The repeated playback of short-form video content on the TikTok platform, where users encounter the same videos frequently within their viewing sessions, constitutes a notable user experience issue. This phenomenon can manifest when algorithms prioritize specific content or when limited new content is available within a user’s personalized feed. For example, a user might scroll through their “For You” page and encounter the same dance trend video or comedic skit multiple times within a short period.
The recurrence of previously viewed content can diminish user engagement and satisfaction. Ideally, a dynamic and varied stream of content is desired to maintain viewer interest and encourage continued platform usage. Historically, social media algorithms have strived to balance content personalization with content diversity. Repeated content suggests a potential failure in this optimization, potentially signaling algorithmic biases or a lack of fresh content tailored to the individual user’s preferences.