TikTok users have been left confused this morning by the appearance of a message from ‘TikTok Tako’ in their DMs – that cannot be opened.
The social media platform announced it was developing Tako, an AI-powered chatbot, earlier this year, beta testing the model in the Philippines.
It said the addition is designed to help users discover ‘entertaining and inspiring content’ on the app, which was the most downloaded worldwide last year.
One example given at the time suggested that when watching a video of King Charles’s coronation, Tako could suggest users ask ‘What is the significance of King Charles III’s coronation?’, or ask the bot to suggest videos on a particular topic, such as dance or animals.
However, this morning’s arrival appears a bit of a misfire, with a message that can’t be opened dropping into inboxes seemingly across the globe.
Many users took to X, formerly Twitter, to share the news.
‘Now who the hell is TikTok tako?’ wrote one user.
Another said: ‘Way to go tiktok, randomly dropping an AI chat that we can’t even open/ use. Hooray for tiktok tako!’
Other questioned the need for another AI-powered chatbot on social media.
‘Do we really need another AI chatbot? It’s starting to feel like when platforms started copying stories,’ asked one X user.
Screenshots and video shared in May showed the chatbot featuring prominently on TikTok’s interface as a ghost-shaped icon, which users can tap while watching videos to have text-based conversations and get help finding content.
Today’s message is also accompanied by a ghost avatar.
Documents filed with the US patent and trademark office in April showed TikTok had submitted a trademark application for ‘TikTok Tako’ in categories including ‘computer software for the artificial production of human speech and text’.
Speaking to TechCrunch at the time, a TikTok spokesperson said: ‘Being at the forefront of innovation is core to building the TikTok experience, and we’re always exploring new technologies that add value to our community.
‘In select markets, we’re testing new ways to power search and discovery on TikTok, and we look forward to learning from our community as we continue to create a safe place that entertains, inspires creativity and drives culture.’
Metro.co.uk has contact TikTok for comment regarding today’s message.
The development of an AI-powered chatbot follows in the footsteps of Snapchat, which released My AI to its app in April.
On its website, Snapchat writes: ‘My AI can answer a burning trivia question, offer advice on the perfect gift for your BFF’s birthday, help plan a hiking trip for a long weekend or suggest what to make for dinner.’
However, safety concerns were raised shortly after its release and the Information Commisioner’s Office ins investigating the app after finding it ‘may have failed to properly assess privacy risks to children from its artificial intelligence chatbot’.
MORE : TikTokers can’t get over this doctor’s unusual breakfast
MORE : Reddit users be warned – ChatGPT knows how much money you make
Get your need-to-know
latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
