TikTok is a short-form mobile video platform now available in 150 countries around the world. Use our guide to get to grips with the safety tools available on the app and ways your teen can make the most of their time on the platform.
The TikTok app has a range of features that can enhance your experience on the app and make it safer and more creative. Like other similar apps, the minimum age for users is 13.
Once you download the app, you can instantly see the videos that others have posted on the app but to comment, like or share your own you have to set up an account.
Setting up an account
There are two ways to sign up, using an email, mobile number or through an existing account like Google, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
TikTok allows users to create short-form video clips with a range of special effects to gain a following and build a community around their passions.
These videos can be shared outside of TikTok on other accounts linked to a user’s profile.
How to create videos on TikTok
1. Click the ‘+’ button – tap the ‘+’ button at the bottom of and then you can choose a video from your album to upload.
2. Shoot – tap to shoot – Hold the red button to shoot a video. You can split the video into multiple sections. 15s videos are recommended but you can capture up to 60s.
Countdown
If you want to prepare yourself better, you can tap the “countdown” button on the right and
then the shooting will start after a three-second countdown.
Speed
You can set the speed of your video by tapping this button.
Filters
Choose a filter to make an even cooler video.
Effects
There will be hundreds of stickers waiting for you if you tap the effects button on the bottom of the screen.
Pick a sound
Tap “pick a sound” at the top to search for a suitable song.
3. Edit your video
You can cut sound, adjust the volume, pick a new sound or change a filter on this page
In the For You feed, you’ll see videos our community love alongside the world’s trending content. The more you swipe, the more the content becomes tailored to your tastes.
Note: When you press [heart] on a video you like, you’ll get more of the same type of video in your feed
#Challenges
The ‘hashtag challenge’ is an online challenge initiated by TikTok to inspire users to express themselves through their creative content.
There are a number of ways that the app helps users stay creative while staying safe.
Safety Centre: TikTok.com/safety
This features a series of policies and tools to promote a positive in-app environment for all.
Clear community guidelines
TikTok’s Community Guidelines strictly prohibit posting, sharing or promoting the following:
Safety videos
‘You’re in control’ video series offers users useful information and safety guidelines on tools available to stay safe.
Live streaming
The minimum age limit to host a live stream will still remain 16+, however, TikTok has updated their policy so only users aged 18 and over can purchase and give virtual gifts, and also only those 18 and over can receive gifts from their fans
Family Pairing links a parent’s TikTok account to their teen’s and once enabled, they will be able to control Digital Wellbeing features, including Screen Time Management, Direct Messages and Restricted Mode.
*The Family Pairing feature will be updated and rolled out in the next coming weeks.
You can find the privacy & safety settings within the “Privacy and Settings” section on the TikTok app.
Allow others to find me
By disabling this function other users can’t find you when searching for your TikTok profile.
Private account
You can set your account to private, so only your friends can see your videos.
Who Can Send Me Comments
Choose who can comment under your videos.
Who Can Duet with Me
Decide who can duet with you.
Who Can React to Me
Decide who can react to your videos.
Who Can Send Me Messages
Choose who can send you private messages on TikTok.
Filter Comments
Use the self-defined comment filter to make sure no one can post comments under your videos using words that you find hurtful.
Allow Download
Disable downloads to ensure no one can download your videos.
My Block List
You can block people on TikTok you don’t want to interact with. Moreover, before uploading each video, the app lets you decide who you want to share it with.
Top Tip: Even after uploading each video you can still make changes to its privacy settings.
To change who can see your video after uploading it click on the three dots next to the video and go to “Permission Settings”.
If you find content that seems inappropriate, such as abuse, spam, or anything else that violates our community policy, you can report it directly in the app.
Report an account:
1. Go to the profile page of the account you want to report
2. Tap the Menu button
3. Tap on “Report”
4. Follow the instructions on the screen
Report a Video:
1. On the TikTok screen, tap Menu
2. Tap on “Report”
3. Follow the instructions on the screen
Report a comment:
1. Tap the comment you want to
2. report
3. Tap on “Report”
4. Follow the instructions on the screen
Report a chat:
1. Open the conversation you want
to report
2. Tap on the name of the person/ group (iOS) or on the Menu button (Android)
3. Tap on “Report”
4. Follow the instructions on the screen
By enabling the Digital Wellbeing feature, you can control the time spent on TikTok and limit the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
You can find these features in the “Privacy and Settings” section within the TikTok app.
Screen Time Management
With this feature users will be able to select if they want to spend 40, 60, 90 or 120 minutes per day on the app. This feature is password protected. If users reach their screen time limit they will need to enter a password to continue to use TikTok.
Restricted Mode
Once enabled, this setting will limit the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. The feature is activated via a password.
See related advice and practical tips to support children online: