TikTok has exploded in popularity in recent years, growing from 11.2 million U.S. users in 2018 to over 150 million active users today (source). The platform is especially popular among teens and young adults, with 60% of its users under 30 years old. However, TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to access the app. This has led to demand for an 18+ version of TikTok that caters to adult users.
An adult TikTok would provide features and content aimed at users 18 and over without the restrictions of the main TikTok platform. Some users feel an 18+ TikTok would enable more creative freedom for topics like sexuality, relationships, and other mature subjects. This article will examine the potential for developing an adult TikTok, covering competitor apps, legal considerations, market analysis, and concerns over an 18+ version.
TikTok’s Content Moderation
TikTok has strict community guidelines and content moderation policies due to its young userbase. The platform prohibits sexually explicit content, graphic violence, illegal activities, dangerous acts, hate speech, harassment, and other mature content (Daily News Egypt). TikTok uses both automation and human moderators to remove inappropriate posts and ban accounts that repeatedly violate the guidelines.
Allowing more mature content poses challenges for TikTok since the app is dominated by teenage and underage users. As of 2020, over 30% of TikTok’s active users were between the ages of 10 and 19 (Screenshot Media). Introducing 18+ content risks exposure to minors and potential issues around data privacy and safety. TikTok would likely need more stringent age verification processes before branching into adult content.
Demand for an Adult Version
There has been some interest in an adult version of TikTok. According to Faceless Marketing, TikTok has become widely used by adults since the pandemic. Adults now make up around 30% of TikTok’s user base in the US. This presents an opportunity for adult-oriented social media platforms.
Some reasons adults may want an alternative to TikTok include seeking age-appropriate content, connecting with other adults, expressing themselves freely, and engaging with niche interests and communities not well-served on mainstream platforms. An adult version could cater to these desires in a tailored environment without underage users.
However, there are no clear surveys or reports indicating massive demand for an adult TikTok alternative yet. While some adults show interest, it remains to be seen if this segment is large and committed enough to support a thriving platform. Targeted market research would help gauge the scale of demand.
Competitor Apps
A few apps have positioned themselves as adult alternatives to TikTok, offering similar short-form video features without the same content moderation. Here is an overview of the top competitors:
Triller is one of the most well-known TikTok competitors, marketing itself as an app for adult content. It has similar features to TikTok, allowing users to create and share short videos set to music. As of 2022, Triller claims to have over 350 million downloads and 65 million monthly active users (https://trangotech.com/blog/apps-like-tiktok/).
Clapper takes a very similar approach to Triller, billing itself as an “adult-only” version of TikTok. It provides comparable tools for short video creation and sharing. Unique features include video chatting and live streaming. Clapper claims over 25 million global users (https://www.highsocial.com/resources/apps-like-tiktok-for-adults-4-authentic-options/).
Other apps, like Dubsmash and Firework, offer some TikTok-style features while catering to adult interests. But they have much smaller user bases in the millions or less. No platform has yet matched the scale and virality of TikTok itself.
Legal Considerations
Creating an adult version of an app like TikTok comes with a number of legal considerations that companies need to keep in mind. First and foremost is ensuring compliance with content moderation and child safety laws that apply to user-generated video apps. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulates how apps and websites can collect personal information from children under 13 years old. An adult version of TikTok would need stringent age verification measures to prevent access by underage users in order to comply with COPPA requirements. Adult apps also face increased scrutiny when it comes to moderating harmful content like illegal material or cyberbullying.
Privacy is another major legal consideration for adult social media platforms. Adult apps need to be extremely careful in how they handle sensitive user data, location information, and content to avoid violating privacy laws. As this article discusses, apps dealing with adult content have been subject to privacy lawsuits in the past. Implementing robust data protection and transparency around how information is collected, stored, and shared would be crucial for an 18+ version of TikTok. Overall, developing a legal compliance strategy from the outset helps mitigate many of the potential legal risks involved in operating this type of platform.
