TikTok has introduced a new “Local Feed” feature in the United States, allowing users to discover content related to local dining, events, and shopping based on their precise GPS location.
The rollout follows a recent update to TikTok’s U.S. terms of service, which now permits the collection of exact coordinates, marking a shift from the previous policy of gathering only approximate location data. The company stated that this feature is designed to drive real-world foot traffic to physical stores and enhance the platform’s utility for small businesses.
The Local Feed is disabled by default and is restricted to users aged 18 and older. When users choose to opt-in, the app collects precise location information only while the software is active, and it displays an on-screen indicator to signify that it is accessing location data. In its announcement, the company emphasized that this approach gives users the choice to enable the feature when they want more relevant, local experiences, while keeping them in control.
The introduction of the Local Feed aligns with TikTok’s broader strategy to position itself as a vital economic tool for small enterprises. Analysts suggest that this move may serve as a hedge against federal regulatory pressure. According to a 2025 Oxford Economics report commissioned by TikTok, approximately 7.5 million U.S. businesses on the platform support more than 28 million workers.
The Local Feed feature was initially introduced in several European markets, including the United Kingdom and France, in December 2025. The U.S. version represents the first major product update since the establishment of the TikTok USDS joint venture involving Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX.
