TikTok is a popular social media platform that allows users to create, share, and view short videos. Since launching in 2016, the app has gained tremendous popularity among teenagers and young adults. According to research, nearly 70% of TikTok’s users in the United States are between the ages of 10 and 29 (source). The app’s success has been attributed to its fun, lighthearted feel and ease of creating and sharing short, silly videos.
Unlike other social platforms dominated by millennials and older users, TikTok has found its sweet spot among Generation Z. Its simple interface and playful creativity make it irresistible to young people. However, this youthful demographic has left many adults feeling out of the loop when it comes to the latest TikTok trends.
The Adult TikTok Market
Adult content has become increasingly popular on TikTok over the past few years. According to Backlinko, TikTok has a 53.9% adult reach rate in the U.S. as of December 2023. eMarketer also estimates that 45.3% of U.S. TikTok users were adults as of 2024.
TikTok does not provide exact statistics on adult content usage, but third-party estimates suggest a significant portion of activity revolves around adult themes. The rapid growth of sexually suggestive dancing, nudity, and other mature content points to adults becoming a primary TikTok demographic.
Statista reports TikTok held 9-12% of the social media advertising market share in the U.S., U.K., and Germany in 2023, displaying the platform’s expanding reach among adult audiences. As TikTok continues to grow worldwide, adult content will likely play a key role in its popularity.
Key Differences from Regular TikTok
Adult TikTok allows more mature content that would normally be restricted or banned on the regular TikTok app. This includes nudity, sexual content, profanity, drug references, and other adult themes. The content moderation and restrictions are much more relaxed compared to the main TikTok platform.
Whereas regular TikTok relies heavily on algorithmic moderation and restrictions to maintain a largely PG-13 environment, Adult TikTok permits R-rated content. Creators have more creative freedom to post edgier videos with adult humor, language, and imagery.
There is less concern about violating community guidelines or getting banned on Adult TikTok for posting mature content. The target audience is assumed to be adults who opt-in to see uncensored, unfiltered videos and topics.
Overall, Adult TikTok caters to an older demographic looking for a TikTok-style platform without the same content limitations as the main app. The looser restrictions allow for a wider range of creative expression and subject matter.
Adult TikTok Features
Adult TikTok enables users to explore diverse types of mature content that are prohibited on the main TikTok platform, such as nudity, sexual content, and profanity. Users have more control over curating their feed through an advanced discovery and filtering system.
The adult version contains specific categories and tags to easily find preferred content, including “NSFW,” “Fetish,” “Kink,” among many others. Users can also filter search results by content type, user demographic, view count, and more. Mature themes that were previously banned on regular TikTok can thrive in this adult environment.
Another core feature is giving users more control over their feed. An advanced algorithm learns user preferences based on engagement to serve personalized recommendations. Users can also block certain content or users they don’t wish to see. Privacy settings allow toggling visibility and incoming messages as desired.
Popular Adult TikTok Creators
Some of the most popular adult creators on TikTok include:
Lana Rhoades (@lanarhoades) – With over 17 million followers, former adult film star Lana Rhoades is one of the biggest adult stars on TikTok. She posts provocative dancing videos and clips showcasing her lifestyle.
Tyga (@tyga) – Rapper Tyga has over 27 million followers on TikTok where he posts hip hop dances and collaborations with other adult content creators. His racy lyrics often get his videos flagged.
Blac Chyna (@blacchyna) – Model and entrepreneur Blac Chyna shares risque dancing videos and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work life to her 19 million TikTok followers.
Cardi B (@iamcardib) – With 31 million followers, rapper Cardi B is one of the most popular celebrities on TikTok. She uploads unfiltered, provocative videos showing off her bold personality.
Other top adult creators on TikTok include models, dancers, OnlyFans creators, and more who entertain their fans with edgy, mature content.
Monetization Opportunities
Adult creators on TikTok have several options to monetize their content and earn money, similar to regular TikTok creators. Some of the main methods include:
Brand sponsorships and partnerships – Brands may offer direct sponsorship deals and partnerships to adult creators with large followings. This allows creators to get paid to promote products or services through their content.
TikTok Creator Fund – Adult creators with at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days can apply to join the TikTok Creator Fund, which provides monetary incentives for top-performing videos.
Live streaming gifts and tips – Adult creators can earn monetary tips and gifts from fans during TikTok Live broadcasts. These live gifts can add up to a substantial revenue stream.
Paid subscription sites – Many adult creators direct their TikTok fans to paid adult subscription sites like OnlyFans to unlock exclusive adult content. TikTok drives traffic while subscription sites handle monetization.