Market Analysis
There is significant potential for an adult version of TikTok to gain traction. As of 2021, 68.5 million Americans between the ages of 27-42 use social media regularly, representing a large target audience for an app with adult content (https://khoros.com/resources/social-media-demographics-guide). Additionally, 84% of 18-29 year olds report using social media sites, indicating demand from younger demographics as well (https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/). An adult TikTok could generate revenue through advertising, subscriptions, and user tips, similar to established adult sites.
However, launching a successful social media startup comes with challenges. Network effects make it difficult for new platforms to compete against entrenched giants like Facebook and Instagram. An adult TikTok would need unique features and compelling content to attract users and stand out. Content moderation also poses hurdles given the sensitivity of adult content. Strict age verification and moderation systems would need to be implemented to build trust and prevent abuse. But if done properly, an adult TikTok could tap into underserved demand and establish itself as a major player in social media.
Developing an Adult TikTok
Based on analysis of competitor apps, an adult version of TikTok would need features like video sharing, direct messaging, user profiles, comments, and in-app monetization options for creators. It would require sensitive moderation to allow adult content while immediately banning illegal material like child exploitation according to policies and standards in the countries where it launches. Effective moderation has been a challenge for apps like Telegram, but a well-resourced platform could invest in a combination of technology like AI, human content reviewers, and allowing users to flag problematic content (Business Insider).
Attracting users in a privacy-conscious manner would be important, as users may not want activity on an adult app tied to their identity. Optional anonymity or privacy modes could help, while still having some form of identity verification to prevent banned users from returning. Targeted and ethical marketing focused on adults could reach underserved demographics without stirring controversy. Rather than descriptions focused on offensive content, marketing could highlight empowering creators and forming connections (Glance). With the right mix of features and marketing, an adult TikTok has the potential to carve out a distinct niche and become a mainstream platform.
Potential Concerns
Creating an adult version of a popular social media app like TikTok could raise some significant concerns around privacy, safety, and reputation. Critics argue that an 18+ platform may lead to the spread of inappropriate or illegal content, cyberbullying, and other issues that have plagued existing adult social networks. According to research from Pew, 48% of social media users have difficulty managing their privacy settings and risks. An adult app would need robust protections to prevent leaks of personal information.
To mitigate these concerns, the developers of an 18+ TikTok alternative would need to prioritize user privacy and safety. Comprehensive community guidelines, content moderation, reporting systems, age verification, and consent controls should be implemented. Encrypted messaging and storage of data could help prevent hacking and leaks. The app should also provide easy-to-use privacy settings, educational resources, and transparency around data practices.
By learning from the mistakes of other adult platforms and proactively addressing safety and reputation risks, an 18+ video app could potentially carve out a niche. However, significant investments in ethical technology, content moderation, and trust-building would likely be required for success.
The Future of Adult Social Media
With the massive success of apps like TikTok, many analysts predict there will be increasing demand for adult social media platforms in the coming years. According to a report by Forbes, the fastest growing social media platforms in 2023 are Twitch, TikTok, and LinkedIn, showing there is strong appetite for new kinds of social media experiences.1
Industry experts forecast established networks like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat may launch adult versions of their apps. As pointed out on Hootsuite, new platforms like BeReal demonstrate people want more authentic and intimate connections online.2 An adult iteration of an existing platform could provide that within a controlled environment.
Emerging technologies like VR, AI, and blockchain could also shape adult social platforms. Immersive digital spaces and user-generated content moderation powered by AI may enhance user experiences and safety. Cryptocurrency integration could facilitate transactions for creator monetization and age verification. The possibilities are endless for how technology may transform this market in the years to come.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is clear demand for an adult version of TikTok, developing such an app comes with major challenges. A few competitors have emerged seeking to fill this niche, but face hurdles around regulations, app store policies, and building a critical mass of users. The viability of a successful adult TikTok alternative remains uncertain.
An app of this nature could potentially transform user-generated adult content and social media. However, it also raises concerns around protecting privacy, preventing abuse, and moderating extreme content. Policymakers would likely scrutinize an adult TikTok closely. Overall, creating a clearly defined brand and robust moderation system would be essential for long-term success. While the demand is evident, executing on an adult version of TikTok in a responsible manner poses non-trivial challenges.
