Handle the TikTok app with responsibility and ensure safety from predators

With the TikTok app becoming a rage with the young generation, the fundamental question that comes to mind is whether this app has any safety tools and how teenagers can make the most use of this app.

One of the most downloaded apps in 2019, TikTok is available in 75 languages with more than one billion active users.  The reason for the massive success of this app is its short video format which allows one to create funny content under 60seconds. Anyone can make lip-synced contents with special effects usually with a musical background and buy TikTok fans the moment they upload their first video.

The minimum age one can download TikTok is 13 years as per the terms and conditions laid out by it.  This explains the high popularity among teens who are looking for fun videos. When you download the app, you can watch the videos posted by others immediately.  But you cannot upload your video until you have an account with TikTok.

Create your account

Creating a personal account on TikTok is easy.  Clicking on the person icon and then providing a valid email id and phone number and date of birth is enough. One can also sign up with their existing social media account like Google, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.   One of the unique features of this app is its digital wellbeing which alerts the user if they are continuously more than 2 hours on the app.  The app wants to be popular and grow like any business platform but it also keeps its user’s well-being in mind. Another feature of this app is that it tailors your requirement and recommends contents accordingly.

Teenagers delight

Youngsters love this app for its short video format along with some great filters and background lip-sync and music support.  This makes their content interesting and popular in the community.  Video creators want more audiences for their efforts otherwise they would not be on this platform in the first place. Another advantage is that one can share the TikTok videos on other social media platforms for more audience and likes.

Parental concern

Parents worry about inappropriate content on the internet today.  Some videos posted on TikTok do have inappropriate content and this could be a cause of concern, especially for younger users. Protecting children from predators and strangers is another concern.  Entertainment is fine but the safety factors are equally important.

If the children are creating any videos and uploading them, it is for all the public to access them. The risk here is that followers who could be strangers can contact the user directly.  One even has to be careful about what type of video one is creating and uploading on TikTok.   If the content is inappropriate, then this could lead to loss of reputation once the video is shared or gets viral. Content creators should initially take the services of digital experts such as https://tiktokstorm.com/ help them post quality content and get the right kind of audience.

TikTok initiatives

TikTok regularly takes feedback on how to improve on the protection features for its younger members especially.  As mentioned earlier, they have a password enabled digital well-being feature which alerts users if they are addicted to the app. Also, there is a filter option that allows one to remove inappropriate content.