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Michael Stelzner
Hey there, it's Michael Stelzner. Before we get started with today's show, I wanted to let you know about our newest show, the AI Explored podcast, hosted by me. If you're wondering how AI can improve your work, you are going to love this show. Simply search for AI Explored, follow the show and download a couple of the episodes or visit social mediaexaminer.com/AI explored.
Jerry Potter
Welcome to the Social Media Marketing Talk show, your guide to the ever changing world of social media. On today's show, we're going to explore the most important TikTok updates we need to be on top of as marketers, including a new TikTok feature for local businesses that is now expanding into the US this looks really cool. Also, TikTok shop is adding some new features which I think some of them will overcome a lot of the reasons that certain marketers were not using it yet. And another TikTok update all about one of their products shutting down. So we'll fill you in on that just in case it's part of your marketing strategy. All right. My name is Jerry Potter, host of the Social Media Marketing Talk Show, a Social Media examiner production, where we break down all the latest social media news and what it means for marketers like you. Today I'm joined by Kenya Kelly. Kenya is a social media and video marketing expert who helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses online. She's also host of the Kenya Kelly Podcast. Kenya, welcome to the show.
Kenya Kelly
Hey, hey, hey. Good to see you.
Jerry Potter
So I'm not a local business anymore, but, man, when I worked at the agencies, it was always tricky with some of these obviously international platforms to take advantage of them locally. So TikTok is now expanding what they call their local services. They tested it in Southeast Asian markets, now may come to the US So remind us what this is for sure.
Kenya Kelly
So basically, for the longest time, there's always been this thing where you've got local businesses and they're not really sure if they should advertise on TikTok because it's so global, but they have really been dialing in on local businesses, being able to target their particular area. And so they have been doing a test for quite a while in some countries with influencers and creators giving them, like, discount codes and vouchers as they are creating content to the local area, getting people to come into local bars and restaurants and hotels and things of that nature. And so they are, of course, expanding to more markets right now. They are looking for, like, they're hiring in, like, Seattle, Los Angeles, basically on the west coast and in New York. So they can really get, I think, more feet to the ground, more restaurants and bars and hotels utilizing this service.
Jerry Potter
Yeah, well. And, you know, you've worked with, obviously, a lot of brands over the years, and you can have a huge national or international presence, but still benefit locally.
Kenya Kelly
Oh, yeah.
Jerry Potter
But this is definitely an interesting expansion around that. And then they're also testing. It's basically reviews, but it's in the comments. So explain to us exactly what's happening with this.
Kenya Kelly
Yes, I think it's actually really cool because a lot of times the way that we used to behave, it was like Yelp and Google were the places that we go to. But now it's a real big habit to go to TikTok to search for a thing and things we should do in certain cities, state, country or whatever. And so one of the things that's happening is that let's just say we go to this particular restaurant and there's videos about it where people are able to write in the comments or reviews about their experience with the place or their recommendations. When I saw it was like a Google review, but it felt much more like Yelp. But it's More so like TikTok's version where people are able to really, like, give their feedback on the experience they've had there or whatever the video is about, and not just like a regular comment, but a legit review.
Jerry Potter
So just say a little bit more like, how do you see Yelp and Google as being different in terms of their reviews?
Kenya Kelly
I don't think it's like, super. I think that it's like the user behavior has kind of changed. So we used to go to Google and we would say, okay, what are people saying about this dentist? Or we go to Yelp and what are people saying about this restaurant or what's their pizza? And so now TikTok is like, we are going to TikTok to see that experience more than we are to yelp. And so TikTok is integrating what normally happens on Yelp into Google to where you've got this restaurant and people are able to legitimately put reviews to that restaurant. Now, I'm not sure how that's going to work. If people can just write random reviews or if it has to be verified, I'm not really sure how that's going to kind of pan out, because, you know, if one person has a bad experience, it can go really left really quick on TikTok, but if it's good, then it can go really right.
Jerry Potter
Yeah, well, I Mean, I'm sure they'll work out the bugs as they go too. I mean, I remember back in the day, like, Google reviews, people would have like an iPad at the counter and they're like, leave us a review and we'll give you a discount. And Google crack down on that kind of stuff real quick. So it'll be interesting to see how they regulate that.
Kenya Kelly
I think it's gonna take a while, though. I think they're gonna be in the embassy stages, the way they Google and then work, and then eventually they'll be able to regulate it.
Jerry Potter
Yeah, but TikTok has locked down search in a way that no, none of the other social networks have ever been able to do, right?
Kenya Kelly
Oh, yeah. And they're. And they're already. They're indexed with Google. So if you're searching for a thing on TikTok long enough and you can't find it, then it'll connect you to Google. So I think they're going to go hand in hand at some point in time with this.
