occurs straight from the TikTok home screen. Rather than labeling the tab as “Nearby,” it displays the name of the user’s current location, providing an intuitive entry point tailored to the immediate environment.
TikTok has not disclosed plans regarding expansion of the Nearby Feed to other regions, leaving the timeline for potential further rollouts undetermined.
