TikTok has suspended its late-night LIVE feature in Nigeria after a surge in sexually explicit broadcasts. The move comes as some users reportedly performed sexual acts in real time during livestreams watched by large audiences.
The company notified Nigerian users on Monday through an in-app alert, stating that it is conducting a safety review to “ensure the platform remains safe and our community stays protected.” TikTok has not yet said when the restriction will be lifted.
Rising Cases of Explicit Content on TikTok LIVE
Internal data revealed at TikTok’s West Africa Safety Summit in Dakar, Senegal, shows Nigeria as a hotspot for policy violations. In the second quarter of 2025, TikTok issued warnings and demonetised over 2.3 million LIVE sessions, while more than one million creators were penalised for breaching monetisation rules.
Nigeria alone accounted for 49,512 banned LIVE sessions, among the highest numbers in the region. Experts note that many late-night TikTok LIVE streams in Nigeria featured erotic performances, often rewarded with virtual gifts from viewers.
New Safety Measures Target Late-Night Broadcasts
The temporary TikTok Nigeria ban now prevents users from hosting or watching LIVE streams during hours most linked to sexual content.
TikTok said the restriction is part of broader safety measures aimed at protecting its community. Similar late-night restrictions have been applied in other countries facing spikes in policy violations.
The platform has not provided a timeline for when the late-night LIVE feature will return as the review continues.