TikTok has implemented a temporary, blanket restriction on its LIVE feature for Nigerian users during late-night hours, citing a surge in broadcasts containing explicit sexual acts and other severe policy violations.
The platform issued an in-app system notification to Nigerian creators on Monday, announcing the measure as part of an “ongoing safety investigation” intended to ensure the community remains protected.
The move, which began late Sunday night, has temporarily halted a significant portion of the platform’s engagement in its largest African market.
Checks confirmed that LIVE sessions became inaccessible for Nigerian creators and viewers between approximately 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM Nigerian time.
TikTok’s decision is a direct response to a spike in late-night streams where hosts reportedly engaged in or staged explicit adult content, often performed to attract virtual gifts and monetization.
The in-app message stated: “We’re temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected.”
The restriction also prevented Nigerian users from viewing LIVE broadcasts originating from other countries during the affected hours.
The temporary shutdown follows recent data released by TikTok that highlighted Nigeria’s disproportionate role in LIVE policy breaches.
At its West Africa Safety Summit in Dakar, TikTok disclosed that in the second quarter of 2025 alone, 49,512 LIVE sessions originating from Nigeria were banned for violating its monetization rules. This figure placed Nigeria among the highest-enforcement markets in the region.
The platform stated that the restriction directly addresses the “night-time hours” most associated with the surge in sexually suggestive and explicit content that violates its Community Guidelines against sexual exploitation and abuse.
While the measure is widely welcomed by users advocating for better content standards, it has drawn complaints from legitimate creators who rely on late-night sessions for income.
Night-time hours are peak engagement periods for many Nigerian streamers who host legitimate entertainment segments, quizzes, and interactive ‘matches’ that generate virtual gifts, a crucial income source.
TikTok has assured creators that their previous earnings and gift balances remain intact, alleviating immediate concerns over financial loss.
The restriction is temporary, and the duration will depend on the platform’s internal safety review and its assessment of local moderation effectiveness.