Jerry Potter
Okay. All right. And then another feature coming out, TikTok footnotes. And this is kind of based around differing opinions, which obviously TikTok is encouraging. We've seen Facebook and Instagram kind of go through a bunch of changes with this lately. So tell us about the TikTok Footnotes feature.
Kenya Kelly
So the way that I look at it, as for me, it feels like testers that are able to say, I guess state their opinion on things or give feedback on things. I'm not really 100% convinced on what it actually is, but it feels like they're giving many of us an opportunity to give our opinion on something. Is that how you saw it?
Jerry Potter
Yeah, well, it seems common, almost like it's not fact checking, but it's kind of like encouraging a little bit more diversity in opinion.
Kenya Kelly
Yeah.
Jerry Potter
The thing that I thought was interesting with this, first of all, they said that, you know, that you can't just create an account and do it, so you have to have an account that's, I think, is it at least six months old. You got to be 18 or over. No community guidelines violations. But it seems like an opportunity. Like, it almost seems like they want to invite more controversial topics, which I don't see TikTok as. Although obviously we all have different experiences. Do you already see a lot of. I mean, you have your own feed, but you talk to a lot more people.
Kenya Kelly
Oh, yeah.
Jerry Potter
Do you see a lot of different, like. Like controversial stuff on TikTok?
Kenya Kelly
Oh, yeah. If you stay on TikTok long enough, you'll be in shock at what is happening in the world, what people are doing. And it's a lot going on in the world of that if you watch enough of it. So I think that that is going to help with a lot of that. I don't necessarily think it's going to be fact checking. I think it's more so putting context to a situation. Because sometimes TikTok could be thinking it's actually this, but with the footnote, you're able to actually bring more context to what it actually is. Because, you know, I think that there's going to be a lot more AI involvement with TikTok. And if AI is saying a certain thing, but all of us that have access to footnotes are saying something else, it's kind of like a fact checking of the AI and then maybe it'll go to a real person, I think maybe.
Jerry Potter
Okay, so what you're saying is I'm living in my TikTok bubble and I'm missing out on a lot of this happens, right? We get into these echo chambers on all the platforms because they're so customized now. Well, the other thing I was thinking too, you know, we were talking about reviews for local businesses, but this would be interesting where people could start adding comments about products or footnotes about products. And so it will probably be something that brands will need to monitor if it goes in that direction. So this is just something right now that's in testing. We don't know if it's going to roll out wide or not. But you said you applied for it, right?
Kenya Kelly
Yes, of course I meet the requirements. So on both of my accounts, I submit it, hopefully hoping that they'll give me access sooner than later.
Jerry Potter
Okay, well, we'll see what happens with that. All right. TikTok shop. You know, there's a lot of people that sell e commerce and they've been like, I don't know, we're going to wait and see. But some new features rolling out that we'll tell you about in just a second. But if you are wondering about AI, you know, Kenya just brought up AI and what a big part it's playing everywhere. Social Media Examiner's latest show called AI Explored is designed to help you understand the business uses of AI. Some of the comments people have made one episode in and I'm hooked. A must listen AI podcast for those who want to use it effectively. Great information, great guests. Wow. And I've listened to a bunch of episodes and it really is considering how fast AI changes it really is a great way to not only stay up to date, but even episodes that are, you know, back a couple months are still value packed with all kinds of incredible stuff. So you can pull up your favorite podcast app, search for AI Explored should come right up. Or you can go to social mediaexaminer.com AI explored to check that out. So, all right, let's talk TikTok shop. I know you've been a big fan for a long time. First they are expanding in the eu. They've launched it in France, Germany and Italy, so be aware of that. And then they're adding more features which I feel like are overcoming some of the objections to, to using it if you're already using another platform right now. So what are some of these updates you're seeing? Kenya?
Kenya Kelly
Yeah, for sure. So a lot of the businesses that are currently using TikTok shop, of course, initially everything was amazing. TikTok handled a lot of the returns and our return policies and all that stuff. But what a lot of them started to experience was some of the roadblocks and challenges with the ones that are already selling on shop, but then those that are resistant to getting on shop, and so they're making like a ton of different updates for that. One of them is a customizable automated after sales process because, you know, when you have your own Shopify, you're able to determine what happens afterwards. So they're making that customizable. The ability to ship to P.O. boxes and prevent any kind of delivery issues. Adjustable cancellation request windows. I'm not really sure what the cancellation request is right now, but I think it probably must be some big of an issue. They're customizing the return periods for 14 to 90 days, which is, I guess that's good. I'm wondering what the issues that they're actually having, you know.
