TikTok updates its live streaming feature, increases minimum age for access

Social media platform TikTok announced this week that it is updating its ‘LIVE’ live streaming feature, upping the minimum age to join any session, and adding a panelist option.

The announcement, released on Monday, details how the platform plans to upgrade its live stream experience by allowing hosts to add up to five guests who can appear in a panel format to host a live discussion on the forum with a new feature called Multi-Guest. The option was added in order to “make way for more meaningful connections with audiences,” TikTok said in the announcement.

The platform will also raise the minimum age to join any live streaming event from its current age requirement of 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,” TikTok said. “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.”

The new age minimum will take effect on November 23.

In addition to the age increase, the platform will now offer creators an option to limit their content to adults. Creators will also now be able to use a menu to add moderators, filter comments, add stickers, and switch cameras.

In an effort to boost safety on the platform, TikTok will also begin sending periodic alerts to creators suggesting keywords to look for within comments on their content to add to their filter lists.

“We have a vibrant and inspiring community on TikTok, and it’s important that our platform remains a safe, supportive, and joyful place for our community,” TikTok wrote.