TikTok is a popular social media platform known for its fun short-form videos. However, some videos on TikTok may contain mature or sensitive content not suitable for all audiences. To help protect younger viewers, TikTok uses age restrictions on certain videos and accounts.
When a video receives an age restriction, it is tagged as only being viewable by users above a certain age, usually 13 or 18 years old. This means users who are under the age restriction will not be able to view the video. TikTok uses age restrictions to try to provide age-appropriate content to its community.
TikTok’s Community Guidelines
TikTok has comprehensive Community Guidelines that all users must follow. These guidelines outline what type of content is allowed on the platform and how users are expected to behave. One of the key sections of the guidelines relates to mature and adult content.
According to TikTok’s guidelines, users must age-restrict mature content so that it is only viewed by adult users ages 18 and over. This includes content with overtly sexual themes, intense violence, gore, drug use, or criminal activities. TikTok prohibits depictions of nudity and sexual activities. Users are expected to mark content containing partial nudity or sexually suggestive themes as “Not for Minor Users” by enabling content and account restrictions.
In addition, TikTok aims to maintain strict eligibility standards for its main “For You” feed to limit inappropriate content and promote a positive environment, especially for younger users. The platform relies on both automated systems and human moderators to enforce these community standards and age restrictions.
Types of Content that May Be Age Restricted
TikTok aims to create a safe and positive environment for its community. As a result, certain types of content that may be inappropriate for younger audiences can become age-restricted. The main categories of content that may trigger age restrictions include:
Sexual Content – Videos with overtly sexual language, nudity, or simulated sexual acts will likely be age-restricted. TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit sexually explicit content.
Violence – Depictions of graphic violence, gore, illegal acts, or harm against people or animals may result in age restrictions. TikTok prohibits content that glorifies violence.
Drugs – Videos promoting or depicting recreational drug use, abuse, or sales often get age-gated to protect younger viewers. Illegal drug activities violate TikTok’s guidelines.
Dangerous Acts – Content showing dangerous challenges, stunts, or pranks that could lead to injury may become age-restricted for safety reasons. TikTok aims to prevent harm.
In addition, videos with mature themes, offensive language, or other adult content types may also receive age restrictions to limit underage access. TikTok aims to provide age-appropriate experiences.
Age Rating Process
TikTok rates the maturity level of content using both human moderators and automated systems. When content is uploaded, it goes through review by AI-powered moderation technology first. This system scans for policy violations or content that may not be appropriate for all ages. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, the automated system looks for things like nudity, sexual content, illegal activities, violent and graphic content, and dangerous acts that could lead to harm.
If the automated review flags potential issues, the content gets escalated to the human content moderation team for additional review. The human moderators will make a judgment call on whether the content violates policies or needs an age restriction. They take into account factors like the nature of the content itself, as well as the intent behind it.
According to TikTok, the human review process is centralized globally to ensure consistency. Moderators consider cultural norms and local laws when making decisions. Their goal is to keep the platform safe for users of all ages while allowing freedom of expression.
Once a video is given an age restriction, viewers will see an age gate or warning message before the video plays. The age restriction limits visibility, as content set to 18+ will not be recommended to users under 18 years old.
Appealing Age Restrictions
If your content gets age restricted and you believe it was a mistake, you can appeal the restriction. The process to appeal is:
- Go to your restricted video in the TikTok app and tap the “Appeal” button.
- Select the option that best describes why you think the video was mistakenly restricted. Common options are “Not Immodest”, “Not Self-Harm”, or “Not Dangerous Acts”.
- Provide an explanation of why you believe the content was restricted incorrectly.
- TikTok will review your appeal and respond within 24 hours with their decision.[1]
If your appeal is rejected, you can submit another appeal explaining why you still believe the restriction was a mistake. However, continuously submitting appeals for the same content may lead to penalties.
For age restriction appeals due to being under 13, you will need to have a parent or guardian submit an appeal with a photo of you together as proof of age.[2] The process can take 1-2 weeks.
