How to hack your TikTok feed
New TikTok tools put you in control—so you can scroll smarter, not harder
Let’s be real—TikTok is where a lot of us go to relax, learn cool stuff, and keep up with trends. But with so much content flying at you every second, it’s easy to end up doom-scrolling or stumbling on content that just isn’t it.
Good news: TikTok is rolling out new features that give you the power to take control of what shows up on your For You feed—and help you scroll with purpose.
Filter what you don’t want to see
The new Smart Keyword Filtering lets you block certain words, topics, or hashtags from your feed. Don’t want to see spoilers from your fave show? Done. Tired of a trend? Block it. This gives you more say in what kind of content fills your screen.
There’s also the For You Feed Educational Guide that breaks down how your feed is actually curated—and how to make it more you. Both tools are part of TikTok’s #ThinkTwice campaign, encouraging everyone to think a little more critically before watching, sharing, or posting.
"Today's teens actively use platforms like TikTok not only as a source of entertainment but also as a tool for discovery, learning, and creative expression,” said Child Rights Coalition Asia deputy regional executive director, Hazel Bitaña, during TikTok Table Talk held last July 15, 2025 at Enderan Co-Working in Estancia Mall, Pasig City. “As this age group becomes more immersed in digital spaces and as we empower them to become responsible digital citizens, it is important to provide parents with tools and resources that will enable them to support their teens."
Family pairing: Supervision without the hovering
If your parents want to help you stay safe but don’t want to be too in your face about it, Family Pairing is a solid middle ground. It lets you link your TikTok account with a parent or guardian’s so you can still do your thing—with some healthy boundaries.
Here’s what it includes:
Time away – Schedule app-free hours (like during class or bedtime) so you can reset and avoid the late-night scroll trap.
Visibility on followers – A quick look at who you follow, who follows you, and blocked accounts—just to keep things transparent.
Report alerts – If you report something sketchy, you can let a trusted adult know.
Wind down – If you’re under 16, TikTok will send calming full-screen reminders after 10 p.m. to help you rest and recharge.
Building trust, not just rules
“TikTok recognizes that teens are growing up in a digital-first world, and that they deserve special consideration as they begin to explore the online world more independently,” said Peachy Paderna, Public Policy manager at TikTok. “TikTok's resources such as the Family Pairing features, Guardian's Guide, and Teen Safety Center help build trust between parents and teens by offering tools that balance freedom and supervision. They empower young people to explore and express themselves responsibly, with the right guidance in place to ensure age appropriate experiences”.
So yeah—scrolling doesn’t have to be wild and random. These tools are here to help you make your feed smarter, safer, and more you.
Which feature are you trying out first?