TikTok search outcomes pages might quickly have a hyperlink to Google outcomes.
A characteristic spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu exhibits the TikTok search outcomes web page together with a hyperlink to look Google for a similar question (via Insider). In one other screenshot shared by Oncescu, a TikTok pop-up reads, “TikTok doesn’t endorse or take duty for search outcomes from Google.”
Google declined to remark. TikTok didn’t instantly reply to The Verge’s request for remark however confirmed to Insider that it’s testing the characteristic in some markets.
The addition of Google outcomes linked within the TikTok app is the most recent and most notable instance of the shortform video app leaning into search. Earlier this month, we observed that TikTok had quietly been adding Wikipedia snippets that hyperlink on to the location. Snippets didn’t seem for each search however appear to be showing for some places, firms, and people. TikTok spokesperson Zachary Kizer advised The Verge that the characteristic had been reside for a number of months.
The backdrop to a Google and TikTok partnership is the possibly pivotal antitrust case against Google that’s at present underway. The US Division of Justice alleges that Google has unlawfully held on to its search dominance by costly offers with firms like Apple that hold Google because the default search engine on merchandise.
On the similar time, TikTok might be beneath extra scrutiny by regulators after the European Fee named the corporate in its checklist of “gatekeepers” that should abide by new guidelines beneath the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA is an try to curb anti-competitive practices at main tech firms, and listed companies might be required to adjust to sure guidelines based mostly on how they’re being regulated. Messaging apps, for instance, should be interoperable with different platforms, and customers should be capable of set up third-party apps and app shops.