Moderation is important for any social media platform. TikTok has stricter content moderation compared to other platforms, mainly because it has a younger audience. In this post, we’ll look at how TikTok manages content using its own rules and the unique challenges that come with moderating such a fast-moving platform.
We’ll also explain why it’s important for brands to have their own moderation teams to handle comments and user posts. Even if a brand is focused on being creative and getting engagement, its moderation strategy should still follow TikTok’s rules. This helps keep the community safe and protects the brand’s image.
What is TikTok content Moderation?
TikTok uses a combination of automated systems and human moderators to monitor content and ensure it follows the platform’s community guidelines. TikTok has the youngest audience of any major social media platform, with most users between 10 and 19 years old.
Because of this, keeping content safe is one of TikTok’s biggest priorities. The platform is working to strike a balance between keeping users safe, allowing free expression, and making sure everyone feels included.
Why Content Moderation Matters on Social Media?
Harmful content can spread quickly online, especially on social media. This includes things like hate speech, violent or explicit material, and other inappropriate content. If left unchecked, this kind of content can lead to serious emotional or even physical harm and may cause users to lose trust in the platform.
It can also influence risky or harmful behavior, particularly among younger audiences. That’s why it’s so important for social platforms to take content moderation seriously. It helps keep users safe and protects the community as a whole.
Requirements for going live on TikTok Live
Before going live on TikTok, there are certain requirements you need to follow:
- You must be at least 18 years old (or 19 in South Korea).
- You need at least 1,000 followers.
- Your account must be in good standing.
- TikTok LIVE must be available in your region.
You can easily be eligible to go live on TikTok after satisfying these essential requirements. Going live not only helps you connect with your audience in real time but also gives you the chance to increase your TikTok live views which can boost your reach and engagement on the platform.
How Moderation Works on TikTok LIVE
If you’re going LIVE on TikTok, you have tools to help keep your stream safe and positive. As a creator or moderator, you can:
- Block or limit certain messages in the TikTok LIVE chat
- Mute, report, or block viewers who break TikTok’s Community Guidelines
- Add trusted people as moderators to help manage your TikTok LIVE session
Key Things to Know:
- Only creators who meet TikTok’s requirements can go LIVE
- Moderators must be added by the creator
- To go LIVE on a computer:
- You’ll need LIVE Studio (Windows) or OBS Studio (Linux and macOS)
- Moderators don’t need these programs as they can moderate from a web browser without extra tools
How to Moderate on TikTok LIVE
As a creator or moderator, you can manage TikTok viewers before or during a LIVE, either through LIVE settings or directly from the LIVE chat.
- On the TikTok App
From LIVE Settings:
- Tap the + Add post button.
- Tap LIVE at the bottom (you may need to scroll).
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Go LIVE to begin.
During the LIVE, tap More> Settings for extra options:
- Comment Settings: Filter or block comments and keywords.
- Moderators: Add or remove moderators to help during the LIVE.
- Muted Accounts: View or unmute previously muted accounts.
- Blocked Accounts: View or unblock users who were blocked from your LIVE.
2. From LIVE Chat:
- Tap the viewer’s profile or their comment.
- Tap More, then choose an action:
- Report: Flag a comment or viewer.
- Mute: Temporarily prevent them from commenting.
- Block: Stop them from watching or interacting with you.
- Add Moderator: Assign them as a moderator.
Moderators can manage settings by tapping Share > Settings during the LIVE.
Key Tip: Engaging in TikTok Live chat can significantly increase your TikTok views. The more people interact with you in real time, the more visibility your account gains, helping you build the recognition you deserve.
3. On a Web Browser
From LIVE Settings:
- Click Settings in the LIVE chat panel.
- Go to Moderation Settings to:
- Add or remove Moderators
- View or unmute Muted Accounts
- View or unblock Blocked Accounts
From LIVE Chat:
- Click the viewer’s profile or their comment.
- Click More, then choose:
- Add as Moderator (creators only)
- Report Comment
- Mute
- Block
Moderators can join the LIVE via browser and help manage settings without extra tools (like OBS or LIVE Studio) needed.
Summary:
A well-optimized social media moderation is vital for any social media platform. A Responsible TikTok moderation protects the platform itself and the users as well. TikTok has strict content moderation standards because its largest audience is young and more vulnerable.
Most social media platforms have their own rules and moderation teams. But outside of those rules, each brand is still responsible for managing its own content and comments. That’s why brands on TikTok should use both smart tools and human moderators to manage their communities effectively.
