How to Disable TikTok Find Similar Feature?

Why Does TikTok’s Find Similar Button Keep Bothering You?

I know how it feels when you’re watching TikTok and that pesky Find Similar button pops up every time you pause a video. It’s like having someone constantly tap your shoulder while you’re trying to enjoy content. Let me walk you through exactly how to get rid of this feature once and for all.

What Is This Find Similar Thing Anyway?

TikTok rolled out this AI-powered feature that suggests similar products, videos, and accounts when you pause any video. The app thinks it’s helping you discover more content. But here’s the catch – it only shows up when you pause videos in your feed.

If you’ve updated your TikTok app recently on Android or iPhone, this feature turned on automatically. No one asked if you wanted it. It just appeared. Many people find it disruptive to their viewing experience.

The Two Types of TikTok Users

Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about who uses TikTok:

• Viewers: People who watch videos but don’t create content
• Creators: People who make and post their own videos

The good news? Both types of users can disable this feature. The methods are different, but both are simple.

Method 1: Turn Off Find Similar as a Viewer

If you only watch TikTok videos, this method is for you. The steps work the same way on both Android and iPhone devices.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open your TikTok app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner
2. Look for the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top right corner of your profile page
3. Tap on “Settings & Privacy” from the menu that appears
4. Find and tap “Playback” in the settings list
5. Turn off the “Display Object Tags” toggle.
6. Exit the settings.

Once you complete these steps, the Find Similar button won’t appear when you pause videos anymore. It’s that simple.

Why This Works

The “Display Object Tags” setting controls whether TikTok shows interactive elements when you pause videos. By turning it off, you’re telling the app not to display any overlay buttons or suggestions during paused moments.

Method 2: Disable Find Similar as a Content Creator

If you make TikTok videos, you have control over whether the Find Similar feature appears on your specific content. This means you can decide for each video whether viewers will see this feature when they pause your content.

Follow these steps before posting your video:

1. Open TikTok and tap the “+” icon at the bottom of your screen
2. Select or record your video from your gallery or camera
3. Tap “Next” to proceed to the editing screen
4. Look for the three dots (- – – ) labeled “More Options“
5. Find “Identify Similar Products” in the options menu
6. Turn off this toggle – this prevents the feature from working on your video
7. Tap “Post” to publish your video

Now when people watch your video and pause it, they won’t see the Find Similar suggestions.

Why Creators Should Consider This

As a content creator, you want people focused on your video. Not distracted by suggestions to look at similar content. When viewers pause your video, you want them thinking about your message, not jumping to other creators’ content.

Additional Tips for Better TikTok Experience

Here are some extra ways to improve your TikTok browsing:

• Clear your cache regularly to keep the app running smoothly
• Update your app only when you’re ready for new features
• Check privacy settings monthly to stay in control of your data
• Use screen time controls if you find yourself scrolling too much

What Happens After You Disable It?

Once you turn off the Find Similar feature, your TikTok experience becomes cleaner. You can pause videos without unwanted buttons appearing. Your viewing flow stays uninterrupted.

For creators, your audience stays more engaged with your content. They’re less likely to get distracted by suggestions for similar videos or products.

Common Questions People Ask

Will this affect my For You page? No, disabling Find Similar doesn’t change how TikTok recommends videos on your main feed.

Can I turn it back on later? Yes, just follow the same steps and toggle the settings back on.

Does this work on all devices? These methods work on both Android and iPhone devices with the latest TikTok updates.

The Bottom Line

TikTok’s Find Similar feature might seem helpful, but it often interrupts the viewing experience. Whether you’re a casual viewer or active creator, you now have the tools to control this feature.

The viewer method takes about 30 seconds to complete. The creator method adds just one extra step to your posting process. Both solutions give you back control over your TikTok experience.

Remember, social media should work for you, not against you. These simple changes help you enjoy TikTok on your own terms without constant interruptions.