TikTok has temporarily disabled its LIVE feature in Nigeria between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. as part of an ongoing safety investigation aimed at protecting users and ensuring the platform remains secure.
The restriction was announced through in-app notifications sent to Nigerian creators, informing them that late-night livestreams would be unavailable until further notice. According to TikTok, the move is tied to concerns about community safety and content moderation, following recent large-scale removals of videos and live sessions in Nigeria. In early 2025 alone, TikTok reported removing over 3.6 million videos, banning 42,196 live rooms, and interrupting 48,156 streams due to violations of its policies.
During the blackout hours, creators cannot host live sessions or view international livestreams. However, TikTok clarified that earnings and gift balances remain unaffected, meaning monetized creators will not lose income from the restriction. The platform also reiterated its existing rules: accounts must have at least 1,000 followers to go live, users must be 16+ years old, and those earning through gifts must be 18+.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerian creators. Some, like popular TikToker Peller, have downplayed the impact, emphasizing that their income streams extend beyond TikTok and that brand partnerships remain strong. Others worry that the restriction could limit audience engagement, as late-night sessions are often peak hours for interaction.
For now, TikTok has not specified how long the restriction will last, only stating that it is part of an ongoing investigation to keep the community safe. The move highlights the growing importance of digital safety and moderation in Nigeria’s fast-expanding social media space, where platforms are under pressure to balance freedom of expression with user protection.
