TikTok is launching a new “Nearby Feed” feature, enabling users to discover happenings in their local area. According to the company, this new feed is intended to assist users in finding local establishments, such as restaurants, or interesting places to visit while traveling.

Initial availability of the Nearby feed is limited to the U.K., France, Italy, and Germany.

TikTok initially tested a Nearby feed in 2022, with a limited release to users in Southeast Asia.

“Content within the Nearby Feed is presented to users based on their location, the subject matter of the posts, and the posting time,” TikTok explained in a company blog post. “Users can find local content pertaining to topics like travel, events, dining, and various services, tailored to their interests and previous interactions. For content creators, this means their publicly shared posts may be visible to individuals in the city or region where the post was created or a location was tagged.”

TikTok emphasizes that location sharing is entirely optional and is only available to users aged 18 and above. When location services are activated, TikTok may utilize your device’s GPS data while the app is active to deliver more precise, location-specific recommendations. iOS users will be notified with a clear indicator when their location is being accessed.

The company also states that it “will continue to gather and utilize location data in accordance with applicable legal regulations.”

Users can explore “Nearby” content from different locations by modifying their displayed location through the location name selection and subsequent update process. This feature is particularly useful for travel planning or researching potential destinations.

“The Nearby Feed also provides support for local businesses by enhancing the visibility of small businesses, cultural organizations, and local content creators,” TikTok noted in its blog post. “This feed encourages discovery, increases visits to physical locations, and promotes real-world interactions. In fact, 46% of TikTok users in the U.K. have patronized a local business, restaurant, or attraction they discovered on the platform.”

While TikTok is already recognized for its sophisticated recommendation system, which delivers highly customized content to users, the addition of a Nearby Feed expands its ability to present even more pertinent content.

The Nearby Feed can be accessed directly from the TikTok home screen. The tab label will reflect the user’s current location rather than displaying the word “Nearby.”

The company has not yet announced plans for launching the new feed in other regions.