TikTok is Introducing an Adults-Only Content Option
Tik Tok
TikTok is no longer just for teens or at least its trying not to be. The platform targets trading along with a major user base. And in a step towards maturity, TikTok is introducing an adults-only option on its platform for live streamers who want to restrict their viewing to those over 18 and older.
TikTok provided some theoretical examples of when and why streamers set age limits. The company said in a press release on Monday:
These justifications may sound naive and chaste, but the move to age-restrict some content on the platform is unlikely to make TikTok the next only fan. Most content traditionally considered “adult” is strictly prohibited on this platform. The company’s community guidelines state that “nudity, pornography, and sexually explicit content are not allowed.”
And nothing in the new announcement indicates that these guidelines differ from adult-only streams. Note, however, that just because a site says explicit content isn’t allowed, it doesn’t mean you won’t see it. Videos that should theoretically be banned by the guidelines are often overlooked.
The company has announced an upcoming adult-only stream, among several other changes to its live stream feature. For example, users can now include up to 5 guests in a multi-guest stream. The app also says it will update its keyword filtering feature to send reminders and suggestions to creators who want to moderate their live stream comments and interactions.
Notably, the company also announced another age-related change to live streaming. Soon only adult users will be allowed to stream
Currently, TikTokers with a minimum of 1,000 followers older than 16 can livestream, but on November 23 that age limit will go up to 18.
TikTok didn’t fully explain the change in its company blogpost, simply describing the shift as an extension of its already-existing in-app graduated age restrictions (like the 18+ limit in monetization, and the 16+ limit on direct messaging.)
Live streaming is becoming an increasingly large part of TikTok’s business model and interface. In 2021, live streaming revenue was about 15% of TikTok’s total turnover, but it has grown nearly twice as quickly as the company’s online ad business over the past two years.
Streaming is one of the best ways for the platform’s users to make money, as TikTok doesn’t share ad revenue with creators. However, the company has recently been criticized for the high percentage of its pie that comes from so-called “gifts” and “tips” given to streamers on its platform.
