How Old Do You Have To Be To Have TikTok?

Like most social media platforms, TikTok has set age limits to restrict access to content posted on the app. As a general rule, you have to be at least 13 years old to sign up for a TikTok account.

There’s much more to the story, though. Just because you’re 13 or older, having an account doesn’t mean you’ll be able to see all of the TikTok posts that users create or participate in all of the app’s activities. And the age restriction doesn’t prevent those under 13 from seeing some of what TikTok has to offer.

Let’s dig into the details.

Qualifying for a TikTok Account

Anyone who’s reached the age of 13 can open a TikTok account, as long as they live in a country or other jurisdiction that hasn’t banned access to the app.

Most users create personal accounts, which are designed for individuals who are joining the platform to watch or create content and connect with other users. Business accounts are also available; they’re meant for brands and companies that want to promote their services and products. There are slight differences: 

• Businesses have access to advanced analytics and ad tools and can put links in their bios, but because of copyright restrictions, they can’t use many of the popular and trending sounds available to personal users.
• Individuals have many more sounds they can use in TikTok videos, and they can monetize their accounts through the platform’s Creator Rewards Program.

Not everyone eligible for a TikTok account will enjoy full functionality, though.

Age Restrictions on TikTok

By default, TikTok users who are between the ages of 13 and 17 won’t be able to see all of the content posted to the app. They can’t use some of TikTok’s features, either.

Here’s a rundown.

• TikTok’s content guidelines place age restrictions on some types of videos (as well as TikTok Live shows)including those with profanity, explicit mature references, sexually suggestive content, and realistic violence. Users can’t watch that content until they turn 18. There’s also a toggle in user settings that prevents the display of age-restricted videos for older account holders if they desire.
• Users under the age of 16 have their accounts set to “private” when they sign up. They have to approve any other user who wants to see their videos and bio, or follow them. Even approved followers can’t download those young users’ content, use their videos in Duets, Stories, or Stitches, or create stickers with their content.
• Users 15 and younger aren’t allowed to send or receive direct messages or start Live streams. Their posts won’t appear in searches, either.
• Once TikTok users turn 16, they can change their accounts from “private” to “public,” allowing everyone on the platform to see their content and removing some of the restrictions that had been placed on their accounts. Their settings can also be changed to let them use almost all of the functions we’ve mentioned, and allow other users to download and use their content.
• Users 16 and older can start Live streams, but they’re not allowed to accept gifts from the people viewing their Live sessions until they turn 18.
• The “Family Pairing” feature lets parents link to their teen’s TikTok account and manage some of the “Settings and privacy” settings. They can also set limits on screen time and restrict some search subjects, for example. However, parents cannot override limitations on age-restricted videos.

That all seems pretty comprehensive, but there are still a couple of questions we haven’t answered.

How Does TikTok Know How Old I Am?

You told them when you signed up. During the sign-up process, you’re asked for your birthdate — and once you’ve been given an account, that birthdate is entered permanently into the system.

Here’s what that means: you can’t go to your settings and “change your age” once you realize that you can’t access some of the videos or features you want to use. If you mistakenly entered the wrong birthdate when signing up, you can appeal to TikTok to change your age in the system, but you’ll have to supply documents proving how old you are.

And be warned. If your appeal is denied (in other words, if you’re lying about your age), you may be permanently banned from TikTok. That’s probably not a risk you want to take just to see some videos you’re restricted from seeing.

So, What About Kids Under 13?

There’s a “TikTok for Kids” app available for pre-teens. However, parents have to download that app, set it up, and link it to their own account through “Family Pairing,” After that, the children will be able to see specially-curated content suitable for young viewers, with extra privacy protection and full parental control of all features.