TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, especially among teenagers and young adults. However, there are age restrictions in place on TikTok that users need to be aware of.
What is the minimum age to use TikTok?
The minimum age to use TikTok is 13 years old. This is per TikTok’s Terms of Service. If you are under 13, you are not allowed to create an account or use the TikTok app or website.
Why is 13 the minimum age?
TikTok’s minimum age of 13 is in line with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States. COPPA applies to websites and online services directed at children under 13 that collect personal information. It requires these services to get parental consent before collecting data on users under 13.
Setting an age minimum of 13 allows TikTok to comply with COPPA regulations. It also aims to provide a safer, age-appropriate environment for younger users on the platform.
What if you lie about your age?
While it’s easy to enter a fake date of birth when creating a TikTok account, this is against the platform’s rules. TikTok will delete accounts if it finds out the user is under 13. The platform uses age-gate measures when users register to try to verify if a user is old enough.
Beyond bans, there are risks associated with younger kids using apps meant for older users. The content may not be appropriate, and it’s important for parents to know what apps their children are using.
What is the age limit for different TikTok account types?
In addition to the general 13+ age policy, TikTok also has specific age restrictions for different account types and features:
| TikTok Account Type | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Standard Account | 13 |
| LIVE account (for live streaming) | 18 |
| TikTok Creator Account | 18 |
Standard Account (13+)
The regular TikTok account that most people start out with has a minimum age of 13. With a standard TikTok account, users can upload videos, comment on videos, like videos, follow other users, and more.
LIVE Account (18+)
To live stream on TikTok, you must be at least 18. Users under 18 will get an error message if they try to go live. This is likely for safety reasons as live streaming presents more potential risks for younger users.
Creator Account (18+)
TikTok’s Creator Accounts are intended for users looking to establish themselves more professionally on TikTok. These accounts give creators access to additional analytics, the ability to add links to other sites in their profile bio, and other benefits. The minimum age to create a TikTok Creator Account is 18.
Can a business or brand create a TikTok account?
Yes, official business accounts are permitted on TikTok. Brands can sign up for a TikTok business account using a business email address. This grants them access to TikTok’s marketing and advertising tools.
There are no strict age verification requirements for business accounts. However, brands still need to follow TikTok’s rules and community guidelines. Any branded content shared should be appropriate for the 13+ audience.
Does parental consent change the age restrictions?
Parental consent does not override TikTok’s age limits. Even with parental permission, users still must meet the minimum age requirements to sign up for an account and access different features.
Users under 13
There is no way for a user under 13 to create a TikTok account, even with parental approval. TikTok does not allow accounts for children under 13.
Users 13-17
For teens ages 13-17, parental consent is recommended but not required. Users in this age group can create a standard TikTok account without parental verification.
Users 13-17
Users ages 13-17 can create a standard account. But they still cannot access restricted features like live streaming until they reach age 18, even with parental permission.
Does TikTok do age verification?
TikTok does utilize some age verification methods, although its ability to verify age is limited.
When you first sign up for TikTok, it will ask for your birthday. If you enter a birth date that indicates you are under 13, you will be unable to create an account.
Beyond this initial gatekeeping, TikTok doesn’t have robust identity or document verification. It is focused more on maintaining community guidelines and responding to reports of underage users.
Common signs TikTok looks for to crack down on underage users:
- User admits they are under 13 in videos or messages
- Posts from friends or family indicate the user is underage
- The user’s behavior appears juvenile or immature
If evidence suggests a user is under 13, TikTok will prompt them to verify their age. If they cannot prove they are 13 or older, their account will be deleted.
TikTok’s tips for parents
On its safety information pages, TikTok provides the following guidance for parents:
- Talk to your teens about age limits and safety precautions on TikTok.
- Monitor your child’s use of TikTok and other social platforms.
- Enable restrictions on your child’s device using parental controls.
- Report any underage accounts to TikTok through in-app reporting.
While TikTok aims to create a safe environment, parental oversight is still key to ensuring appropriate social media use for minors.
Conclusion
TikTok can be enjoyed by users ages 13 and up, but with restrictions in place for younger users:
- The minimum age to use TikTok is 13.
- Users must be 18+ to live stream or create a creator account.
- Brands can create accounts but must follow age-appropriate guidelines.
- Parental consent does not override age requirements.
- TikTok uses age-gating but has limited ID verification.
Understanding TikTok’s age restrictions allows you to access the platform safely and avoid account bans. When in doubt, confirm a user has reached the appropriate age before letting them engage with TikTok.