A new “adults-only” live-stream category, new keyword filtering options for live comments, and an increase in the minimum age limit for live-streaming have all been revealed by TikTok.
Together, the latest improvements may significantly increase the safety of its live-streaming service. First, a word on the app’s new age restrictions for live streaming.
As per TikTok:
“Currently, people must be aged 16 or over to host a LIVE. From November 23rd, the minimum age will increase from 16 to 18. As we consider the breadth of our global audience, we already take a graduated approach to the features that our community can access based on their age; younger teens need to be aged 16 or older to access Direct Messaging and 18 or older to send virtual gifts or access monetization features.”
This is a wise choice. TikTok has already drawn much criticism for the ways in which it encourages youth to upload provocative, possibly dangerous content in an effort to attract viewers. Live streaming raises the stakes because viewers can engage with the broadcaster in real time, potentially endangering teenagers even more.
According to TikTok, it has had to periodically review its numerous tools and features to make sure that teenagers aren’t unintentionally endangering themselves while using the program. The most recent step in this direction is this upgrade, and it’s encouraging to see TikTok striving to handle this aspect more cautiously, even at the cost of losing some user engagement.
Additionally, TikTok is introducing a new feature that will let broadcasters limit the audience for their live streams to “adult audiences.”
“For instance, perhaps a comedy routine is better suited for people over age 18. Or, a host may plan to talk about a difficult life experience and they would feel more comfortable knowing the conversation is limited to adults. We want our community to make the most of the opportunities LIVE can bring without compromising on safety.”
Though TikTok’s current policies do include clear rules against nudity and sex-related content, TikTok’s not currently looking to lessen these restrictions. This, it appears, could also see TikTok lean into even more controversial areas with its live broadcasts if it has the license to do so via adults-only streams.
In light of recent reports that Twitter did, at one point, explore leaning towards pornographic content, it is intriguing to consider how social networks could approach such. TikTok is obviously not adopting the same strategy and has made no indications whatsoever that it may try to change its restrictions in this area. However, the inclusion of adult-only qualifications can offer an additional range.
In another effort to help live broadcasters better regulate stream comments, TikTok is introducing new reminders that will make suggestions for key terms that they may want to think about include in their filter list.
The revised tool proposes comparable words and concepts that the host may want to add to their filter list after analyzing the types of comments that a creator most frequently removes from their streams, as you can see in this example.
“When we tested this feature, we found that it nearly doubled those using keyword filtering when looking at the most popular LIVE creators.”
By automating the process of removing undesirable comments and maintaining a more focused dialogue, it may make live-stream administration much more… controllable.
The expansion of TikTok Live’s Multi-Guest feature, which lets users broadcast with up to five guests at once utilizing a grid or panel arrangement, has also been formally announced.
When TikTok first introduced live-stream guests in split-screen mode last July, there was only room for one guest. The capacity to host live talks in the app has increased, which may present new potential for panel discussions, live TV viewing sessions, etc.
Additionally, it might give brands fresh opportunities to show off or sample their most recent items, encourage creator collaborations, host fan Q&A sessions, highlight various facets of their operations, and more.
These are some helpful enhancements for TikTok’s live-stream service, and because the company is still working to make live-stream commerce a reality, they may also play a crucial part in boosting take-up and utility, making it more appealing to influencers and eCommerce companies using the app.
