TikTok | Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok

Parenting dilemmas, solved.

Is TikTok safe? How does it work? And can I do a duet with my kid? Everything you need to know about this popular musical singing and sharing app. By Frannie Ucciferri 8/27/2018

1 of 15 2/7/2020, 9:31 AM TikTok | Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok

Advice | 1:00

With so many social networks to keep track of, it's not surprising if your kid's obsession with the TikTok app leaves you scratching your head. So what is it exactly?

TikTok is a free app that lets you watch, create, and share videos -- often to a soundtrack of the top hits in music -- right from your phone. It was originally available as musical.ly in the U.S. but was rebranded when the two apps merged in August 2018. With more than 100 million users, Tik Tok is incredibly popular, owing in part to its slick mash-up of features from other kid favorites. As with the lip-synching app Dubsmash, users can watch and record videos of themselves lip-synching to popular music and sound

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bites. As they did on the now-defunct , kids can create short, shareable videos ranging from funny to serious. And just like YouTube, Tik Tok is an interactive world of videos that lets you connect with friends and admirers through likes, comments, and even duets.

TikTok even spawns its own celebrities. Back before TikTok acquired musical.ly, overnight sensations like Baby Ariel and Jacob Sartorius gained internet fame on the app, especially with kids and teens. Since then, even more stars have joined the list.

But with so much information out there, it can be a challenge for parents to know if it's really safe. While TikTok videos are mostly harmless, creative fun, there are real concerns about kids using the app. As with any , you have to use privacy settings to limit how much information you and your kids are sharing. Kids can post stuff without reviewing or editing it first. There have even been reports of online predators using the app to target younger users. And in 2019, TikTok paid millions to settle with federal regulators who charged it violated children's privacy law.

Read Common Sense Media's full review of TikTok, and help your kids use it safely with answers to parents' most frequently asked questions below.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. It was originally called musical.ly (pronounced MU-zik-lee). Users can create and upload their own videos where they lip-synch, sing, dance, or just talk. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. These videos can be grouped by , which often correspond to challenges or memes.

How safe is TikTok?

Using any social network can be risky, but it's possible for kids to safely use the app with adult supervision (and a private account). When you sign up for TikTok, your account is public by default, meaning anyone can see your videos, send you direct messages, and use your location information. Parents should make sure to turn on all privacy settings for accounts kids are using, so only people you know can interact with your videos or message you on the app. That means either opting for a private account or changing the settings for comments, duets, reactions, and messages to "Friends" instead of "Everyone." You can also turn those features off completely.

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How does TikTok work?

Tik Tok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, , or . Once logged in, you can search popular creators, categories (comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags to find videos. Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. Many kids on Tik Tok like to create videos, but plenty of people don't post themselves -- they just use the app to find and follow content creators.

Is TikTok appropriate for kids?

Because of TikTok's emphasis on popular music, many videos include swearing and sexual lyrics, so it may not be age-appropriate for kids to use on their own. It's also easy to find people wearing revealing clothing and dancing suggestively, although TikTok won't let you search for objectionable content such as "sex" or "porn." If you supervise your kids and stick to songs you already know from the radio, TikTok can be a kid-friendly experience. In 2019, after settling with the Federal Trade Commission for child privacy violations due to all the children under 13 on the site, the developers created a separate section of the app for kids that only allows them to access curated, clean videos: They can't comment, search, or post their own videos. However, bypassing that section only requires entering a false birthdate. Users can also earn TikTok Reward points by inviting friends to download the app, and then they can redeem those points for coupons from brands like Sephora and Uber. It's also possible to spend real money by adding virtual coins to your Wallet.

What age is TikTok recommended for?

Common Sense recommends the app for age 16+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the app and that anyone under the age of 18 must have approval of a parent or guardian -- but there are plenty of young users. If your younger kid or tween wants to use the app, the account should belong to an adult who can monitor what younger users are browsing and sharing. There's also the section of the app mentioned above that's meant for kids under 13 that restricts access to mature content and comments, but since entering a false birthdate is easy, it's still best for older teens.

How can you make your TikTok account private?

To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. Select Privacy and

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Safety. There, toggle the switch for "Private Account." You can also select who can send you comments and direct messages, and who can do a duet with you. Using the "Friends" setting or turning those features off completely limits contact with strangers.

How do I delete a TikTok video?

To delete a TikTok video that you have posted to your account, select the video you want to delete from your profile. From there, tap the "..." icon in the bottom-right corner and select Delete or the trash can icon. You will be asked if you are sure you want to delete the video. Then it will be removed from your profile.

How can I delete a TikTok account?

