TikTok is a short form video social media app that has grown massively in popularity in recent years, especially among teenagers. According to Pew Research, 67% of teens say they use TikTok, with 16% saying they use it almost constantly[1]. TikTok allows users to create and share short videos, often set to music, and follow other users who post content. Its algorithm is very effective at showing users’ videos to those most likely to engage with them, helping some amass huge followings. Overall, TikTok has became one of the most downloaded and used social media apps in the world.
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/
Rumors of an Adults Only TikTok
There have been rumors circulating online about TikTok potentially launching an adults-only version of the platform. This rumored adults-only TikTok would allow more mature content not permitted under the main TikTok’s guidelines. According to some reports, TikTok has been surveying users about interest in an adults-only platform and exploring potential features like the ability to live stream with age limits (https://sea.mashable.com/tech/21631/adults-only-tiktok-live-is-raising-the-age-requirement).
However, TikTok has not officially confirmed plans for a separate adults-only version. The rumors seem to stem from TikTok’s recent changes to age requirements for live streaming, not necessarily plans for an entirely separate app. TikTok raised the minimum age for live streaming from 16 to 18 in November 2022, which sparked speculation about other adult-focused features.
Some analysts view an adults-only TikTok as unlikely due to concerns about brand reputation, legal issues, and advertising. But the rumors indicate interest in more grown-up content among TikTok’s base of young users as they age up. An adults-only version could allow TikTok to keep mature content separate while maintaining its main app’sbranding and appeal to teenagers.
TikTok’s Guidelines
TikTok has very clear guidelines against adult content and nudity on their platform. According to their Community Guidelines, TikTok does not allow “nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content” on the platform. Their policy on Sensitive and Mature Themes specifically prohibits “uncovered genitals and buttocks” as well as “nipples and areolas of women and girls.”
The TikTok Creator Portal further reiterates that “Adult nudity and sexual activities. Nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content are not allowed on our platform.” Their community guidelines make it clear that TikTok aims to maintain a platform suitable for users of all ages.
The Appeal of an Adults Only App
There is some appeal for an adults only version of TikTok due to the massive popularity of the platform among younger users. According to Pew Research, 40% of adults under 30 say they use TikTok. With such a large Gen Z user base, some older users may feel that TikTok’s content is not appropriate or relevant for them.
An adults only TikTok could provide more age appropriate content that resonates with older users. It could also provide a space for topics or humor that may not be suitable for a younger audience. According to Marketing Charts, adults are increasingly using social media for purchasing decisions and product discovery. An adult version may allow for different advertising content as well.
However, it’s unclear if there is enough demand for a separate adult only app. TikTok already has tools to restrict younger users and allow age appropriate content. There are also existing competitors like Lasso that provide similar short form video features for older users. Ultimately, the appeal depends on whether adults feel unwelcome or restricted on the main TikTok app.
Competitor Apps
There are several existing social media platforms that cater exclusively to adult audiences and content. One of the most well-known is OnlyFans, which allows creators to monetize adult content for paid subscribers. OnlyFans has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years, reaching over 130 million users in 2021 according to Xpurity.
Other adults-only social platforms like XPurity, ManyVids, and Bumble allow users to connect and share uncensored content without worrying about restrictions placed on mainstream sites. These apps provide a judgement-free space for exploring adult interests and forming connections based on shared desires or fantasies. Their user bases tend to be smaller than mass market sites, but can foster highly engaged niche communities.
While major platforms like Facebook and Instagram prohibit overtly sexual content, competitors in the adults-only space allow and encourage it. They cater to desires not addressed by mainstream social media. An adult version of TikTok would essentially join this market segment already served by OnlyFans, XPurity, and similar apps.
TikTok’s Brand Reputation
TikTok has cultivated a brand reputation centered around fun, entertaining, and inclusive content. As of 2022, over 1 billion people use TikTok monthly, with the largest percentage of users between the ages of 10 and 19 (source). While TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit sexually explicit content, the platform relies on lighthearted, often comedic videos that appeal to teenagers and young adults.
