TikTok is a popular social media app that allows users to create and share short videos. It has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2023 (source). The default TikTok feed shows users a personalized, filtered stream of content based on an algorithm. This means users see curated videos that TikTok’s algorithm thinks they will enjoy, rather than a purely chronological feed.
The goal of this article is to explain how to download TikTok, but remove the filtering and algorithmic curation, allowing you to see an unfiltered feed in chronological order. This will provide more control over the content you see on TikTok.
Understanding TikTok’s Filtering
TikTok utilizes an algorithmic feed that curates content specifically for each user. Unlike most social platforms that show posts in chronological order, TikTok’s algorithm analyzes user data and interactions to filter content to each user’s interests and preferences. According to an article on Buffer, “The TikTok algorithm evaluates users’ interests based on the videos they like, share, and engage with, their searches and follows, video information, device and account settings, and more” [1].
This filtered, personalized feed has both benefits and drawbacks compared to a chronological feed. On the plus side, users are more likely to see content they enjoy rather than content from accounts they followed long ago. The algorithmic feed can also help expose users to new creators and content. However, a major downside is that the filtering can create “filter bubbles” and limit the diversity of ideas users encounter. There are also concerns around transparency, as users don’t know exactly how the algorithm works.
Overall, TikTok’s heavily filtered feed provides a customized experience, but inhibits users from viewing content chronologically like most other platforms.
Why Remove Filtering?
There are a few key reasons why users may want to remove filtering on TikTok videos:
- To see more diverse and unfiltered content from creators. TikTok’s algorithms tend to filter content into bubbles, so removing filters allows users to break out of their recommended bubble and discover new types of videos and creators.
- Users desire unfiltered and authentic content. Many users want to see videos that reflect reality, without any beauty filters or effects altering the image. This allows for more authentic connections between creators and viewers.
- To avoid getting stuck in a bubble of similar recommended content. TikTok’s recommendation algorithm often pushes users into a bubble of related content. Removing filters provides exposure to more diverse videos that the algorithm may not recommend.
By disabling filters, users can gain a more raw, unfiltered experience on TikTok. This allows them to see content as creators intended it, find new creators and videos, and avoid getting trapped in a filtered bubble of recommendations.
Downloading TikTok
Since TikTok is not available on the Google Play Store in some countries, you may need to download the app directly as an APK file from a third-party source. While downloading apps outside of official app stores carries some risk, there are trustworthy sites that provide safe APK downloads.
Some recommended sources for downloading the TikTok APK include:
Uptodown and Softonic. These are reputable app library sites that scan for malware and viruses.
To download TikTok directly as an APK file:
- Go to the TikTok download page on Uptodown or Softonic.
- Tap the “Download” button and select “Direct Download.”
- When prompted, enable your browser to download APK files.
- Once the download is complete, open your device’s File Manager app.
- Locate and tap on the TikTok APK file to begin installation.
- Accept any installation prompts to fully install TikTok.
Downloaded APK files from trusted sources provide a safe way to install TikTok on your Android device if the app is not available on the Play Store in your country.
Disabling Filter on TikTok
Once you download TikTok, you can navigate to the app’s Settings to disable the filter and personalized recommendations.
To start, open the TikTok app and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right. Then select “Settings and privacy” from the menu. This will bring you to the main Settings page.
Under “Account,” find the option for “Personalized Recommendations” and toggle it off. This will stop TikTok from curating content and applying filters based on your preferences. According to TikTok, turning this setting off will show content in chronological order.[1]
You can also toggle “Switch to chronological feed” under “Content & Activity Preferences.” With this enabled, your For You feed will show the most recent content first rather than algorithmic recommendations.
Other relevant settings to explore include disabling “Auto-Play Video” under “Data Usage,” which can reduce filtered distractions. You may also want to toggle off “Sensitive Content Recommendations” to further limit filtering.
With these simple tweaks to your TikTok settings, you can browse videos without annoying filters or influence from the recommendation algorithm.
