App dossier · Short video
TikTok
Developer: TikTok Ltd.
- US App Store rating13+
- Google Play ratingTeen
A personalized short-video feed, creator platform and livestream service. A teen may use it for jokes, music, fandom, tutorials or posting their own edits. The app’s store rating is not permission to use every feature: direct messages and LIVE have separate age rules.
Official store icon identified from the store listing artwork (opens in new tab). Icon is shown to identify the app; trademark belongs to TikTok Ltd..
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The essentials
Age, contact, spending
Minimum age
Generally 13+; regional rules can be higher. Direct messages are 16+ and hosting LIVE is 18+.
Age check
A declared birthdate is combined with platform age-assurance and underage-reporting processes. A false birthday can remove teen protections.
Who can contact teens
Direct messages are unavailable under 16. For older teens, review who can send message requests; comments and suggested accounts also create contact opportunities.
Disappearing content
Ordinary uploads do not disappear automatically. Stories are temporary, but viewers can capture or redistribute material.
Public content
Ages 13–15 have private accounts by default. Older teens should check their actual account, video audience, comments and recommendation settings.
Spending
Coins, gifts, creator purchases, subscriptions and TikTok Shop can create spending pressure. Some transactions are age-restricted; never assume the feed is only free videos.
Store stats
By the numbers
US App Store
4.72 stars from 18,383,778 ratings, as of October 8, 2026. Apple listing (opens in new tab)
Google Play downloads
1B+ as of October 8, 2026. Google Play listing (opens in new tab)
Official controls
How to set them up
Set up Family Pairing
In TikTok, open Profile → menu → Settings and privacy → Family Pairing. Link the parent and teen accounts, then review screen time, content restrictions and permitted messaging settings.
Official instructions → (opens in new tab)
Privacy
What gets shared
Review account visibility, location and contact permissions. Private posting does not stop an approved follower from taking a screenshot or sharing it.
Safety
What parents should know
- TikTok’s official youth guidance distinguishes restrictions for ages 13–15 and 16–17; use the correct birthdate.
- A familiar creator or a private account is not a guarantee that every recommended video or message is suitable. Review the actual feed together.
Safeguards described here are reported by the company in its own materials (see TikTok: official safety, eligibility or parent guidance (opens in new tab)). They are not independent safety guarantees, and Lowkey has not tested them.
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Want more? Go paid: $9/month or $75/year.