TikTok to introduce 'adult only' Content option too

TikTok isn't exclusively for teens any more—or is at least making an effort to stop being that. The platform wants to advance with its core user base. Additionally, TikTok is adding an adults-only option for live broadcasters who want to limit their audience to individuals who are at least 18 years old. As for when and why streamers would elect to apply an age limit, TikTok offered a number of theoretical examples. “Perhaps a comedy act is better suited for those over age 18. Or, a host may want to discuss about a tough life situation and they would feel more comfortable knowing the conversation is confined to adults,” the firm noted in its Monday news release. Also Read: TikTok mom Kat Clark charts out stern guidelines for dating her daughters Those arguments may appear naively chaste, but TikTok won't become the next Only Fans as a result of the platform's decision to age-restrict some content. The majority of traditionally categorized "adult" content is strictly prohibited on the platform: "We do not allow nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content," according to the company's community guidelines. And nothing in the new announcement implies that the rules will be different for streaming that are only available to adults. Gizmodo contacted TikTok to get more information about this, but did not immediately hear back. It's important to remember, however, that just because a website prohibits explicit content doesn't imply that it won't appear. Videos that should, in theory, be prohibited based on the community guidelines frequently elude TikTok's moderation efforts in the past. The firm revealed its planned, adults-only streams amid many other adjustments to the livestream service. For example, users will now be able to include up to five guests in a multi-guest stream. Notably, the business also revealed another age-related modification to live streaming. Additionally, the app says it is improving its keyword filtering feature to give reminders and suggestions to artists wishing to manage their own broadcast comments and interactions. Only adults will soon be able to stream. Currently, TikTokers with a minimum of 1,000 followers older than 16 can livestream, but on November 23 that age barrier will increase 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.) Again, the company didn’t immediately respond to Gizmodo’s questions on the subject.