Jerry Potter
Well, like with the adjustable cancellation request windows, you know, if you're somebody who prioritizes putting an order in process quickly and, and I don't, like you said, I don't know what the fixed one was, but if you're doing everything in the first 24 hours and then they're supposed to have 48 to cancel, like, that could cost you a lot of money over time.
Kenya Kelly
Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. No, that makes a lot of sense. You know, I guess at some point in time they probably will expand how quickly you got to get a product out too. Because if people really start having the success they want to have, then that quick turnaround is probably a nightmare.
Jerry Potter
Yeah, yeah. Well, it's always Cool to see them adding more of this stuff, which is really, really cool. And then somewhat related to this, this is, you know, when we're thinking about advertising and where we want to show up, there's some new TikTok safety suite features, which they're basically setting it up now so that it's easier for you to not show up when you're placing ads next to videos or creators that you don't want to show up to. We were just talking about some of the controversial stuff. Obviously that could be some of it or your competitors or different things like that. So if basically there's ways to say I don't want to be next to this video or I don't want to be next to these profiles. So those are in the Brand Safety hub in the TikTok ads manager, so you can find those for you and your clients, which is going to be cool as well. All right, TikTok live, this definitely ties into Shop and I love some of the new tech that they're giving to people, but still making it easier. I remember when you were telling me a while back how like in China they literally had whole rooms set up where it was like a mini shopping mall where everybody's going live selling stuff. So what are these updates we're seeing now with TikTok Live?
Kenya Kelly
Yeah, so the first thing to note is that this is this right now is for the gamers. They're not actually giving it to regular creators or business owners because in order to have a TikTok studio on your desktop, one, you have to have Windows, right? It has to be a Windows version, not iOS. But one of the updates that they're making is that they're going to make multi streaming a little bit easier in a sense. So with the TikTok Studio app, what they're saying is that you can easily add a phone, a friend's device or an iPad as a second camera. So as I was looking at it, I said, hmm, what are they probably competing with? Oh, they're probably competing with something like Twitch because you know, you've got people like Kaisenat and all the different Twitch streamers that they're on multiple devices at one time. And I think this is a cool way for TikTok to be able to allow people who are streaming with gaming and things of that nature to be able to stream the multi camera angle and things of that nature. I think they're testing it out first with the gamers, but I think eventually, who knows how long we will get access to that. But that's kind of how I saw it.
Jerry Potter
Yeah. Well, I think it's cool because if you are, you know, let's say you're, you're great on live, you got good stuff to sell or talk about, but you're not like, tech's not your thing. You know, we know people that are very successful running everything from their phone. And I guess from the tech standpoint, you're just going to scan a QR code inside the TikTok Studio app and then it'll link to that other camera, to it.
Kenya Kelly
So I think they're testing it with the gamers. That's been going on for a little while. I think it's going to expand the TikTok shop because when you see some of the big TikTok shop lives that TikTok is actually present for, everything is still in that one place. But I think they can see the benefit if there's like a TikTok studio or someone has their studio set up and this is the setup for this product, and this is the setup for that product. It just kind of makes life a little bit easier if they want to go back and forth in what they're selling on shop.
Jerry Potter
Yeah. Do you think we'll get to a point where you can use both your front and back camera on the same device? I do, because I've seen there are recording apps that'll do that.
Kenya Kelly
I know I do. I think that TikTok is so far ahead, but also far behind because their. Their time came sooner than they thought because of COVID you know. You know, but I think that they're like, moving at the speed of light, but also trying to like, brace them themselves for all the different things that they can do. But I do think it's going to happen, I mean, because if you look at what happens in China with Shop and all that, it's a whole. It's a million times bigger and better than what's happening in the U.S. because it's new to the U.S. yeah.
Jerry Potter
I was just picturing. I mean, you probably wouldn't be able to do it all yourself. Well, I guess you could. I was trying to picture, like, if, if you were. If you had your hands on your back, on the back camera, like demonstrating something, the front would be real close to your face, but. But I guess if you weren't holding the other thing, then, then that could work really well, so.
Kenya Kelly
Yeah, exactly. We'll see what happens.
Jerry Potter
All right. And then there's another feature where you are able to mark certain viewers when you are Live streaming. So what is this update?
Kenya Kelly
Yeah, so anytime you are live on TikTok, especially when you have hundreds of people in the room, sometimes you can't necessarily see who is who. But there's this new feature that's called Mark Viewers where I can go in, in the back of my TikTok live and I can say, hey, these are my friends, and I just tag them. So then when they show up in my live stream and they're commenting or liking or engaging, it's highlighted that it's them versus them just looking like everybody else.
