eSAFETY GUIDE
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TikTok

13+
Minimum age according to TikTok
13+ Minimum age according to TikTok

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media app for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. You can create and share short videos on any topic that range in length from 15 seconds up to 10 minutes long or you can upload videos of up to 60 minutes. You can also add comments, ‘mention’ or tag other users on videos, send direct messages and use TikTok LIVE to live stream and co-create with your audience.

The short video format lends itself to lip-sync, comedy and talent videos, but it is increasingly used by influencers who gain an audience by offering advice, tips, promotions and informational videos on a range of topics including beauty, fashion, personal finance, cooking and politics. TikTok’s algorithm, which determines the videos that appear on your ‘for you’ page, works by analysing the intricate details of how you use TikTok, including what you like, comment on, how much of a video you watch and the kinds of content you most want to see.

TikTok is owned by the Chinese technology company ByteDance, which has offices in Beijing, Los Angeles, Moscow, Mumbai, Seoul, Tokyo and other cities.

Website: tiktok.comExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/]

Apps: Android appExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zhiliaoapp.musically&referrer=af_tranid%3DoXtZfyxcTiMiTDZ7hS4jwA%26pid%3Dofficewebshare], Apple iOS appExternal link[https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id835599320?mt=8]

How do people use TikTok?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use video sharing services like TikTok.

TikTok is used for: in-app purchasing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/in-app-purchasing], live streaming[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/live-streaming], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/online-chat-video-chat], online relationships[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/online-relationships], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/photo-and-video-sharing] and screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture]. 

How can you report online abuse or block someone?

These links are provided by TikTok:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by TikTok:

How can you moderate comments and tagging?

These links are provided by TikTok:

These links are provided by TikTok:

  • Content controlsExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/content-controls]
    Manage what you see on TikTok including how to restrict and report harmful content.
  • Safety centreExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/topics]
    Information about common concerns related to content shared on TikTok including bullying, eating disorders, gambling support, tragic events and online challenges.
  • User safety guideExternal link[https://support.tiktok.com/en/privacy-safety/for-parents-default]
    Provides a range of safety information for parents about using TikTok.
  • For parents and guardiansExternal link[https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/for-parents-and-guardians]
    Resources for teens and families and advice on how to manage your teen’s account though family paring.
  • Live safety guideExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/live-safety-guide]
    Online safety advice on using TikTok LIVE.
  • Inclusion and belonging guideExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/inclusion-and-belonging-guide]
    A guide to ensure people of all backgrounds can enjoy using TikTok.
  • Community guidelinesExternal link[https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/community-guidelines]
    Rules for using TikTok which should be followed by every user.
  • WellbeingExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/well-being-guide]
    Information and resources to support wellbeing on TikTok.
  • Terms of serviceExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/row/terms-of-service/en]
    The terms you agree to when you use TikTok.
  • Privacy policyExternal link[https://www.tiktok.com/en/privacy-policy]
    Outlines TikTok’s privacy policy guidelines including the information they collect and how they use your data.

Last updated: 22/01/2025

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.