Tiktok Pulls Plug On Late-Night Live Streams In Nigeria Amid Explicit Content Surge

Why TikTok Hit Pause on Late-Night Streaming

TikTok has hit the brakes on its late-night LIVE feature in Nigeria, responding to a surge in broadcasts showcasing sexual acts and adult content. This temporary suspension aims to address the platform’s growing challenge of content moderation in rapidly expanding markets like Nigeria.

The Decision Details

Understanding the Restriction

The announcement came via an in-app notification on Monday, highlighting that the shutdown targets the late-night hours when explicit content was most prevalent. TikTok is currently investigating to "ensure the platform remains safe and our community stays protected." However, there's no word yet on when the feature might return.

The Evolving Trend

Nigerian users have turned late-night TikTok LIVE sessions into a hub of explicit entertainment, with hosts engaging in sexual acts live-streamed to thousands. Many participants were driven by the app’s virtual gifting system to earn quickly. This development has put Nigeria among the top enforcement markets in West Africa, with significant penalties issued in Q2 2025 alone.

“I think this is long overdue because Nigerians abuse almost everything… I just feel bad for those who live stream genuinely to make money,” shared a user.

Public Reaction: Mixed Responses

Support for Restrictions: Some users are applauding TikTok, saying that the crackdown is crucial to curb online exploitation. However, there’s an opposing view as well.

Against Restrictions: Many legitimate creators are concerned about the sudden hit to their income. As one user expressed in Pidgin, "Why TikTok go ban live at night for Nigeria they don collect atije atimu for our hand oo." This essentially translates to a sentiment of financial loss due to the ban.

What’s Next for TikTok in Nigeria?

While TikTok has previously enacted similar regional restrictions, the current pause is a temporary measure pending a broader safety review. This initiative underscores the platform’s dedication to maintaining a secure environment for its users, even as they navigate the complexities of content regulation in diverse markets.