What is the Adult Only option on TikTok?
The Adult Only option on TikTok allows users to view more mature content not suitable for all audiences. Introduced in early 2022, it gives creators the ability to tag their videos as adult-only, restricting them from minors under 18 years old (https://technologycreativecloud.com/tiktoks-adult-only-option/).
When enabled, the Adult Only setting opens access to videos discussing topics like sex, drugs, violence, or other provocative subjects. It aims to separate this type of content from the main TikTok feed, providing users more control over the content they see. Videos tagged as Adult Only are hidden from teens and only visible to adult users who opt-in to access them.
According to TikTok, the goal of the Adult Only option is to foster an experience that helps users feel comfortable engaging with content relevant to them, while also limiting problematic content for younger audiences (https://technologycreativecloud.com/trendy/). It gives creators more freedom to discuss mature topics while allowing users to control their own online experiences.
Who can access the Adult Only option?
In November 2022, TikTok introduced an age requirement for accessing adult only content on the platform. Users must be 18 years or older to view adult only livestreams or access other adult only features on TikTok.
Previously, the age requirement for TikTok was 13 and up. However, TikTok implemented the new 18+ age restriction to provide more protection and safety for younger users on the platform.
Now, only users who are 18 years or older will be able to view livestreams that are marked as “adult only.” TikTok will use age verification methods to confirm a user’s age before granting them access.
Younger users between the ages of 13 and 17 will not be able to view adult only content. TikTok will block them from accessing any livestreams or videos marked as 18+. The platform will also notify underage users if they try to view an adult only livestream.
The adult only option aims to separate mature content from younger viewers. This allows adult users to have more creative freedom, while maintaining TikTok’s guidelines and community standards.
How to turn on the Adult Only option
TikTok’s Adult Only option is called “Restricted Mode”. Restricted Mode allows users to limit the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
To enable Restricted Mode and access Adult Only content on TikTok:
1. Open the TikTok app and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
2. Tap the 3-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Select “Settings and privacy” from the menu.
4. Tap “Content preferences”.
5. Toggle “Restricted Mode” off. This will disable the filter and enable Adult Only content.
6. Enter your device passcode when prompted to confirm you want to disable Restricted Mode.
Once you have gone through these steps, Restricted Mode will be turned off and you will be able to see Adult Only content in TikTok as long as your account is 18+.
To re-enable Restricted Mode, simply go back to Content preferences and toggle Restricted Mode back on.
What content is available in Adult Only?
The Adult Only option on TikTok allows access to more mature content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. This includes:
- Sexual content – Videos and livestreams containing nudity, sexual acts, erotic dancing, etc. However, hardcore pornography is still prohibited.
- Violent/graphic content – Videos depicting gore, injuries, cruelty, etc. But gratuitous violence is not allowed.
- Vulgar language – Profanity and explicit language in videos and comments. But hate speech is still banned.
- Controversial topics – Discussions and debates on issues like politics, religion, and social issues that may not interest all users. But misinformation is blocked.
- Drug-related content – References to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana use. But illegal hard drug use cannot be shown.
- Dark humor – Jokes, memes, skits involving morbid or taboo topics. But threats/encouragement of dangerous or illegal acts are prohibited.
However, even with the Adult Only option, illegal content and activities remain strictly against TikTok’s rules. And limits on nudity, pornography, and dangerous acts remain in place to an extent. The Adult Only setting simply provides access to more mature themes and discussions not suitable for younger audiences.
How TikTok moderates Adult Only content
All content uploaded to TikTok goes through automated moderation technology first, which aims to identify any violations of TikTok’s Community Guidelines. TikTok states that their approach is built on four pillars: Remove, Restrict, Reduce and Inform.
Adult Only content is considered “overtly mature” and restricted so that only users 18+ can view it. TikTok’s sensitive content policy states that overtly mature content includes significant body exposure of an adult or moderate body exposure of a minor. Videos with mature themes are age-restricted and excluded from recommendations like For You Feed.
According to TikTok’s content moderation overview, human moderators review age-restricted content to determine if it violates policies or should remain restricted only to adults. Moderators can remove content if it is deemed to violate Community Guidelines.
TikTok says its goal is to limit mature content while “supporting creative expression” for adult users. However, controversies have emerged over inconsistent content moderation, which TikTok claims it is working to improve. Overall, TikTok aims to balance safety for younger users while providing an adult-only space.
