TikTok is stepping up its efforts to improve its search tools by introducing a new feature that lets you see reviews directly in the comments section of videos. This update is still being tested, but it could change how you explore and learn about places on the app. Instead of leaving TikTok to search on Google, you can get reviews without switching platforms.
TikTok is pulling in Google reviews
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If you’re one of the users with access to this feature, you’ll spot a new “Reviews” tab on the right side after opening the comments section of a video. This tab shows up on videos where the creator has tagged a location, and it gives you instant access to other users’ ratings, written comments, and even photos they’ve uploaded about that place.
How the new reviews tab works
Let’s say you’re watching a video filmed at Central Park in New York City. If the creator has tagged the location, you’ll see real reviews from TikTok users in the new tab. You can read their comments, check their star ratings, and browse through photos they’ve shared. This gives you a quick look at what others think of the place—without having to do a separate search.
You can also tap on a reviewer’s username to visit their TikTok profile, making the experience more social and interactive. This is a key difference from TikTok’s earlier link to Google Maps, which only showed the Google Maps icon. With the new feature, the experience stays fully within the TikTok app.
While this change might be useful for those seeking more information about places, some users might find the extra tab cluttering the comments section. The reactions so far seem mixed, as not everyone agrees on whether the feature improves or complicates the experience.
TikTok continues to grow as a search platform
This new reviews tab is part of a bigger effort by TikTok to challenge Google’s role as the go-to for search—especially among younger users. Back in 2022, a Google executive admitted that TikTok was starting to take traffic away from Google Search and Maps, especially with Gen Z. Since then, TikTok has taken several steps to strengthen its search tools.
For example, in 2023, TikTok launched an image search feature that lets you upload or take a photo to find similar products in TikTok Shop. In September 2024, it also introduced a new advertising option called “TikTok Search Ads Campaigns.” This lets brands place keyword-based ads directly in TikTok’s search results, making the platform even more powerful for advertisers.
What’s next for the reviews feature?
TikTok hasn’t confirmed whether the reviews tab will be rolled out to everyone. The company has not provided a comment, and during testing, only some videos with location tags had the reviews tab available. This suggests that TikTok is still testing the waters before making a full release.
Still, the fact that TikTok is working on this shows how serious it is about becoming a go-to source for more than short videos. By adding reviews, ratings, and search-based ads, TikTok is positioning itself as a full-featured discovery tool. Whether looking for a new travel spot or checking reviews before going out, TikTok wants to be the app you turn to.
