The featured answer on TikTok refers to a pinned comment that appears at the top of the comment section on some TikTok videos. It is a way for the video creator to highlight a specific comment as the main or featured response to their video.
When and Why Featured Answers are Used
Featured answers are most commonly used on TikTok videos that pose a question or prompt a specific response in the caption. For example, if a TikTok creator posts a video asking “What’s your favorite food?” they can then pin a funny, interesting, or thoughtful comment as the featured answer.
There are a few key reasons a TikTok creator may want to feature a specific comment:
- To highlight an insightful, helpful, or entertaining response to their question or prompt
- To boost engagement by featuring a comment from another popular creator or influencer
- To show appreciation and recognition for a thoughtful comment
- To draw attention to a comment that aligns with the theme or purpose of their content
Essentially, the featured answer allows the video creator to curate and showcase a specific response they want viewers to see. It separates the featured comment from the long list of other comments on a popular video.
How Creators Choose the Featured Answer
The video creator has full control over choosing which comment gets featured. They can pick any comment on their video to pin as the featured answer.
However, creators typically look for comments that:
- Directly answer their question or prompt
- Are unique, funny, insightful, or creative responses
- Come from other popular TikTok creators or influencers
- Represent an opinion, experience, or viewpoint they want to highlight
- Align with the tone and purpose of their content
Creators may also feature answers from commenters who regularly engage with their content to show appreciation. The goal is generally to choose a comment that contributes meaningful value for viewers.
How Viewers Interact with Featured Answers
For TikTok viewers, the featured answer appears pinned at the very top of the comments section. It will say “Featured” next to the username of the commenter.
Seeing the featured answer allows viewers to immediately see the response the creator wants to highlight without digging through all the comments. Viewers can interact with the featured answer just like a regular comment by liking, replying, etc.
Having their comment featured gives the commenter a boost in visibility. It shows the creator valued their response and draws more eyes to their comment.
Benefits of Using Featured Answers
There are a few key benefits TikTok creators get from featuring answers on their videos:
- Engagement: Featuring comments drives engagement, as it prompts viewers to check out and interact with the featured answer.
- Curation: It allows creators to curate the responses on their videos and shape the tone of the comment section.
- Recognition: Creators can recognize valuable commenters by featuring their answers.
- Traffic: Getting their comment featured can bring new followers and views to the featured commenter’s own profile.
Overall, featured answers give creators more control over the responses on their videos. The added customization and interactivity keeps viewers interested and engaged.
Requirements to Feature a Comment
To feature a comment, creators must have:
- A TikTok Pro account
- At least 1,000 followers
- No Community Guidelines violations on their account
These requirements ensure featured answers don’t get abused or overused. Creators must have an established audience to get access to the feature.
Viewers don’t need any special account to see or engage with featured answers. They are visible to anyone who can view the video and comments.
How to Feature a Comment as the Answer
Featuring a comment is a simple process for creators:
- Open the TikTok video that you want to feature a comment on
- Tap on the comments icon to open the comments section
- Find the comment you want to feature and swipe left on it
- Tap the “Feature” button that pops up
- The comment will now be pinned as the featured answer
Creators can change the featured comment at any time. Simply swipe left on a different comment and hit “Feature” to replace it.
Controversies Around Featured Answers
While featured answers can have benefits, there have been some controversies around their use on TikTok:
- Moderation – Featured comments don’t get checked for misinformation or inappropriate content
- Manipulation – Creators can potentially use featured answers to control narratives or mislead audiences
- Discovery – Legitimate comments with useful info may get buried under the featured answer
- Harassment – Creators could hypothetically sic hateful featured comments on commenters they don’t like
Due to these concerns, some critics argue TikTok needs stricter protections around featured answers. However, many believe the benefits outweigh potential risks when used responsibly.
The Future of Featured Answers
Looking ahead, TikTok may expand featured answers by:
- Letting creators pin multiple comments as featured answers
- Algorithmically detecting and featuring highly engaging comments
- Suggesting commenters for creators to potentially feature
- Giving creators more moderation tools over featured comments
As TikTok continues growing, featured answers will likely evolve as well. But the core goal will remain the same – giving creators a way to highlight standout responses to their videos.