To delete a TikTok account, go to your profile, then select the "..." icon in the top-right corner. Select Manage My Account. From there, you must add a phone number if you haven't already. This must be a working number, as they will text you a code to verify the number and later to verify deleting the account. Once you've added a phone number, an option at the bottom of the Manage My Account menu will appear, asking, "Thinking about removing your account?" Tap the phrase, which will lead you to a new page prompting you to enter a verification code. Choose "Send Code" to receive a text message with the verification code. Enter the number, then select Continue. You will be given information on what is entailed in deleting the account. Choose Continue once again for a final confirmation that you want to delete your account, then tap Delete Account.

How can I use TikTok with my kids?

You can provide a buffer between kids and iffy content by watching with your kids and making videos together. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. You can post it or save it as "private" so only you can see. The app also lets you share videos by email, text, or other social media where you can better control who sees it, so kids can perform for friends and relatives instead of a wider network of people.

How do you do a duet on TikTok?

TikTok has a feature that allows two users who aren't in the same place to perform a duet. Both users must follow each other to make it work. One user creates and posts a video, and then a mutual follower can tap the "..." icon at the bottom right of the video and select "start duet now!" The second user can then lip-synch along with the first person, either swapping back and forth or in a split screen.

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Is there any way to limit or restrict my kid's activity on TikTok?

In addition to blocked search terms, TikTok also offers Digital Wellbeing features to help limit time spent on the app and limit the appearance of videos that may be inappropriate. To turn these features on, tap the three dots at the top right of your user profile. Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. The features are automatically protected by a four-digit pass code so kids can't turn them off on their own. From there, parents can opt to turn on Screen Time Management, which limits users to two hours on the app per day, and Restricted Mode, which blocks some content. Keep in mind, Restricted Mode isn't foolproof, and even with the filter on, kids using the app on their own might come across age-inappropriate videos.

How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok?

Other than Restricted Mode, there's no way to filter out content on TikTok, so parents are encouraged to share an account with kids under the age of 13. This will let you keep an eye on what your kid is viewing and posting. Parents of older kids who are more resistant to monitoring can ask about their favorite video creators and get to know their videos (with or without your kid). Also, take the time to regularly look at the most popular songs, videos, memes, and challenges.

What if my kid wants to get famous on TikTok?

While the safest way to use TikTok is with a private account, the social nature of the app and the rapid success of its stars might have your kids begging to set it to public. There's huge enticement to get famous, which could encourage kids to do things they wouldn't normally do to get a larger audience. They may also become obsessed with "likes" and virtual approval. Encourage and model safe behavior, and make sure to set limits on the type of information your kid shares.

About Frannie Ucciferri As associate managing editor, Frannie Ucciferri makes sure each of Common Sense Media's more than 30,000 reviews and 700 curated lists is as complete and comprehensive as possible. Frannie is a graduate of UC Berkeley,... Read more

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Comments (44)

written by iPhone Guinness February 6, 2020 I personally don’t think that TikTok is bad. The only reason I have it is because I don’t know the dances that my friends are doing in high school, and because it’s a more humorous way to text friends. Sure the dances could POSSIBLY be inappropriate, but it’s your child’s responsibility to be careful about apps like those.

written by Karen81 February 6, 2020 After my daughter watched tik-tok for a while, she's been doing random things with her hand and is saying that it's, "Dancing." It's horrific to my eyes, I just don't like the dancing. Dancing has grown worse over the days.

written by Topstik February 3, 2020 Your post has cleared my all points regarding TikTok. I think new TikTok users should read this post.

written by nocap January 29, 2020 Bruh y'all wack if you think TikTok is bad bc it is, badddd as heck "I love my daddy, my soóper héro" "Renegade, renegade, renegade" "It's ya boy, Young Metronome" Lil Huddy our melanin king. "UH LICKY ON MY BLICKY uh" "Shut up heather." WW3 "You can call me by my middle name, my middle name is Vanessa. Or you can call me shawty or shorty or whatever the heck you want."

written by Kadence_Smith91 January 30, 2020 this kid gets it.

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written by Mpeckham13 January 28, 2020 Personally I think Tik-Tok is kind of stupid. Whenever I see ads for Tik-Tok on apps they show very questionable material. Also Tik-Tok has shown to be EXTREMELY addictive and compulsive. Some of the studies out right now show that the reason kids attention spans are growing shorter is because of tik tok and . Children will watch short 10 second videos and either swipe up if they don't like it or if they're done. If I was a parent I would mostly be concerned on the "questionable content" of tik tok. You can do whatever you want but I would wait until they turn 13 or so

written by Kadence_Smith91 January 30, 2020 lighten up

written by OK BOOMER- January 16, 2020 people (Adults) are too concerned about Tiktok. If you showed your child how to manage and behave online and you trust them then please let them have tiktok. Talking from experience I am 13 about to turn 14 I had tiktok since music.ly soo... since i was in 4th grade. Tiktok is a safe app to use but if you adults are sooooooo concerned then just make sure their account Is private. Tiktok helps you express your self, upload videos of you dancing or making a joke or two. People who are reading this right now (no fence) but you're kinda overthinking this whole situation and expecting for the worst.

written by Karen81 February 6, 2020 Tik-tok is innapropiate, normie. Can you teach me renegade?

written by Saracovar December 17, 2019 Great article. Thank you for sharing. TikTok is a short video sharing social network. Combine with sound, ringtone, song with 1 video to create attractive effects.