Advertising restrictions on Adult Only content
TikTok imposes strict limitations on advertising and monetization of Adult Only content. Creators cannot monetize Adult Only content through TikTok’s monetization programs like TikTok LIVE subscriptions, tipping, gifting, and the Creator Fund (according to TikTok Introduces Series For Creator Content Monetization).
Adult Only content is also not eligible for advertising revenue on TikTok. Advertisers cannot specifically target Adult Only content, and TikTok does not serve ads on Adult Only videos (according to How to Monetize Your TikTok Account in 2024).
The restrictions aim to keep advertising brand-safe and aligned with TikTok’s community guidelines. However, the limitations mean Adult Only creators have very few options to directly monetize their content on TikTok itself.
Controversies around Adult Only content
TikTok’s Adult Only option has sparked some controversies and criticisms since its launch. One of the biggest controversies came from a TikTok user who suggested creating “adults-only suburbs” where there would be no children allowed (https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-child-free-adults-only-suburbs-controversial-video-parenting-2023-2). This sparked debate about childfree spaces and discrimination against families with children. Many found the suggestion offensive and impractical.
Others have criticized the Adult Only section for not doing enough to limit harmful or dangerous content. Some worry it provides a space for predatory, graphic, or illegal material without sufficient moderation (https://www.pipiads.com/blog/tiktoks-new-adult-only-content-what-to-expect/). This touches on broader concerns about content moderation and safety on social platforms.
There are also worries about minors accessing Adult Only content by pretending to be adults. While TikTok has age verification measures, critics argue these could be circumvented. This could expose underage users to inappropriate material.
Overall, the Adult Only section sits at the center of debates around free speech, censorship, child safety, and platform responsibility. TikTok faces the challenge of balancing adult creative expression with protecting younger users. The controversies highlight the difficulties in regulating content across a large, global user base.
Adult Only Content vs. Guidelines Violations
It’s important to understand the difference between Adult Only content and content that violates TikTok’s community guidelines. Adult Only refers specifically to mature themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences, such as explicit language, innuendo, or suggestive content. This type of content is restricted to users 18+ but does not violate any rules.
In contrast, TikTok has clear guidelines prohibiting content like nudity, pornography, illegal activities, hate speech, harassment, dangerous acts, and more. Violating these guidelines can lead to content removal and account restrictions or bans. Just being marked 18+ does not make otherwise prohibited material acceptable.
Adult Only gives creators more freedom for mature themes while still restricting potentially objectionable content from younger viewers. But it is not a free pass to post content that crosses serious ethical and legal boundaries. Creators still need to understand and abide by community guidelines.
Parental controls for Adult Only content
Parents who want to restrict their teens’ access to Adult Only content on TikTok have a few options:
First, parents can enable Restricted Mode on their teen’s account. Restricted Mode limits the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for some younger users. To turn on Restricted Mode:
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the menu button in the top right corner.
- Go to “Settings and Privacy” then “Content Preferences”.
- Toggle on “Restricted Mode” and set a passcode.
Second, parents can set screen time limits on how long their teen can access TikTok each day. As of March 2023, TikTok automatically limits daily screen time to 60 minutes for all users under 18. Parents can customize this limit in the app’s “Digital Wellbeing” settings.
Finally, parents can enable TikTok’s “Family Pairing” feature which allows parents to restrict certain types of content, limit who can comment on videos, and set screen time schedules. This gives parents more granular control over their teen’s TikTok experience.
The future of Adult Only on TikTok
The Adult Only feature on TikTok is still in its early stages, so it remains to be seen how this option will evolve in the future. Some possibilities for the future of Adult Only content include:
Expanding to more countries – Currently, Adult Only is only available in a handful of countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. TikTok may expand it to more regions if it proves successful.
More personalized recommendations – TikTok’s algorithm could get better at recommending relevant Adult Only content to users based on their interests and engagement.
Live streams and chatting – TikTok may add the ability to live stream Adult Only content and chat with creators, similar to other adult-focused platforms.
Paid subscriptions – Popular Adult Only creators may be able to offer paid subscriptions for exclusive content and interactions.
Stricter age verification – TikTok may require more stringent age verification to access Adult Only content, like providing a government ID.
Advertising opportunities – TikTok may explore advertising within Adult Only content, while restricting ads in younger users’ feeds.
However, TikTok also faces criticisms about enabling adult content on a platform with many underage users, despite safeguards. The future of this feature will likely depend on how TikTok balances these concerns with providing content variety. But the Adult Only option represents TikTok’s continued evolution as it aims to serve a broader audience.