Using TikTok Without Filter
Once you’ve disabled the filters in your TikTok app, your experience using the platform will change in some key ways. Most notably, you’ll only see videos in your main “For You” feed without any filters applied. This means the content will appear more raw and unedited compared to filtered videos.
You’ll need to actively search for new videos and content instead of passively scrolling through your filtered “For You” page. TikTok’s algorithm tailors the “For You” page to show you videos similar to what you usually watch, so removing filters means you may need to proactively find new creators and content.
Overall, using TikTok without a filter can significantly affect your experience. You’ll see more authentic, unedited videos which may alter your perceptions of certain creators. The chronological feed means you have more control over what you view, but you lose the “rabbit hole” effect of constantly new filtered content.
Some may find this a more genuine experience, while others prefer the curated feel of filtered TikTok. It’s ultimately a personal choice that comes down to how you prefer to interact with the platform.
Cautions
There are some important security risks and cautions to consider before downloading unofficial or modified versions of TikTok.
One major risk is that sideloading apps from outside the official app stores bypasses the security review processes those stores have in place. As a result, unofficial TikTok APKs could contain malware, spyware, or other unwanted tracking tools that compromise privacy and security (source). Additionally, unofficial apps may not stay up-to-date with the latest security patches (source).
There is also the possibility of bans or account suspensions when using modified or unofficial versions of apps. TikTok may detect the use of unofficial APKs and take measures to block those versions.
Finally, removing filters also means seeing more sensitive or disturbing content that TikTok’s systems would normally filter out. Users should be prepared to encounter objectionable material if they choose to use unfiltered versions.
Alternatives
One alternative for viewing TikTok content chronologically is to use the TikTok web version, which allows switching to a chronological feed. According to Alphr, the web version has an option to view “Following” feeds chronologically rather than based on recommendations. This can help see the newest videos from accounts you follow in order. However, it may not show all content.
Another approach is to follow more niche interests and smaller accounts rather than just big influencer accounts. As explained on Quora, following specific topics and smaller accounts can result in a more chronological feed because there is less competition. This allows their newest content to be more visible.
Finally, trying sideloaded older versions of TikTok could provide a more chronological feed. Some users on Reddit discuss sideloading the August 2021 .apk which apparently had a chronological feed option. However, sideloading old versions comes with security and functionality risks.
Re-Enabling Filter
If you decide you want to turn TikTok’s filtering back on after disabling it, here’s how to re-enable it:
On the TikTok app, go to your Profile page and tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Select “Settings” from the menu.
In Settings, go to “Digital Wellbeing” and tap “Turn On.” This will re-enable TikTok’s filtering that removes potentially problematic or mature content.
There are several reasons you may want to turn TikTok’s filtering back on after disabling it:
- Filter fatigue – After seeing unfiltered content for a while, you may get tired of seeing inappropriate or irrelevant videos.
- Inappropriate content – Disabling the filter can lead to more mature or objectionable content appearing on your feed.
- Relevancy – The filtering helps surface content that is likely to interest you and tailor your “For You” page.
- Focus – Turning the filter back on can help eliminate distracting or unnecessary videos.
TikTok’s filtering can be useful for optimizing and customizing your experience on the platform. If the unfiltered content becomes overwhelming or unhelpful, re-enabling the filter is a quick way to take back control over what you see.
Conclusion
In summary, removing filtering on TikTok can allow for a more diverse experience by showing content in chronological order rather than an algorithmic order. By disabling the “For You” feed and using the “Following” feed instead, you can see videos from who you follow in the order they were posted.
There are valid reasons on both sides for using a filtered or chronological feed. The “For You” page aims to show you content it believes you will enjoy, while the chronological feed allows you to simply see the latest content from creators you follow.
Ultimately, having the option to remove filtering gives more control over your TikTok experience. While the algorithmic feed has benefits, removing filters allows for a more raw and unbiased journey through content you may otherwise not be shown.
