TikTok has launched Footnotes, which allows users to provide crowd-sourced fact-checking and add context to videos.
The initiative is part of the platform’s effort to combat misinformation, similar to what X and Meta are doing. However, unlike its competitors, TikTok will continue to use professional fact-checkers and maintain its existing moderation policies alongside this new tool.
Announced by Adam Presser, TikTok’s head of operations and trust and safety, TikTok Footnotes aims to enhance discussions by enabling contributors to share expertise and provide “helpful details that may be missing.” Inspired by X’s Community Notes, the feature uses a “bridge-based ranking system” to promote consensus among users with differing viewpoints. Contributors must cite sources, such as another TikTok video or a third-party site, for notes to be valid.
TikTok is starting to test their new ‘Footnotes’ feature, similar to X/Twitter’s community notes. pic.twitter.com/NoqvBvesoj
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 16, 2025Currently in testing, Footnotes is rolling out to U.S. users through a contributor program. Eligible participants must be 18 or older, have an account at least six months old, and have no recent Community Guidelines violations. Contributors can write and rate notes for the next few months, but these will remain private until testing advances. TikTok has not confirmed plans for a global rollout.
Unlike some platforms, Footnotes will not impact a video’s algorithmic ranking or For You page visibility, and TikTok will continue to flag and downrank unverified claims. The feature’s visual presentation within the app remains undisclosed.
TikTok begins testing Footnotes, a new Community Notes-like feature https://t.co/7CHF4W1krT
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) April 16, 2025The launch comes as TikTok navigates uncertainty in the U.S., with President Donald Trump granting a 75-day extension to finalise a deal for continued operations. Discussions reportedly favour TikTok’s current U.S. investors, though Trump’s China tariffs may complicate negotiations.
