TikTok Introduces New Playback Settings
Disable HDR videos and display object tags for enhanced viewing control
Key Takeaway
TikTok's new playback settings give users greater control over their viewing experience. The "Disable HDR videos" option helps users on older devices or those who prefer standard video quality, while "Display object tags" provides additional context about video content through AI-powered object recognition.
What's New in Playback Settings?
TikTok has added two significant options to the Playback section of settings, addressing user feedback about video quality and content discovery.
📺 Disable HDR Videos
This setting allows users to turn off High Dynamic Range (HDR) video playback, which can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Device Compatibility: Older phones may struggle with HDR processing
- Battery Conservation: HDR playback can drain battery faster
- Consistent Viewing: Some users prefer standard dynamic range for consistent colors
- Data Usage: HDR videos may use slightly more data
🏷️ Display Object Tags
When enabled, TikTok's AI will identify and display tags for objects, people, and elements within videos:
- Enhanced Discovery: Understand what's in a video at a glance
- Shopping Integration: Identify products shown in videos
- Accessibility: Provides additional context for all users
- Content Filtering: Better control over content you see
How These Settings Affect Creators
For HDR Content Creators
If you create content in HDR format, be aware that some viewers may disable HDR playback:
- Ensure your content looks good in both HDR and SDR modes
- Don't rely solely on HDR effects for important visual information
- Test your videos with HDR disabled to see how they appear
Object Tags & Discovery
Object tags can help your content get discovered:
- Products featured in videos become more discoverable
- Viewers using object tags can find your content through visual search
- TikTok Shop items may automatically link when tagged
- Tags provide additional metadata for the algorithm
How to Access These Settings
- 1
Open TikTok Settings
Tap your profile icon, then the menu button (three lines) in the top right
- 2
Navigate to Settings and Privacy
Select "Settings and privacy" from the menu
- 3
Find Playback Settings
Scroll to "Content & Activity" section and tap "Playback"
- 4
Toggle Your Preferences
Enable or disable "Disable HDR videos" and "Display object tags" as desired
Recommended Settings for Different Use Cases
💰 For Shoppers
Enable object tags to easily identify products in videos and discover shopping opportunities
🔋 For Battery Life
Disable HDR videos to reduce battery consumption during extended viewing sessions
📱 For Older Devices
Disable HDR videos to improve performance and reduce processing load
🎨 For Creators
Enable object tags to understand how TikTok's AI interprets your content
Optimize Your TikTok Experience
Learn more about maximizing your TikTok presence: