Perplexity AI plans TikTok takeover: AI search engine wants to redesign video app

Perplexity AI wants to take over and redesign TikTok in the USA

AI search engine Perplexity AI has announced ambitious plans to acquire and fundamentally redesign TikTok in the US. The company wants to bring more transparency and improved AI technology to the popular video platform, while addressing national security concerns.

In a recent blog post, Perplexity AI outlined its vision for an American TikTok. At the center of this is the complete redesign of the TikTok algorithm, with the “For You” feed to be developed as an open source project. This would prevent potential manipulation by users and ensure greater transparency. The company is also planning to set up the entire infrastructure in US data centers to ensure control over the data of around 170 million American users.

AI technology as the key to transformation

Technological improvements are at the heart of the takeover plans. Perplexity AI wants to use NVIDIA Dynamo technology to scale its recommendation models and improve the speed of content delivery. One of the most innovative features planned is the integration of citations and community notes, which would allow users to review and reference information in videos.

Of particular interest is the planned combination of Perplexity search engine technology with the TikTok video library. This combination could provide comprehensive, well-sourced answers to user queries and evolve TikTok from a pure entertainment platform to a valuable information medium. Given the estimated global revenue of 23 billion dollars in 2024, 77% of which comes from advertising, this reorientation could also make economic sense.

Summary

• Perplexity AI plans to acquire TikTok in the US and fundamentally redesign the platform
• TikTok algorithm to be redeveloped as an open source project to ensure transparency
• Planned integration of AI search technology and community notes to improve information quality
• The entire infrastructure is to be operated in US data centers under US supervision
• The acquisition plans come at a time when TikTok is under increased security scrutiny due to its Chinese ownership
• TikTok currently has around 170 million users in the US and generated around 23 billion dollars in global revenue in 2024

Source: Perplexity