TikTok's 'For You' page feed is the first thing a user encounters and while it would be expected this is where the most interesting and engaging videos are located, that's not always the case, with many videos considered to be straight TikTok. There are a number of influencers on TikTok who have millions of followers, and they too are largely considered part of straight TikTok. In fact, the amount of straight TikTok content on the app is so overwhelming that it has led to factions - elite, straight, alt, etc. - being created.
Recently, a debate between straight and alt TikTok came to light. At its very core, the argument is about who has remained real and who hasn't sold out to get 'TikTok famous.' For new users, it isn't hard to find themselves in an infinite loop of straight TikTok videos, due to the selection of content promoted on the For You page being determined by TikTok's algorithm. With the algorithm picking videos based on personal feedback, including likes, shares and account follows, there are various ways to avoid seeing straight TikTok videos on a For You page feed.
Straight TikTok has nothing to do with sexuality and instead, is often used to categorize dull, and uninteresting videos on TikTok. Straight TikTok is known to include mostly lip-syncing, dances, and point-of-view (POVs) videos. Posting thirst-traps (attention-seeking content) on TikTok is another area that is typically associated with straight TikTok. The following posts highlight For You page examples that are mostly POVs, dances and thirst-traps.
How To Avoid Straight TikTok
In order to avoid a generic For You page, users should be mindful of the content they post, the accounts they follow and react to. As a new user, TikTok will ask you to select various categories (beauty, fashion, sport, etc) that interest you. This information will be used to set up your initial For You page feed. Even if you don't select any categories, TikTok will generate a general For You page. From there, TikTok will learn more about your preferences through your interactions (comments, likes, replays). The best way to customize your For You page is to stay on the content you enjoy from the alt/elite side of TikTok. To curate your For You page further, you can always give feedback on the content you don't like; to do this simply long-press on a video and tap “Not Interested.”
Using the TikTok algorithm to personalize the For You page feed is not difficult. Gravitate toward TikTok videos that have more humor and wit rather than the mainstream dances and trends. Users like @kombucha_jones, @domwhoisthebomb, @ms.sterious are a good place to start. Always remember that every action you take on the app contributes to the information TikTok uses to craft your For You page feed. Therefore, to ensure a page without straight TikTok videos, interact, like, and follow the alt/elite content like #FreeAdam2020, check out bean TikTok (humorous content related to beans), and anything with The Gummy Bear Song. You can also check out videos from retail TikTok posted by @kraftcheeseofficial, @wholefoodsofficial, and @purellofficial. There is a small, weird corner that is more creative than straight TikTok, users just need to take the time to find it and get involved.