How TikTok’s new Nearby Feed could help artists connect with local fans
TikTok is rolling out a new ‘Nearby Feed’, helping artists and creators to reach fans right on their doorstep.
What is TikTok’s Nearby Feed?
TikTok is introducing a new ‘Nearby Feed’ to give users a more localized experience and help people discover what’s happening around them. It’s designed to showcase content that’s relevant to where you are, and is based on your location, what the content is about, and when it was posted.
It’s targeted at highlighting travel, events, food & drink and other topics that people nearby may be interested in. That makes it easy for tourists or anyone to find a new food hot spot, or a cool event happening nearby. For artists, that also means that you could appear in front of people who are close by, making it perfect if you’ve got an upcoming gig.
The feature is rolling out to select regions first, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy.
How does it work?
The Nearby Feed sits in a new tab on your TikTok home screen. Its name updates to reflect the location you’re in. If you’re travelling or planning a trip, you can easily change the location too. Simply tap the location in your tab and follow the steps to adjust it.
Crucially, not every post is eligible for the Nearby Feed. Content won’t show up if the creator is under 18, the account is private, the video is set to Friends or Only You, and the post is more than 90 days old.
Plus, sharing your location with TikTok is completely optional for both TikTok creators and users. For those who do opt in, you’ll simply see more accurate location-based suggestions.
Why this matters for artists
For artists, the Nearby Feed serves as a discovery tool and a way to reach fans nearby. If you’re teasing a hometown gig, promoting a performance, or a local festival slot, TikTok will now surface that content to interested users nearby.
In fact, TikTok highlights that its location features have helped to drive discovery already. In the UK, 46% of users have visited a local shop, restaurant, or attraction after discovering it on the platform. So, just imagine how that could translate to a live show.
Final thoughts
TikTok’s Nearby Feed is rolling out now, with no news on when/if we should expect a wider rollout. While it’s primarily designed to help highlight small business and local attractions, its potential for artists is already clear.
For artists who rely on social media to interact with fans, this could be a great way to reach fans exactly where they are and show support when you’re performing nearby. And who knows, it could just help new fans discover you at a local gig too.