eSAFETY GUIDE
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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 watching and creating short videos. Videos can be about many topics such as comedy, dance, fitness, DIY, beauty, politics, cooking and everyday life. Videos recorded inside the TikTok app can be anywhere from 1 second to 10 minutes long. Videos recorded outside of TikTok, and then uploaded to the app, can be up to 60 minutes. Users can add filters and effects to their videos, for example beauty filters that smooth the skin, or fun effects that add things like a green screen background.

TikTok has a personalised feed called ‘For You’. This is the main place where people watch videos on TikTok. The videos people see on their For You feed are chosen by TikTok’s algorithm. The algorithm analyses how someone uses TikTok, including what they like, comment on, share, and the amount of certain videos they watch. It then uses this information to show the person videos they may be interested in. This means each person’s For You feed can look very different.

TikTok has a feature called ‘TikTok LIVE’. This lets eligible creators (in most regions, this is at least 18 years old, with at least 1,000 followers) live stream to an audience.

TikTok also has a ‘stories’ feature, where people can post temporary photos or videos that are only available for 24 hours.

People can interact on TikTok in many ways. They can:

  • like videos
  • comment on videos
  • like and reply to others’ comments
  • follow creators
  • ‘mention’ or tag other users in the comments of videos
  • send direct messages (private messages sent to a person’s inbox)
  • participate in group chats.

Access to direct messages and group chats depend on things like a person’s age and privacy settings.

TikTok also has features that let people use or react to other people’s videos:

  • Duet – a feature that lets you record your own video next to an existing TikTok video. Both videos play together in a new Duet. People use the Duet feature to react, comment, sing along, play along or add something new to an existing video. The person who recorded the Duet will have the Duet on their page, while the original video will remain unaffected. TikTok lets you view the Duets connected to your post. You can control whether other people can Duet with your videos through privacy settings.
  • Stitch – a feature that lets you take a short clip from another person’s TikTok video and add your own video after it. This feature is often used to react to the original person’s video or add commentary. The difference between this and Duet is that the Stitch is added on after the video, while the Duet plays at the same time. TikTok lets you view the Stitches connected to your post. You can control whether other people can Stitch your videos through privacy settings.
  • Stickers – graphics that can be used within direct messaging on TikTok. There are video stickers, which are TikTok videos that have been converted into a sticker, and there are custom stickers, which you create from your own photos or GIFs.
  • Downloads – TikTok videos can be downloaded. This means that even if you delete your video, if someone has downloaded it, they may still have a copy. You can control whether people have the option to download your videos in the post settings. However, keep in mind that even if downloads are turned off, there still may be ways for someone to keep a copy, so consider what feels comfortable to share.

TikTok has a virtual currency called ‘coins’. People can buy coins with real money through TikTok. They can then use coins to buy virtual gifts, which can be sent to TikTok creators, for example while the creator is live streaming. TikTok turns these gifts into something called ‘diamonds’ for creators, and diamonds may then be able to be exchanged for real life rewards (if the creator meets TikTok’s eligibility rules). You must be 18 years or older to access coins and gifts.

TikTok accounts can be public or private. If you have a private account, others can’t Duet, Stitch or create stickers with your videos, download your posts or add your posts to their stories. TikTok accounts of under-18s are private by default. Users can adjust this at any time in their privacy settings.

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 something on TikTok

These links are 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
    Information about safety, privacy and account settings.
  • For parents and guardians
    Resources for teens and families and advice on how to manage your teen’s account though family paring.
  • About AI-generated content
    Explains what AI-generated content is, and what AI-generated content is not allowed on TikTok.
  • 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:

Other eSafety Guides:

About this Guide

This guide is provided by the eSafety Commissioner to help people stay safe online and better understand digital platforms.

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.