- Official min age
- 13+
- Users
- 1.7 billion monthly active users
- Content types
- Short-form video Live streaming Photos Stories
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a short-form video app where users create and watch videos typically between 15 seconds and 10 minutes long. Launched internationally in 2016 by Chinese company ByteDance, it became one of the most downloaded apps globally within a few years.
The platform uses a powerful recommendation algorithm — the "For You" page — that curates an endless stream of personalised video content. Users can like, comment, share, and duet with other creators' videos. TikTok covers everything from dance challenges and comedy sketches to educational content, beauty tutorials, and news commentary.
TikTok has faced significant scrutiny from regulators in multiple countries over data privacy concerns and the influence of its algorithm on young users.
What parents should know
TikTok's algorithm is highly effective at keeping users engaged, which can make it difficult for children to step away. The "For You" page can surface content outside a child's followed accounts, including mature or distressing material, even with safety settings enabled.
The minimum age is 13, and accounts for users aged 13–15 are set to private by default, with restricted direct messaging. However, age verification is based on self-reported dates of birth, making it straightforward for younger children to create accounts.
Key risks include exposure to inappropriate content, contact from strangers via comments or DMs, eating disorder and self-harm content despite moderation efforts, and trends or challenges that can be dangerous or humiliating. Duet and Stitch features allow strangers to respond directly to your child's content.
Consider using Family Pairing, which links a parent's TikTok account to a child's account and allows you to set screen time limits, restrict direct messages, and filter content.
Current trends on TikTok
No trends found