Jerry Potter
Okay. It's specifically based on the people that you're both following. Like you're following each other or can you designate them or do you know? Do we know yet?
Kenya Kelly
I think as of right now, you just have to designate them in the back end. They haven't said you have to follow them or they follow you back. You just have to go in the back of your settings on Live stream and you have to search their name and put them in there. But I would assume that for safety reason that they will probably make both of you guys follow each other.
Jerry Potter
Okay. So then a brand could do that with, you know, employees who, you know, to be able to mention their comments or favorite customers or any. Because you can just go in and like put them in ahead of time, basically.
Kenya Kelly
Yeah. So they haven't differentiated whether this is a creator account or a business account because there's always restrictions between the two.
Jerry Potter
Yeah.
Kenya Kelly
Right now it feels like a personal slash creator account, but we'll see what with businesses.
Jerry Potter
Okay. Yeah. With this new stuff, I mean, obviously we know sometimes it rolls out slowly. Not as slow as like Facebook features sometimes, but they roll out slowly. And so I just always like to update people so that like, at least you're like the back of your brain can start thinking like, how would I. How would I use that? So, okay, awesome. This is just a quick update. They have now added alternative text for photo posts. So when you're putting up a post, you can add alternative text, which not only is great for accessibility, but usually helps for search as well. So you can watch for that if you are putting photos on TikTok. And then another update with security. This is, you know, whether you're managing your own account or if you're managing brand accounts. They're trying to make it easier to not lose your account, it sounds like. So what are we seeing with this update?
Kenya Kelly
Yeah, so a lot of people are having issues with getting hacked and that's on all platforms. And so what they've done is they're doing more two step verification. And like when you have multiple devices logged into one account, you're able to kind of like dictate the TikTok that these accounts are safe. Now I love the idea of that because I'm always very apprehensive about giving my social media manager access to my account on TikTok in fear of it getting banned or blocked because she's in Indonesia. But with this new feature, I feel like agencies and businesses and brands are going to have a lot more peace about giving someone access to that account or having them as a. An account that's logged in without the fear of it getting hacked or banned.
Jerry Potter
I love that. And in addition to it as an agency or as a manager, you could even almost, not, not that you charge extra for this, but you could almost add it to your services. Like, we're going to also monitor your account. And so once a week somebody with access logs in and goes, okay, it's on the only three devices it's supposed to be on. Because I was especially thinking, you know, when you are managing an account, maybe the company itself had three to five people logged in and then you have three employees at the agency logged in. So that would be a. I don't know. I think as a client I would be like, I appreciate that. Thank you. You couldn't guarantee it for sure.
Kenya Kelly
You just want to know that it's happening. Yeah, for sure.
Jerry Potter
Yeah. Love that. All right. And TikTok is shutting down their notes. Apple, it's going to be shut down and discontinued for all years on May 8th. If you're not using it, you didn't know that, but if you are using it, you probably already got a notification. But I always like to mention this stuff because whenever something new comes out, we feel like, oh, I got to get on that thing. And then some of them only last six months. Yeah. So while there are advantages to being early, like those of you that were all over TikTok before 2020 and it obviously blew up. This is. Yeah. Sometimes so much of this stuff because we cover all of it on this show, some of it just disappears, Right?
Kenya Kelly
Yeah. Well, there is something new that's coming. They haven't rolled it out yet, but I got this invite to TikTok business creators, the people who sell courses and digital goods. And I was like, oh, wait a minute. So now they're teaching us and giving us access to certain things that most people don't have access to. And I can't be certain, but I think this is going to be our way of selling courses and consulting through the TikTok app versus not being able to sell it. We have to sell it through our own links.
Jerry Potter
Yeah. So you were like, finally, as an educator, right?
Kenya Kelly
Yes.
Jerry Potter
Yeah. YouTube's my primary platform, and there's been, like, hints of that kind of stuff. It'll be interesting if that becomes the standard, the ability to sell digital products. It does seem like a lost revenue stream for some of these platforms where they just, you know, take a little a fee each time.
Kenya Kelly
Yeah.
Jerry Potter
All right, quick reminder. The new AI Explored podcast. You can go to socialmediaexaminer.com AIexplored to check it out. And Kenya, where is the best place to discover more about you so you.
Kenya Kelly
Can find me on all socials? I am Kenya Kelly. K E E N Y A K E L L Y. YouTube, TikTok Instagram. I just hit 8,000 subscribers on YouTube, so come find me there.
Jerry Potter
Congratulations. That's awesome. All right. And if you want to add another podcast to your listening lineup about social media, of course, don't forget the Social Media Marketing Podcast with Michael Stelzner. Until next time. May you be wise with your marketing decisions. Thanks, everyone.