Age Gate for Viewing
TikTok utilizes an age gate to restrict access to certain content for users below a specific age. The age gate prompts users to enter their date of birth when attempting to view videos that may not be suitable for younger audiences. This system helps TikTok comply with regulations like the Community Guidelines to provide age-appropriate content.
When a video contains themes, audio, visuals, or other elements that may not be appropriate for younger users, TikTok will place it behind the age gate. Users will be unable to watch the video until they pass the age verification by entering their date of birth. The required minimum age depends on local regulations – for example, it is 13 in the U.S. and 14 in parts of Europe.
The age gate aims to balance creative expression with user safety, especially for teen and pre-teen audiences. It allows creators to tackle more mature topics while restricting potentially inappropriate content unless viewers confirm they meet the minimum age. Overall, the age gate helps TikTok maintain age-appropriate access across its global community.
Geographic Differences
TikTok’s age restrictions and policies vary somewhat between countries. According to the Guardian’s Guide, the minimum age to use TikTok is 13 in most countries, but it is 14 in South Korea and Indonesia. TikTok aims to comply with local laws and regulations regarding age limits and online safety.
In Europe, TikTok adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which has stricter requirements regarding data collection from minors. TikTok requires parental consent for users under 16 in Europe.
TikTok also adjusts its default privacy settings and safety features based on local norms and regulations. For example, accounts for users under 16 are set to private by default in Europe but not necessarily in other regions.
While TikTok’s core safety features are consistent globally, the specific age thresholds and default settings are customized to adhere to local laws and cultural norms around teen privacy and safety.
Monetization Impact
Having your content age restricted on TikTok can significantly impact your ability to monetize your videos and account. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, you must be 18 years or older to use monetization features like TikTok Creator Fund, TikTok LIVE subscriptions, and gifts. If your account or content is age restricted, you may lose access to these monetization options.
TikTok also states that accounts must satisfy relevant criteria to be eligible for monetization features. Age restrictions may disqualify you from meeting the criteria. For example, if too much of your content is age restricted, you may no longer meet the threshold for monetization through the Creator Fund.
Additionally, brands are less likely to want to partner with creators who have age restricted content, as it doesn’t align with their target demographics. This means you may get passed over for lucrative brand partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
The bottom line is age restrictions can greatly limit your ability to earn money from your TikTok account and videos. It’s important to carefully consider age appropriate content if monetization is a goal for your channel.
Managing Your Account’s Age Rating
As a creator, there are some tips you can follow to help avoid age restrictions on your TikTok account:
Carefully review content before posting. Look out for potentially mature or sensitive themes that could trigger restrictions. According to TikTok’s guidelines, restricted content includes “mature themes, violence, explicit language, drugs or regulated goods.”
Avoid posting revealing or sexually suggestive content. TikTok aims to provide a safe environment for a broad audience, so overtly sexual content often gets flagged. Consider how your video may be perceived.
Turn on Restricted Mode when filming and editing. This lets you preview your content as a younger audience would see it. If needed, make adjustments to remove triggering visuals/audio.
Add appropriate captions for language. Captions allow viewers to toggle sound on/off if needed. Bleep out or subtitle swearing to prevent age gating.
Use TikTok’s reporting tools. If you feel your video was inappropriately flagged, file an appeal through the app. TikTok reviews these requests to improve their systems.
Maintain a clean account history. Past community guideline violations on your account can lead to faster restrictions. Keep your profile in good standing.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok age restricts certain content to limit minors’ exposure to mature themes. This includes excessive profanity, violence, sexual content, and depictions of dangerous activities. Remember that decisions to age restrict are made by AI and human moderators based on TikTok’s policies.
If your content gets age restricted unexpectedly, first understand what likely triggered it. Avoid sensationalism in titles and intros. Appeal restrictions you believe were mistakes. Know age restrictions don’t penalize your account but do limit monetization. Consider the experience you want for your target audience when creating content.
With some mindfulness around themes and imagery, you can likely avoid age restrictions. Focus on your content’s purpose and core message. Provide value that aligns with community guidelines. This thoughtful approach will serve both you and your viewers well on TikTok.