Affiliate marketing – By promoting affiliate links or discount codes, creators can earn commissions when fans make purchases through their links. Affiliate marketing works well with adult toy companies, apparel brands, etc.
Selling merchandise – Adult creators can design and sell custom clothing, accessories, posters, and other merchandise to loyal fans, earning a profit on each item sold.
Overall, while TikTok itself provides limited direct monetization, the platform allows adult creators to drive traffic to other monetizable websites, products, and services. The large audiences possible on TikTok are highly lucrative when converted to paying subscribers and customers.
Controversies and Concerns
TikTok has faced criticism for issues related to adult content on the platform. Some critics argue the app can expose children and teens to inappropriate material. According to research, over one-third of TikTok accounts belong to users under the age of 19 (1).
TikTok’s algorithm is designed to quickly determine a user’s interests and preferences in order to serve them relevant content. However, this can result in adult or sexualized videos being recommended to younger users. There have been instances of predators using TikTok to contact minors as well (2).
In response, TikTok has implemented stronger protections for younger users. Accounts for children under 13 are set to private by default. TikTok also restricts direct messaging for accounts under 16. Users can report inappropriate content or accounts. TikTok has stated they are committed to user safety, especially for younger audiences (3).
However, critics argue TikTok needs to do more to moderate extreme or sexually explicit content. Concerns remain about the app’s ability to protect minors from exposure to adult content (1). TikTok continues to grapple with how to balance adult creative expression with user safety across all age groups.
(1) https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-child-free-adults-only-suburbs-controversial-video-parenting-2023-2
(2) https://aneasydollar.com/tiktok18-unveiling-secrets-controversies-impact-safety-measures/
(3) https://hcpl.net/blogs/post/tiktok-the-good-the-bad-and-the-controversial/
Adult TikTok Alternatives
TikTok’s popularity with younger audiences has led some adult users to seek out alternative apps. Here are a few of the top options:
Triller is one of the most popular TikTok alternatives, with a similar short video format. While Triller has users of all ages, it tends to skew slightly older than TikTok. Triller emphasizes music and has been embraced by many artists and musicians. According to HighSocial, Triller can be a good option for adults looking for an app with “higher quality content.”
Likee, formerly known as LIKE Video, is another short video app with similarities to TikTok. However, Likee puts more emphasis on special effects and editing capabilities. As noted by Trangotech, Likee can be especially appealing to adult creators as it provides more monetization opportunities through things like gifting and tipping.
Lomotif is often cited as one of the top TikTok alternatives. Lomotif boasts a large international user base and a strong presence in the adult market. As Trangotech points out, Lomotif stands out for its global reach and support for adult content creators.
While none of these apps have the same level of popularity as TikTok, they do provide some viable alternatives for adults seeking short video platforms tailored more for mature audiences.
The Future of Adult TikTok
The adult side of TikTok is still a relatively new and growing space, but many predict significant growth and changes in the coming years.
According to a Pew Research report, the percentage of U.S. adults who regularly get news from TikTok quadrupled from just 3% in 2020 to 14% in 2023. This rapid adoption indicates there is great potential for adult content to continue growing its audience on the platform.
Some speculate that TikTok may implement age verification tools or separate adult sections to better cater to mature audiences, similar to how YouTube and other platforms operate. This could allow for more explicit content while preventing underage users from accessing it.
Influencers will likely play a key role in shaping the adult side of TikTok. Popular adult creators like Melina KB already attract millions of followers with their provocative, NSFW content. The platform’s algorithmically-driven feed makes it easy for risqué videos to go viral, rewarding those who push boundaries.
While the future is uncertain, many signs point to TikTok further expanding as a destination for adult entertainment and discussions in the years to come.
Conclusion
In summary, adult TikTok is a growing segment of the short-form video platform aimed at adult audiences looking for more risque content. While it shares the same core functionality as regular TikTok, adult TikTok tends to feature more sexually suggestive dancing, revealing outfits, adult humor, and influence from OnlyFans creators.
Adult TikTok provides monetization opportunities through gifting, tipping, subscriber groups, and leveraging audiences to promote other 18+ platforms. However, concerns remain around moderation of inappropriate content.
While adult TikTok fills a demand, the platform faces challenges around brand safety and restrictions from app stores. Competitors are emerging like OnlyFan’s Unruly or support for adult creators on other existing social platforms.
Overall, adult TikTok represents a segment of online video that, while controversial, continues to thrive. The platform’s ability to balance this content with brand perceptions and regulations will impact adult TikTok’s future.
