TikTok rolls out AI ad tools while a Bolivia deepfake video circulates on the platform

TikTok announced a suite of new advertising solutions at its TikTok World event, emphasizing artificial‑intelligence‑driven automation and creative generation. New formats such as TopReach combine premium ad slots, while Branded Buzz and Search Center aim to boost brand conversations and capture high‑intent shoppers. The company also upgraded its AI creative suite TikTok Symphony with the Dreamina Seedance 2.0 video model, introduced Creator AI Search to match brands with creators, and added automated features to Smart+ and GMV Max for ecommerce performance.

At the same time, a TikTok account posted a fabricated video that falsely portrayed Stello Cochamanidis, head of the pro‑Santa Cruz committee, demanding the resignation of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and calling for immediate elections. Fact‑checkers identified the clip as a deep‑fake generated with AI, reusing footage from Cochamanidis' real press conference. The misinformation spread widely, garnering over 100,000 views before being debunked. The incident underscores the dual‑use nature of AI on the platform, enabling both advanced marketing tools and the creation of deceptive political content.