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written by GAMEHOY November 19, 2019 I love the app and all but it is so laggy. When i was about to press post it randomly just closed. I could not even post anything recently. I tried to make an Absolutely Anything video, it just closed. It took me some time to make it. #gamehoy

written by Revscrj November 17, 2019 I am an adult user of Tik-Tok and have used it for about two years. I have about 2000 followers and about 32,000 likes. I talk to children pretty often and have no desire whatsoever for anything but better art. It is infuriating to be suspected of being a pedophile by people who do not know anything about me aside that I use Tik-Tok. Please stop being such unthinking idiots regarding this as it doesnt create anything but hostility and fear. In the time that I have use the app I have only seen possibly 2 profiles that I even suspected might be predators and they were just suspicions. The Tik-Tok community is a paranoid one- taking after their parents, and wisely I might add- which is self policing regarding adults and pedophile adults alike. The first 6 months I was on it I was regularly accused of repugnant things by teens who believed they were protecting the group as a whole (which they actually are in a reckless way which hurts more innocents than it does catch the guilty). I cant see how a real perv would use this app to "groom" anyone without having the police at their doorstep in fairly short order. Now that I have established myself as "not-a-creepy-perv" I find that I have gotten a revitalized faith in humanity- something that my peers (gen Xer) had pretty much decimated in me and that my distanced perspective on the kids of today did not see clearly enough to provide. Is Tik-Tok dangerous for kids? Only if you have not provided the lessons which will allow them to deal maturely with others. Let me repeat: Tik-Tok is only dangerous IF YOU HAVE NOT PROVIDED YOUR CHILD WITH THE SKILLS TO NEGOTIATE SOCIETY SAFELY. If you have done this then Tik-Tok is a great place to share art of all sorts as well as comedy that ranges from high concept to goofy and juvenile and is no more threatening than a local playground.

written by shabishbosh November 3, 2019 oh -oh

written by 1HABIT1 October 18, 2019

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Tik Tok if officially 13+, and PG13 is allowed to have people cussing, so i don't see why tik tok can't as well. A lot of the time the guys on there try to tackle big issues to spread awareness, petting cats, or cosplay. It's like watching youtube without the commitment of seeing a long video, and a short clip instead. Youtube has some pretty bad stuff, and tik tok does too. Still, we use both very often, and will probably not find things too bad. The app is not for 13-16 special snowflakes, because they will be offended by anything, and ruin the experience for more mature people. If you can handle gore makeup, cursing, and important topics, you can go on at any age. Just watch out for pedos, cause those guys are no good. On my three years on tik tok, i have never seen one or gotten contacted by one, but still, watch out.

written by Hi my name is M... October 18, 2019 Emily Roberts brought me here

written by happyfeet101 October 17, 2019 In my opinion Tik Tok is not a bad site. It is pretty safe . I don't have a private account and neither does most of my friends. I use it to express my art skills and show them off. Tik Tok has really helped me gain confidence. The age limit is pretty dumb. I think if your parent is okay with it then you can really be any age. Tik Tok is working really hard to make sure that Tik Tok is a safe Social Media. I have used Tik Tok since it was musically and it has really changed for the better. The only sort of bad thing about Tik Tok is the curse words. But other then that it is not a bad site at all.

written by Margo_V October 13, 2019 I have mixed feelings about it. I used to have it (my mother didn't really know what it was) but I saw a lot of inappropriate things on it. I would say definitely not ok for kids. Now I feel like its sort of considered a joke.

written by Carly brooke September 26, 2019 My daughter is 8 and she has been using tic tok since she was 7 and some may say that that’s kinda young but I don’t think so cause tik

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tok can be a really fun and safe app if you use it right so those are my thoughts are my thoughts on tic tok

written by 1HABIT1 October 18, 2019 tik tok is 13+ it says so in the guidelines

September 24, 2019 I'm under 13, but I do have a TikTok account, my mom watches my videos and she loves them. I actually have my privacy settings super low, my friends are usually my real life friends, classmates and family, it's a great app. I wouldn't rate it 16+ to be honest.

written by BHAVANA R. September 12, 2019 I like tiktok so much n there's a reason. When first i had installed this I also thought it's waste of time but, now I realized that tiktok is not bad if anyone use it properly. I mean to say don't shoot a video in dangerous place n without permission of parents, content should not be valgure, also not neglect studies (Make video but don't avoid studies), etc. Hence, tiktok is best n outstanding.Tiktok is a best platform where there's no requirement of audition, rich family background, looks, etc thing i.e. require is love for acting, will for acting, n ability to do it. Read my comment carefully n think about it.

written by skrattarduforlorardu July 6, 2019 tiktok is better at destroying memes than pewds, bruh.