The release of an adults-only version of TikTok could jeopardize the brand’s family-friendly reputation. According to a 2010 study, only 13% of adults pay for mobile apps, suggesting limited appeal for an adult-only platform. However, competing apps like OnlyFans have found success catering exclusively to adult content. Ultimately, an adults-only offshoot could isolate TikTok’s core Gen Z audience if not handled delicately.
Advertising Concerns
With adult content comes issues related to advertising and monetization. Many users have complained about inappropriate or disturbing ads appearing in otherwise benign apps and games on platforms like iOS and Android, especially when children may be exposed.
For example, one Apple Discussions thread from May 2021 documents users receiving inappropriate ads for adult apps despite using apps rated as 4+, leading to concerns that the App Store’s age ratings are not properly enforced for ad content shown within apps [1]. Another April 2022 thread describes ads with “very disturbing adult content” appearing within kids games and apps [2].
On Google’s support forums, users have complained about inappropriate adult YouTube ads as well, making the apps unusable for children [3]. These advertising issues pose a challenge for any potential adults-only TikTok clone seeking mainstream monetization and advertising partnerships.
Legal and Regulatory Hurdles
Given an adults-only version of TikTok would enable the distribution of adult content, the company would face some legal and regulatory restrictions. In the United States, there is no law at the federal level against adults posting or viewing sexually explicit legal content like pornography. However, states and local municipalities have different laws around indecency that could complicate the rollout of an adults-only app. For example, in Utah, a new law requires age verification for social media users accessing mature content. TikTok may need to implement technologies to verify users are of legal age depending on the jurisdiction. There are also worries about children bypassing age restrictions to access mature content.
Additionally, TikTok would need to be careful about enabling illegal content like child pornography or revenge porn, which have no legal protections. The company could face liability if such content is shared on the platform, necessitating strong moderation policies and enforcement. There are also concerns around issues like harassment, bullying, and hate speech that persist across social media. While adults have more leeway in the speech they can legally engage in, an adults-only TikTok would still need to abide by laws against credible threats, incitement of violence, and defamation. Overall, operating an adults-only social media platform poses unique regulatory challenges around mature content.
Is an Adults Only TikTok Likely?
Despite the rumors, it seems unlikely that TikTok will launch an adults-only version of the app anytime soon. While TikTok has begun allowing creators to restrict certain videos to adults ages 18 and up, this feature is not meant for adult content. According to TechCrunch, “As is the case with adult-only livestreams on TikTok, the 18+ restriction setting for videos isn’t a way for creators to display adult content.” https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/03/tiktok-ability-creators-restrict-videos-adult-viewers/
TikTok’s community guidelines strictly prohibit adult content, nudity, and sexual activities. The app’s brand is focused on lighthearted, entertaining short videos and they are unlikely to jeopardize their family-friendly reputation. As Mashable notes, “Only for content that doesn’t violate community guidelines.” https://mashable.com/article/tiktok-adult-only-videos
While competitors like OnlyFans offer adult content, TikTok faces far more regulatory scrutiny as a large social media platform. Creating an adults-only section could lead to legal issues and advertiser backlash. TikTok relies heavily on advertising revenue, so venturing into adult content could negatively impact their business model.
In summary, TikTok is unlikely to allow true adult content anytime soon. The 18+ video setting gives creators more control, but does not indicate a shift into adult entertainment. TikTok will likely maintain its reputation as a mainstream app for general audiences in the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In summary, while rumors of an adults only version of TikTok have circulated, TikTok remains unlikely to launch such an app. TikTok’s brand is oriented towards a general audience, and creating an adults only offshoot could damage its reputation and relationships with advertisers. There are also significant legal and regulatory hurdles in many markets that would make launching an adults only app difficult. While some competitors have found success with adult platforms, TikTok’s guidelines prohibiting nudity and sexual content reflect its strategy to maintain a diverse, inclusive community.
An adults only TikTok would certainly find an audience, but could also introduce new risks around illicit content and exploitation. Ultimately, TikTok seems focused on enhancing safety and protection for its broad user base rather than segmenting. While the rumors persist in some circles, TikTok has given no indication it plans to follow this direction. The platform’s guidelines make clear its vision is for an all-ages community brought together by shared interests, creativity, and positivity.
