TikTok Enhances Its Live Streaming Experience With New Creator Tools & Policies
Source: TikTok
Source: TikTok
Multi Guest: Hosts can go live with up to five other people using a grid or panel layout.
Tools: Hosts have access to new settings, including the ability to flip the camera, add effects and stickers, filter comments, and add and assign moderators.
Higher Age Minimum: Currently, users that are 16 can host a live stream. However, beginning November 23rd, TikTok is increasing the minimum age required to 18 years old for users to host a LIVE.
Adult-Only Live Streams: Creators will soon be able to target adults only for their live streams through a new option. As opposed to allowing OnlyFans type of content, this is for creators whose content is better suited for those who are 18+, such as a comedy routine.
Safety Reminders: An updated version of the platform's safety reminders tool will be rolled out, which notifies hosts of keyword suggestions to add to their filter list.
An Upgraded & Safer Experience
TikTok provides an upgraded experience for LIVE.
First, creators get new ways to entertain, interact and engage. In the same way that Instagram’s Live Rooms and Twitch’s Guest Star allow groups of people to go live together, Multi Guest facilitates collaboration. In addition to providing a format for various kinds of live streams, the feature can make it easier for creators to go live. For new live streamers, going live with other creators or their viewers may be more comfortable than going live on their own.
The higher age minimum, adult-only streams, and safety tools help create a safer environment for creators and viewers. Making it a requirement that creators are at least 18 years old will help cut down on the young people that may not be ready to go live. The tools provide creators with measurements to help ensure that their live streams are only being watched by the appropriate audience and empower creators with ways to cut down on harassment through AI.
Building For Live Shopping
These updates come amid news about TikTok launching a new live shopping experience this year in the U.S. While these updates don’t directly tie to live shopping, they are essential to building a foundation for live experiences. It will be creators who drive these, whether simply connecting with their fans in real-time or promoting products and services for brands, so giving them new features and tools can help increase the adoption in TikTok LIVE.
