No social media platform is immune to the AI revolution, and TikTok is no exception. The platform is launching new AI-generated avatars tailored for content creators. These innovative tools expand on the Symphony generative AI ad suite TikTok introduced the previous month.
With the Symphony Digital Avatars, TikTok creators and brands can develop customizable avatars that utilize Symphony AI language dubbing for seamless global translation.
“At TikTok, we aim to empower creators and amplify their creativity on a global scale with generative AI,” stated Andy Yang, head of creative product at TikTok. “Symphony Digital Avatars open up new opportunities for creators to collaborate with brands worldwide. We are committed to nurturing the creator economy by investing in creative solutions that inspire joy, imagination, and action.”
Creators will have access to two types of Digital Avatars. The first option, Stock Avatars, features pre-designed avatars using licensed paid actors for commercial use. These avatars are available in various backgrounds, nationalities, and in over 30 languages. The second option is custom avatars, allowing creators to use their likeness to develop a multilingual avatar that reflects their brand identity.
This feature presents an intriguing accessibility opportunity, enabling international TikToks to reach a broader audience. For instance, creators who primarily speak English could tap into markets like China, and vice versa. Ultimately, this could significantly enhance the diversity of content on the platform.
However, the introduction of Digital Avatars also raises concerns about potential misuse. Instances of AI-generated revenge porn have already become prevalent, so TikTok must implement robust content moderation policies and oversight to mitigate these risks—an area where it has faced challenges in the past.
Moreover, there is the question of how this integration of AI affects the connection between creators and their audiences. As AI takes over many aspects of content creation, the authentic personal touch that once characterized creator-audience interactions may dwindle. Nevertheless, the AI trend shows no signs of slowing down, and TikTok is poised to feature a plethora of AI-generated digital avatars soon. We can also expect similar developments in competing platforms like Snapchat, Instagram Reels, and others.