Tik Tok. It’s a new trend that is a reality in all social media. But is it safe for kids to use? Sure, we can tell you that its best for "kids" 15+, the truth is that while we are all stuck at home, kids of all ages - including parents - are having fun watching and making videos. So, whether you are looking for fun with your family or, maybe, you just want to become part of the growing "Moms of Tik Tok" community, here's what you need to know.
How to Use TikTok:
- There are two different ways to view videos on TikTok:
- On the “For You” page, or
- just watching the videos of the people that you follow. Once you have watched the “For You” page for a little bit, the app will start to show related/similar videos to the ones that you watched the longest or like the most.
- You can also search different people or hashtags that are trending.
How to Make it Safe to View for 15 and younger:
- When you first make your TikTok account, it will automatically make your account “private” which is good. But there are some things that you are going to want to change so that only your “friends” on your account can view your videos. To change the settings:
- You go to your profile on TikTok
- At the top right corner there are three dots
- Click on those dots and click on the privacy and safety tab
- When you scroll and go under the safety heading, you can personalize the whole account… everything from who can view your videos to who can comment on your videos.
You've made your account private and set up the security, so what's next? Why not try to make your own! Here are the different ways you can make a fun video with your family (or by yourself....)
- When you are on the For You page, there is a “+” at the bottom of the screen. When you click that, you can click the word “sounds” and pick what sound you want to use in your video. You can also:
- Change the camera view to show you or what’s in front of you.
- Change the speed of the video by clicking speed on the top right corner.
- Add filters on your video to change the colors of your videos.
- Set a timer for when to start the music if you don’t want to be holding the device while recording.
- If you pick a sound, you can trim where you want the video to start with the sound.
- If you are scrolling through the For You page and find a sound that you want to use, click on the last circle in the bottom right corner. It will show you other videos that have this sound. Click the button that says “use this sound” and it will automatically take you to make a video with that sound.
Ok, so now that you know what you're doing (maybe?), you're ready to get started making your own. Here are some trending TikTok Videos and challenges you might want to try:
- “Flip the Switch”
- “The Renegade”
- “Lalala” Remix Hand Motions
- “Woah”
- “#thisismyvoice”
TikTok is a great way to get the family to come together. Make fun silly videos you can share and laugh about with other people during COVID-19... or any other time. Have fun!
About Logan Nichols:
Logan Nichols is a Junior Reporter for Union County Macaroni Kid. First introduced to Logan when she was in the running for Leukemia Lymphoma Society's Student of the Year, Macaroni Kid noticed something incredible in Logan. She's a Junior at Parkwood High School and was named the 2020 LLS Student of the Year. Not only is she a National Honor Society Member, but she is also the Captain of the Parkwood Women's Varsity Soccer Club and a member of the Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) Leaders group. And despite her serious dedication to her sport and schoolwork, she is a self-proclaimed "goofball" who loves her community.
