TikTok revealed this morning that it will broaden the scope of resources available within its in-app election guide for users in the United States. This expansion includes providing straightforward access to websites offering details on polling place locations and operating hours, assistance for individuals encountering issues while voting, and comprehensive explanations of the voting procedures, among other features.

TikTok also stated it is collaborating with the Associated Press (AP) to integrate access to an interactive map displaying up-to-the-minute results for both national and state elections, as well as ballot measures, within the updated guide.

This map will feature live results beginning on Election Day, allowing TikTok users to consult it at any time directly from within the application for the latest available information.

The platform will also provide links to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) website for information regarding polling locations and their hours of operation.

Furthermore, users will be directed to the Election Protection Hotline, which offers support for voting-related difficulties in multiple languages – including English, Spanish, various Asian languages, and Arabic – as well as a video call option for those utilizing American Sign Language.

The election guide was initially launched within the TikTok app last month with the intention of connecting the platform’s 100 million U.S. users with partner organizations providing information about candidates, voting processes, media literacy, and related topics. The initial release included resources from the National Association of Secretaries of State, BallotReady, SignVote, and several other groups.

The information is presented in a user-friendly format, and TikTok itself does not generate the content; rather, it is sourced from partners and appropriately credited. In some instances, TikTok provides a concise summary of information accompanied by a link to the partner’s website for further exploration.

Currently, TikTok users are directed to the guide through a banner displayed across all videos pertaining to elections. They can also access it directly from TikTok’s Discover Page, where it will remain prominently featured throughout the election period.

With this update, if users encounter videos discussing the elections – for example, a video referencing current results – they can tap a link to view the AP’s live election map. This functionality is particularly helpful as the information presented in TikTok’s in-feed videos may not always be entirely current.

TikTok has been actively developing its election-related resources for several months. Earlier this summer, the platform announced expanded collaborations with PolitiFact and Lead Stories to verify information and combat misinformation related to the 2020 U.S. election, building upon their existing efforts to address misinformation concerning COVID-19, climate change, and other subjects.

The company also stated it is working alongside experts, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to safeguard against external interference on its platform, and it has prohibited the use of deepfakes.

Similar to other social media platforms, TikTok will not be hosting political advertisements. However, in contrast to Facebook and Google, which only implemented temporary suspensions of these ads before and after election day, TikTok announced its decision against political ads in October 2019, citing that their nature does not align with the user experience expected on its platform.

Prior to the announcement regarding the expanded election guide, TikTok also introduced an Election Safety Center to enhance transparency regarding the application of its policies to various types of election-related content, including the circumstances under which content may be removed.

While it is common for major technology platforms to offer election-related resources to their users – Facebook, Google, Snapchat, and Twitter all provide similar services – TikTok’s situation is unique. The app is currently facing a ban from the Trump administration in the U.S., and its future within the country remains uncertain.

Despite these challenges, TikTok has continued to develop new features, add resources, and expand its platform in other ways. Just recently, for instance, TikTok announced a partnership with Shopify focused on social commerce initiatives.

TikTok’s updated election guide resources will become available on November 3 in the U.S.