TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create and share short videos. Since launching in 2016, TikTok has grown rapidly in popularity across the globe. As of January 2023, TikTok had over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide (Source). It is currently one of the most downloaded apps in the world.
TikTok’s popularity stems from its fun, entertaining, and creative short videos that range from 15 seconds to 3 minutes. The app makes it easy for anyone to create original short videos using music, effects, filters, and more. Its algorithm is very effective at showing users content that aligns with their interests and preferences.
TikTok’s Age Policy
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States. This is stated in TikTok’s Terms of Service.
Specifically, the Terms of Service state: “The minimum age to use TikTok is 13. The minimum age to use TikTok varies by country. For example, the minimum age to use TikTok is 14 in Spain, South Korea, Indonesia, and 16 in India.”
TikTok requires users to enter their birthday when signing up for an account. If a user inputs an age under 13, they will not be able to create an account.
According to TikTok’s Guardian’s Guide, “If we believe someone under 13 (or 14 in certain countries) is using TikTok, we will ban their account.” TikTok relies on user reporting and their moderation tools to identify and remove underage accounts.
Verification of User Ages
TikTok has implemented measures to verify the age of users in an attempt to uphold its community guidelines around age restrictions. According to Remodel or Move, TikTok verifies age by asking users to provide a valid phone number, email address, Facebook account, or Google account during sign up [1]. TikTok states that the information provided will be used for account security purposes and to help verify age. However, the platform does not ask directly for proof of age documentation. Therefore, it is still possible for some underage users to bypass age verification if they have access to an alternate phone number or email address. Nonetheless, TikTok does employ these verification steps in an effort to enforce its age policy.
Adult Content on TikTok
Although TikTok has strict policies prohibiting adult content, some inappropriate videos can still be found on the platform. This is because TikTok relies on a combination of user reporting, automated detection, and human moderators to find and remove unsuitable content (Canopy, 2023).
Some adult creators try to skirt TikTok’s rules by posting suggestive material without outright nudity. However, most overtly sexual content gets taken down quickly. According to one report, TikTok removes over 98% of adult content within 24 hours of it being posted (Blackhatworld, 2022).
In places like Kenya, the spread of adult content on TikTok has ignited debates about social and political issues. While adult creators see TikTok as a platform for expression, officials and others want stricter enforcement against inappropriate videos (Restofworld, 2023).
Overall, while users may come across some mature content, TikTok aims to maintain an experience appropriate for its under-18 audience. The app’s community guidelines prohibit adult content, and violations can lead to account suspensions.
TikTok’s Efforts
TikTok has implemented several policies and tools to help limit adult content from reaching underage users. According to TikTok’s Help Center, they have a strict policy prohibiting sexually explicit content or nudity on the platform. Violators may have their accounts removed.
TikTok also has a Restricted Mode that helps filter out mature content. When enabled, Restricted Mode limits the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Users can toggle Restricted Mode on and off in their app settings.
In early 2023, TikTok began rolling out the ability for creators to restrict their videos to adult audiences aged 18 and over. This allows creators to flag content not suitable for younger viewers. Restricted videos require users to verify they meet the age requirement before viewing them.
TikTok uses a combination of technology and human moderation teams to identify and remove inappropriate content. They also encourage users to report problematic videos or accounts through in-app reporting tools.
Parental Controls
TikTok provides several parental control options to help parents manage their child’s experience on the platform. Parents can use the following features:
Family Pairing – This allows parents to link their TikTok account to their child’s account. Once linked, parents can restrict certain features like direct messaging and set screen time limits. Family pairing is available for children under 13 years old. According to TikTok’s guide, parents must download the app and follow the instructions to set up family pairing with their child (source).
Digital Wellbeing Controls – From the app’s settings, parents can manage screen time limits, restrict messaging, and limit content visibility. TikTok offers options to restrict content with certain keywords or hashtags. Parents can also restrict the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for younger users (source).
Restricted Mode – Turning on restricted mode will limit the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. This can filter out more mature content.
Comments Filter – The comments filter helps block comments containing inappropriate or offensive language.
Search Limitations – TikTok allows parents to disable search to limit access to any content that has not been vetted or moderated. Disabling search can restrict users to only viewing content feeds curated by TikTok’s recommendation system.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok does allow users aged 18 and over on its platform. TikTok has a minimum age requirement of 13 as per its Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. Users between the ages of 13 and 18 have a more restricted app experience compared to adult users over 18. TikTok takes measures to verify user ages, remove underage users, and restrict younger teens’ exposure to inappropriate content. However, as with any social media platform, there are challenges around enforcing age policies and preventing access by underage users. Adult content can be found on TikTok, but the platform employs a mix of human moderators and AI technology to identify and remove mature content. Overall, TikTok aims to create a safe and age-appropriate experience for all of its users, including adults over 18 who make up a sizable portion of its userbase.
FAQ
here are some common questions about adult content on TikTok:
What is TikTok’s policy on adult content?
TikTok prohibits sexually explicit content on its platform and has strict policies against posting anything involving nudity or sexual acts. Users found posting inappropriate adult content risk having their accounts deleted.
Can adults post racy or suggestive content?
While TikTok aims to keep the platform PG-rated, adults can post some mildly suggestive content as long as it doesn’t depict or promote sexual acts. However, content deemed too sexually provocative may still get removed.
Does TikTok allow songs or audio with explicit lyrics?
TikTok generally prohibits songs containing graphic adult language in videos. However, some songs with light profanity or suggestive lyrics may be allowed. TikTok moderates audio on a case-by-case basis.
Can minors see adult content on TikTok?
While TikTok has restrictions against adult content, some inappropriate videos or comments may occasionally slip through. Parents should monitor their teens’ TikTok use and utilize parental control features.
How does TikTok enforce its adult content rules?
TikTok uses a combination of automated moderation technology and human content moderators to review posts and remove policy-violating content. Users can also report inappropriate videos or accounts.
Resources
Here are some helpful resources if you want to learn more about TikTok’s policies around age restrictions and adult content:
- TikTok Community Guidelines – TikTok’s official community guidelines covering content policies.
- TikTok Safety Center – TikTok’s hub with safety information for parents and users.
- TikTok’s Support Page on Age Requirements – Details on TikTok’s minimum age requirements.
- Common Sense Media’s Review of TikTok – An independent review looking at age recommendations.
These resources provide further details directly from TikTok on their age policies, as well as independent analysis of age appropriateness and risks.
References
This content does not cite any external sources.
