TikTok Just Got More Yelp-y: Now Testing Business Reviews on Videos

TikTok isn't just for dances, storytimes, and oddly satisfying cooking hacks anymore—it's officially dipping its toes into business reviews. As of this week, the app is quietly testing a new feature that lets users leave reviews on videos tagged with specific locations. The update is only visible on selected videos for now, but it's a big sign of where TikTok's headed next: the world of local discovery and search.


So, what's actually happening? On some videos, a new "Reviews" tab has popped up in the comments section, allowing viewers to leave star-style reviews and share their thoughts on a tagged spot—anything from touristy landmarks to that trendy ramen bar down the street. You can even upvote the best reviews right in the app, Reddit-style. If curiosity takes over (and let's be real, it will), tapping on a reviewer's name takes you straight to their TikTok profile. Smooth.

This feature was first spotted by app researcher Jonah Manzano, and TechCrunch later confirmed it's part of TikTok's slow but steady plan to expand in-stream business listings. Basically, TikTok is eyeing Google's turf. The app has already become a go-to tool for Gen Z when it comes to searching for places to eat, shop, or explore—something Google itself admitted back in 2022, when a company exec confessed that almost 40% of young people skip Google Maps and Search in favor of TikTok and Instagram when picking a lunch spot.

TikTok even flirted with Google in the past, testing a business listing format that pulled info from Google Maps. But the branding's now gone, which likely means TikTok's building its own database from scratch. That's a bold move—and it makes sense, especially considering how TikTok is pushing its in-app shopping efforts. In China, TikTok's sister app already makes most of its money from in-app purchases and services. Now the Western version is slowly following suit.

But there's a bump in the road: U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are about to hit, hard. Since a lot of TikTok's current product listings are sourced from China, rising prices could mess with its e-commerce momentum. That might be why TikTok's now testing features like local reviews—it could be laying the groundwork to pivot toward services like food delivery and bookings next.

For now, TikTok's review tab is still limited to a small set of location-tagged videos. But if it rolls out more widely, you might just find your next favorite coffee shop thanks to a 30-second clip and a well-placed 5-star review.

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