Kenya Kelly
Bye.
Jerry Potter
The Social Media Marketing Talk show is a Social media examiner production. For more social media Insight, visit social mediaexaminer.com.
Michael Stelzner
If you're looking for a new show to help you understand how to put AI to work, check out the AI Explored podcast. Hosted by me, Michael Stelzner. The AI Explored podcast will show you practical ways you can benefit from AI.
Episode Release Date: April 21, 2025
Host: Jerry Potter
Guest: Kenya Kelly, Social Media and Video Marketing Expert
Overview:
Kenya Kelly introduced TikTok’s expansion of its local services into the U.S., a feature initially tested in Southeast Asia. This move aims to help local businesses target specific geographic areas more effectively.
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
"They have been doing a test for quite a while in some countries with influencers and creators giving them, like, discount codes and vouchers as they are creating content to the local area, getting people to come into local bars and restaurants and hotels and things of that nature."
— Kenya Kelly [01:42]
Overview:
Kenya discussed TikTok’s new feature allowing users to leave reviews directly in video comments, blending aspects of platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews into the TikTok ecosystem.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"It's like a Google review, but it felt much more like Yelp. But it's more so like TikTok's version where people are able to really, like, give their feedback on the experience they've had there."
— Kenya Kelly [03:31]
"TikTok has locked down search in a way that no, none of the other social networks have ever been able to do, right?"
— Jerry Potter [04:51]
Overview:
The introduction of TikTok Footnotes aims to encourage a variety of opinions and provide additional context to content, potentially counteracting echo chambers and AI-generated misinformation.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"It feels like they're giving many of us an opportunity to give our opinion on something."
— Kenya Kelly [05:17]
"It almost seems like they want to invite more controversial topics, which I don't see TikTok as."
— Jerry Potter [05:42]
Overview:
Kenya detailed several new features in TikTok Shop designed to address existing challenges faced by merchants and streamline the e-commerce experience.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"They're making a customizable automated after sales process because, you know, when you have your own Shopify, you're able to determine what happens afterwards."
— Kenya Kelly [08:47]
"If people really start having the success they want to have, then that quick turnaround is probably a nightmare."
— Jerry Potter [09:59]
Overview:
The new Brand Safety Hub within TikTok Ads Manager allows advertisers to exclude placement alongside certain videos or profiles, ensuring ads appear in a controlled and brand-appropriate environment.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"There's some new TikTok safety suite features, which they're basically setting it up now so that it's easier for you to not show up when you're placing ads next to videos or creators that you don't want to show up to."
— Jerry Potter [10:13]
Overview:
Kenya explored the latest updates to TikTok Live, focusing on tools that enhance live streaming capabilities, particularly for gaming and e-commerce.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"With the TikTok Studio app, what they're saying is that you can easily add a phone, a friend's device or an iPad as a second camera."
— Kenya Kelly [11:16]
"Anytime you are live on TikTok, especially when you have hundreds of people in the room, sometimes you can't necessarily see who is who. But there's this new feature that's called Mark Viewers."
— Kenya Kelly [14:04]
Overview:
TikTok has introduced alternative text for photo posts to improve accessibility and bolster security measures to protect user accounts from hacking.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"Alternative text for photo posts... great for accessibility, but usually helps for search as well."
— Jerry Potter [15:15]
"With this new feature, I feel like agencies and businesses and brands are going to have a lot more peace about giving someone access to that account or having them as an account that's logged in without the fear of it getting hacked or banned."
— Kenya Kelly [16:39]
Overview:
TikTok is discontinuing its Notes feature effective May 8th, prompting users to adapt to the evolving platform. Additionally, TikTok is exploring new avenues for selling digital products directly through the app.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"They’re teaching us and giving us access to certain things that most people don't have access to... selling courses and consulting through the TikTok app versus not being able to sell it."
— Kenya Kelly [17:50]
"It does seem like a lost revenue stream for some of these platforms where they just, you know, take a little a fee each time."
— Jerry Potter [18:24]
Final Remarks:
Jerry Potter wrapped up the episode by promoting the AI Explored podcast and encouraging listeners to connect with Kenya Kelly across various social media platforms.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
"If you want to add another podcast to your listening lineup about social media, of course, don't forget the Social Media Marketing Podcast with Michael Stelzner. Until next time. May you be wise with your marketing decisions."
— Jerry Potter [19:01]
This episode provided a comprehensive overview of TikTok’s latest updates, equipping marketers with the knowledge to leverage new features effectively and stay ahead in the competitive social media landscape.