With approximately 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok faces potential bans due to national security concerns, complicating its operational landscape.

The Footnotes feature has been in development since 2024 and is inspired by similar community-driven initiatives on platforms like X.

While contributors will be able to write and rate notes in the coming months, the Footnotes feature is not expected to be publicly visible in the U.S. for several months.

The introduction of Footnotes is part of TikTok's ongoing efforts to improve user experience and combat misinformation on its platform.

TikTok aims to enhance content accuracy and transparency as misinformation continues to be a significant concern across social media.

Despite its potential benefits, there are concerns about bias and misinformation risks associated with community contributions, which TikTok plans to monitor closely.

Unlike Meta, which has discontinued its U.S. fact-checking program, TikTok's Footnotes will complement its existing partnerships with over 20 accredited fact-checking organizations.

TikTok has launched a new crowd-sourced fact-checking feature called Footnotes, allowing users to add contextual information to videos.

To participate in the Footnotes program, contributors must be at least 18 years old, have an account that is at least six months old, and maintain a clean record regarding Community Guidelines.

This announcement comes as TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, faces increasing pressure regarding the app's future in the U.S., including potential sales or bans.

Legislation passed in 2024 mandates that ByteDance must divest control of TikTok's U.S. operations by June 19, 2025, or face a ban.

In 2023, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before Congress about data protection strategies, acknowledging shortcomings and efforts to separate U.S. user data from Chinese oversight.