TikTok says they will be setting up an adults-only option on the popular social media app.
The app also shared the news that it is upping the minimum age requirement from 16 to 18 if they wish to go live on
The popular app revealed the new features are designed to shield underage people from inappropriate content.
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TikTok used comedy routines as an example of how to use the soon-to-be-live feature.
"In the coming weeks we plan to introduce a new way for creators to choose if they'd prefer to only reach an adult audience in their lives," a statement from TikTok reads.
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"For instance, perhaps a comedy routine is better suited for people over the age of 18.
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"Or, a host may plan to talk about a difficult life experience and they would feel more comfortable knowing the conversation is limited to adults."
The statement added: "We want our community to make the most of the opportunities LIVE can bring without compromising on safety. We believe these industry-leading updates can further protect the younger members of our community as they start and build their online presence."
From now on users will need to be over the age of 16 to send direct, private messages.
Currently, TikTokkers with at least 1,000 followers older than 16 can livestream, but that will change on November 23.
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Users that are 18 or older will be able to send virtual gifts or access monetisation features.
The app will remain available to users aged 13 years and up.
And now, the question on everyone's lips: does this mean we'll see an uptick in nudity and sexually explicit content on the short-form video app?
No. In fact, don't think for a second that TikTok is heading down the OnlyFans subscription porn route.
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While the option for adults-only streams is one of several new safety features that the app plans to introduce to the platform, sexually explicit content will still be prohibited.
The company’s guidelines forbid 'nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content'.
That isn't changing, however explicit content sent out to adults-only users as lives may prove to be a headache for moderators.
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While TikTok does moderate its own platform to protect users from violent, explicit, and pornographic content, some inappropriate clips naturally slip through the cracks.
Some of the platform remains highly sexualised, which may get worse with TikTok's new 18+ feature.
The 18+ live feature rolls out to users on October 19.
Topics: News, Social Media, TikTok, Viral, OnlyFans
Rachel Lang