The Rise of TikTok’s Popularity
TikTok has seen meteoric growth since launching internationally in 2017. According to Backlinko, TikTok now has over 1 billion monthly active users globally [1]. As of January 2024, TikTok had been downloaded over 672 million times just that year according to Statista [2]. The app is especially popular among younger audiences, with over 60% of its U.S. users being between the ages of 10 and 29 according to Wallaroo Media [3]. TikTok’s foundation is built upon fun, entertaining short-form videos that users can easily create and share. This has proven enormously captivating for younger demographics in particular.
Concerns Around Youth Safety
Although TikTok has brought entertainment and creativity to millions of users, concerns have emerged around youth safety on the platform. With a large percentage of TikTok’s userbase under 18, issues like cyberbullying, predators, and exposure to inappropriate content are frequently raised.
One major concern is cyberbullying, which can involve mean or harassing comments, excluding people from groups, spreading rumors, doxxing personal information, and more. TikTok has faced criticism that its algorithm surfaces drama and conflict, potentially exacerbating bullying among teens. According to some researchers, bullying is more prevalent on TikTok compared to other platforms like Instagram (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/the-goods/23581396/tiktok-teen-mental-health).
In addition, adult predators disguising themselves as teens is an ongoing issue. TikTok has been used to groom minors and lure them into exploitative situations. Although TikTok bans sexual content and has safeguards like restricting DMs for under 16, predators still find ways to connect with minors (https://www.npr.org/2021/11/18/1056991287/tiktok-sexual-exploitation-minors).
Parents and authorities also worry about kids being overexposed to inappropriate content like drug use, dangerous challenges, and adult material. TikTok relies heavily on AI for content moderation, which is not perfect in filtering out potentially harmful videos.
Demand for an Adults-Only Version
In recent years, there has been growing demand from adult TikTok users for a separate adults-only version of the app. As TikTok has exploded in popularity, the app has become increasingly dominated by teenagers and young creators. While much of the content is lighthearted fun, some adults feel uncomfortable engaging in a space crowded by minors.
According to a recent report by Insider Intelligence, time spent on TikTok among US adult users is expected to reach 55.8 minutes per day in 2023, up significantly from previous years [1]. Yet many of these adult users express frustration over the prevalence of juvenile content. They desire more age-appropriate material and discussions.
Some adults have called for TikTok to create a separate 18+ version of the platform, which would require age verification. Proponents argue this would allow adults to fully engage with content relevant to them, without concerns over interacting with minors. It would establish an online space catering specifically to adult interests and conversations.
Critics counter that segregating users by age could lead to further polarization. But the demand remains strong among adults seeking a more tailored TikTok experience.
TikTok’s Community Guidelines
TikTok has official community guidelines that outline what is and isn’t allowed on the platform. These rules are designed to foster an experience that prioritizes safety, inclusion and authenticity (TikTok, 2022). When it comes to sensitive, sexual and adult content, TikTok’s policy aims to prevent situations where minors could be exposed to inappropriate material.
Specifically, TikTok prohibits full nudity as well as “for the purpose of sexual gratification” (TikTok, 2022). This includes masturbation, genitals, sex toys, and overtly sexual language. Additionally, the guidelines state that sexually explicit language, attire, gestures and behavior are not suitable for minors and will be age-restricted. While educational, newsworthy and artistic content featuring nudity may be allowed, it is carefully reviewed by moderators.
In summary, TikTok aims to create a safe environment and prevent minors from accessing inappropriate adult content on the platform through their community guidelines. At the same time, they allow some mature themes when appropriate through age restrictions. This nuanced moderation seeks to balance safety with creative expression.
Launch of TikTok 18+
In March 2022, TikTok officially announced the launch of TikTok 18+, an adults-only version of the popular short-form video app. After facing mounting criticism over issues like exposure of younger users to inappropriate content, TikTok decided to create a separate experience for users 18 and older.
According to the announcement on TikTok’s newsroom site, “TikTok 18+ is specifically designed for an adult audience, with additional controls, allowing users to customize their experience based on individual preferences.” The company said the launch would give users more options to customize TikTok based on their needs.
TikTok acknowledged that “some older users may prefer an experience with additional restrictions.” The 18+ version aims to give users more control over the content they see and interact with. It includes stricter enforcement of community guidelines as well as optional restrictions like limiting discoverability and direct messaging.
