TikTok Removes 3.6 Million Nigerian Videos in Q1 2025 Amid Digital Safety Push

TikTok is stepping up its safety game in Nigeria in a big way. The social media giant revealed that it removed over 3.6 million videos from its Nigerian platform between January and March 2025 for violating its Community Guidelines—a significant 50 per cent jump compared to the previous quarter.

The disclosure was according to TikTok’s Q1 2025 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and trustworthy digital space.

TikTok isn’t waiting for users to complain before acting. An impressive 98.4 per cent of the offending videos were proactively detected—meaning they were flagged and removed before anyone reported them. Additionally, about 92.1 per cent were taken down within 24 hours of being uploaded, underscoring TikTok’s swift response to potential harm.

Despite the high numbers, TikTok clarified that the removed videos represent only a tiny fraction of the overall content shared by Nigerian users during the period. The majority of content, the platform emphasised, remains positive, educational, and entertaining.

TikTok’s safety efforts extend beyond pre-recorded videos. In March alone, the platform removed 129 accounts across West Africa linked to covert influence operations. LIVE broadcasts also came under scrutiny: in Q1 2025, TikTok banned 42,196 LIVE rooms and interrupted 48,156 streams in Nigeria for violating its rules.

“LIVE content enforcement remains a priority as we continue to protect the integrity of real-time interactions on the platform,” the report noted.

Globally, TikTok removed over 211 million videos in Q1 2025, up from 153 million the previous quarter, with 184 million taken down automatically. Overall, harmful content still accounts for less than one per cent of total uploads—a statistic TikTok cites as evidence of its ongoing dedication to digital safety.

Beyond takedowns and bans, TikTok is investing in proactive measures to promote digital well-being. In June, the platform hosted the “My Kind of TikTok Digital Well-being Summit,” gathering experts, NGOs, content creators, media professionals, and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa. The event focused on finding ways to improve digital health both on and off the platform.

In a significant move for Nigerian users, TikTok also announced the expansion of its in-app helpline to Nigeria. Partnering with Cece Yara, a child-focused non-profit organisation, the helpline will provide confidential support to young users facing issues like self-harm, suicide, harassment, or hate.

Additionally, TikTok named Dr. Olawale Ogunlana, widely known as Doctor Wales, as its Digital Well-being Ambassador for Nigeria. Dr. Ogunlana joins a global network of healthcare professionals under the WHO Fides Network, supporting initiatives to foster mental health and safety online.

TikTok continues to encourage users to report harmful content and participate in its #SaferTogether campaign—a global initiative aimed at creating a more respectful and secure online environment for everyone.

As social media continues to grow in influence, TikTok’s efforts in Nigeria serve as a reminder that maintaining a safe digital space requires constant vigilance, innovation, and community cooperation.