June 29, 2019 I like TikTok and my mom let's me use it but I don't go around swearing and stuff like that so I don't really understand the age limit.

May 31, 2019 I really like tik tok but I don't go searching for bad things on it. I also get to see all of my friends that live far away and what they are up

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to.

April 18, 2019 TikTok sucks! Don’t let your kids use this app, it’s really stupid.

written by hihi22 April 18, 2019 but i love tiktok dudes y u do dis

written by benjaminky April 7, 2019 ringtone123 with tik tok ringtone have a lot of Tiktok MP3 song

written by rob629 March 30, 2019 Thank you for this article. My daughter has a neurodisability and prone to addictions particularly in the world of social media. TikTok is the absolute worst of all of them. Your instructions are very helpful to us.

written by eschneidshhs March 23, 2019 Thanks for the suggestions. My daughter is interested in music and app this app, but I wasn't certain because I had seen some of inappropriate content. I like the idea of making a video together with her. Also, the idea of the account being created by me. The idea that there are creepers out there looking for kids on these apps is pretty scary. I hope that we can set a precident for us to have shared accounts, so she knows that I can always get in and monitor the activity.

written by LtTawnyMadison March 16, 2019

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I let my 10yo use this with a private account created/monitored by me, and with the filtering on. After reading this I went looking for the "under 13" section and couldn't find anything. When I googled it, all I found was some news saying that they'd have a special "under 13" app soon. Is there something I'm missing?

written by yexalizperez56 March 15, 2019 thank you for your help.

written by rubyxgloom March 15, 2019 My friends a comedian and sometimes streams his shows on a live streaming app and a retired police officer that sometimes streams internet safety (talks about several apps) mentioned TikTok is not recommended for children under 16-17 since there is a huge amount of sick pedophile that screen record and groom children ., even if their location is not posted I’d be too worried about those sickos watching my child .. and TikTok or live me are a cesspool full of pedos.. Please don’t let your child live stream , too many are being groomed without even realizing it

February 4, 2019 Tik Tok, where all memes die.

written by BigDaddy648 December 17, 2019 boi

written by skrattarduforlorardu July 6, 2019 preach kid.

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February 4, 2019 On TikTok'memes die faster than Behind the Meme and PewDiePie's most powerful attacks combined.

written by skrattarduforlorardu July 6, 2019 meme *clap* review *clap*

written by Nyssa P January 20, 2019 My dad won't allow me to have any social media. Is Tik Tok a part of that list?

February 4, 2019 You’re 15, and your dad doesn’t allow any social media? Wow, the future is now old man.

written by DigitalWiseGuy April 28, 2019 This area's for parents who care. Kids section is the other one.

written by raa123 December 29, 2018 , I forgot my password to TikTok and not able to login now. In that case how do I delete the account? And is it true that if the account is inactive for 6 weeks the account will be deleted automatically? Please help.

written by cbisgard September 17, 2018 Thanks for this article. My daughter is using Tik Tok and wants to make her account public. Her profile doesn't have any identifying information, but I'm trying to determine how location info might be exposed by this app. It says in the article that public accounts allow

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users to "use your location information" by default, but I can't find any settings in the app related to "location," nor can I find any info on the web about this. It seems to me that the only way a user could share their location would be by literally saying in their profile bio "I live in Los Angeles" or something. Does anyone know about this?

written by AmeliaJ824 March 20, 2019 Even though, I am only 15, I strongly urge you to keep her account private. There are a lot of dangers when making a childs social media account public. Now, I don't know how old your daughter is but if you think she is old enough to make her account public then you make it public. I would keep in mind though that there are a LOT and i mean A LOT of predators on this app trying to target young teens. I used to have this app as well but my parents made me delete it because of the predator issue. I do think they're right til this day. Sory i dont know about the location issue lol but i wish you luck when making the account public!!

written by Cecilia Zhou March 14, 2019 As far as I know, strangers won't be seeing your location on TikTok. The only thing related to location is that, if you have U.S account, and your phone number is a U.S phone number, when you download TikTok, the recommended content will be created mostly by people in the U.S. Reversely, your audience will be aware what country you are in. If you're worried about your daughter revealing her location by accident, make sure she: 1. don't tell strangers about her address online. 2. don't shoot any videos with easy to identify landmark as the background.

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