eSAFETY GUIDE
TikTok logo

TikTok

16+
Minimum age for Australians (under Social Media Minimum Age laws)
16+ Minimum age for Australians (under Social Media Minimum Age laws)

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media app for creating, sharing and discovering short videos on any topic. Videos you record in TikTok can be anywhere from 1 second to 10 minutes long. Videos you record outside of TikTok, but upload to TikTok, can be 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.

Who owns TikToK?

TikTok is globally owned by ByteDance, a China‑based tech company. In the U.S., however, TikTok now operates under a majority American‑owned joint venture with ByteDance retaining a 19.9% minority stake.

Website: tiktok.com

Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

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: content creation, in-app purchasing, live streaming, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing and screen capture. 

Social media age restrictions for under-16s

As of 10 December 2025, Australians under 16 can no longer access their TikTok accounts or create a new account. This change is in response to the Australian Government’s social media age restrictions.

These links are provided by TikTok:

How to report online abuse

This link is provided by TikTok:

How to block someone on TikTok

According to TikTok, you can block someone by following these steps:

  1. In the TikTok app, go to the person’s profile
  2. Tap the share (arrow) button at the top
  3. Tap ‘block’ at the bottom.

How to go live on TikTok

TikTok LIVE is the app’s livestreaming feature. To go live, you must be at least 18 years old and have at least 1,000 followers.

According to TikTok, you can go live by following these steps:

  1. In the TikTok app, press the + button at the bottom
  2. Tap LIVE at the bottom (you may need to scroll across)
  3. Add a title and adjust settings
  4. Tap ‘Go LIVE’.
     

With this feature, users who meet the eligibility requirements can go live and interact with viewers in real time. They can also receive likes and virtual gifts from viewers.

When going live, it’s best not to share personal details like your home address. You can also mute, block or report users if they are making you feel unsafe, as well as use moderation tools to block certain words from appearing in the livestream chat.

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:

Key safety links

These links are provided by TikTok:

  • Content controls
    Manage what you see on TikTok including how to restrict and report harmful content.
  • Safety centre
    Information about common concerns related to content shared on TikTok including bullying, eating disorders, gambling support, tragic events and online challenges.
  • User safety guide
    Provides a range of safety information for parents about using TikTok.
  • For parents and guardians
    Resources for teens and families and advice on how to manage your teen’s account though family paring.
  • Live safety guide
    Online safety advice on using TikTok LIVE.
  • Inclusion and belonging guide
    A guide to ensure people of all backgrounds can enjoy using TikTok.
  • Community guidelines
    Rules for using TikTok which should be followed by every user.
  • Wellbeing
    Information and resources to support wellbeing on TikTok.
  • Terms of service
    The terms you agree to when you use TikTok.
  • Privacy policy
    Outlines TikTok’s privacy policy guidelines including the information they collect and how they use your data.

Related eSafety links

Find out more about the social media age restrictions and access our social media 'ban' or delay FAQ for the facts.

Additionally, find other resources to help keep you safe online:

Social media changes

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms are not allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

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, endorsements or assessments against any legislative definition 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 parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.