The announcement came after increasing pressure on TikTok to better segment its audience and protect younger users. Launching TikTok 18+ allows the platform to cater to adult users who want edgier content while still providing a safe environment for teenagers.
Age Verification Process
TikTok uses various methods to verify a user’s age when signing up for an account or appealing an underage ban. According to TikTok’s support page, Underage appeals on TikTok, users may be asked to provide a government ID, driver’s license, or passport to confirm their age. TikTok will check the personal details on the ID against the information associated with the account.
Additionally, some users have reported being asked to provide a credit card or use facial recognition when appealing an underage ban, as noted in this TikTok age verification page. These methods provide further proof that the user is over 18. The age verification process aims to accurately identify and separate underage users from adult users on the platform.
Adults-Only Features
In response to concerns around youth safety, TikTok launched an 18+ version of the app in early 2023 that includes age-restricted content filters. To access TikTok 18+, users have to verify their age by providing a government ID. Once verified, adults gain access to features not available on the main TikTok platform.
One of the key differences with TikTok 18+ is the ability to view more mature content that would otherwise be filtered out of a minor’s feed. The app’s community guidelines still apply, but content deemed inappropriate for teens is visible. This includes topics like politics, sexual content, alcohol, and other restricted categories.[1]
TikTok 18+ also allows users to live stream without the usual minor safety restrictions. Broader topics can be discussed more freely during live broadcasts. Additionally, the personalized feed shows more relevant content tailored specifically to adults. Features like gifting and tipping are enabled for 18+ live streams as well.[2]
While not radically different, TikTok 18+ does offer adults more mature content while still upholding platform standards. It provides an age-appropriate experience that keeps minors protected.
User Reception So Far
The launch of TikTok 18+ in early 2021 was met with a mixed response from early adopters. Some users welcomed the idea of an adults-only version of the app, praising the separation from younger users. According to one Reddit user, “This is great! Now there can be a place for adult content without it getting mixed in with the general TikTok audience” (Source).
However, others expressed concerns over the segmentation of the platform, worrying it could lead to further polarization. As one YouTube reviewer said, “I don’t like that they are essentially splitting TikTok into two separate apps now. It feels like it goes against the inclusive spirit of the original TikTok” (Source).
Some users also complained about bugs and lack of content in the early days of the 18+ version. According to scam advisor reviews, the app was “buggy” and “a ghost town” when it first launched (Source). However, TikTok has likely worked to address these technical issues in subsequent updates.
Concerns About Further Segmentation
While some have welcomed the launch of TikTok 18+, others have raised concerns about further segmenting social media platforms and online communities. Critics argue that creating separate spaces for adults perpetuates the normalization of overly sexualized content aimed at adults.
As reported by TechCrunch, youth safety advocates worry that an adults-only version of TikTok could make it easier for inappropriate content to spread across the platform. Segmentation also risks adults being unable to monitor what teens are posting or protect them from potentially dangerous interactions.
However, TikTok maintains that their strict content policies remain in full effect on the main TikTok platform used by most users. The 18+ section provides a small alternative space for those over 18 to post content unsuitable for a broader audience. TikTok claims segmentation is necessary given the app’s enormous popularity across all ages.
The Future of an Adults-Only TikTok
The launch of TikTok 18+ has opened up possibilities for how an adults-only version of the popular app could evolve in the future. Some key predictions include:
TikTok 18+ becoming a hub for social commerce, allowing influencers and brands to seamlessly integrate shopping into videos (https://medium.com/@tiktok18pluscom/the-future-of-tiktok-18-plus-latest-version-trends-and-forecasts-5d08741e811f). This could revolutionize the way users discover and purchase products through social media.
New features being introduced such as user-generated NFT galleries, digital payments, and access to metaverse events (https://www.loadedmedia.com/tik-tok-18/). TikTok 18+ may integrate with emerging technologies to provide adult users with novel experiences.
Enhanced security and privacy controls giving users more ownership over their data and who can interact with their content (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tiktok-18-apk-download-latest-version-android-2024-shams-ur-rehman-jbmsf). This could alleviate concerns and make the app more appealing to adult users wary of privacy issues.
Overall, TikTok 18+ is expected to add more mature, engaging features that tap into trends like social commerce, Web3, and the metaverse. However, concerns remain around further segmenting users and limiting the reach of creators. The future will tell how well TikTok maintains the app’s core identity while expanding into adult-specific offerings.
