Likee

What is Likee?

Likee is a short video creation and live streaming app developed by Likeme Pte. Ltd. (a subsidiary of NASDAQ-listed JOYY Inc.). Users create short videos using AI and AR effects, a music library, and filters, then share them on the platform. The app also supports live streaming with real-time interaction, direct messaging, and a virtual gift economy where creators can earn money. Likee has 100+ million users worldwide and is particularly popular in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Age rating: 13+

Why do kids like it?

• AI and AR effects. Likee offers over 2000 effects — including SuperMix, 4D Magic and Beauty AI — that make videos look polished and creative with minimal effort.
• Music library and easy creation. Kids can create lip-sync videos, dance clips and edits using popular songs, with a low barrier to entry.
• Earning potential. The diamond gifting system lets creators receive virtual gifts from viewers during live streams, which can be converted to real money.
• Live streaming. Broadcasting live and interacting with viewers in real time is a strong draw, especially for kids who enjoy performing.
• “For You Page” algorithm. The recommendation feed promotes content to new audiences, making it feel easier to go viral than on larger platforms.

What are the real risks?

• Public profiles by default. All videos and profile information are visible to everyone. The app does not prompt new users to restrict their account during setup.
• Contact from strangers. Anyone can send direct messages, and the “Nearby” feature can reveal your child’s approximate location to other users.
• Real-money spending. Users can purchase diamonds (from $0.99 to $99.99) to send as gifts during live streams. Children may spend significant amounts without realising the real-world cost.
• Live streaming exposure. Anyone can comment during a live broadcast, including strangers sending inappropriate or manipulative messages.
• Extensive data collection. The app tracks identifiers across other apps and links purchases, user content and usage data to the user’s identity. The official website confirms it requests access to contacts, location, phone data and device identifiers.

Settings to check

1. Enable Parental Controls. Open Profile → ☰ → Settings → Parental Controls → set a password. This dashboard lets you block live streaming, private messaging, the news feed, nearby user discovery and in-app purchases in one place.
2. Switch the account to private. Profile → ☰ → Settings → Privacy → enable “Private Account”. New followers will need approval before they can see videos.
3. Restrict who can send messages. Settings → Privacy → “Who can message me” → select “Friends” or “No one”.
4. Disable location access. On the device, go to Settings → Apps → Likee → Location → select “Never”. This also prevents the “Nearby” feature from working.

How to talk about it

“I see you’re using Likee — what kind of videos do you like making? Can you show me one?”

“Has anyone you don’t know ever sent you a message or commented on a live stream? What would you do if that happened?”

“Do you know who can see your videos right now — is your account set to public or private?”

Last reviewed: April 2026