Likee

What is Likee?

Likee is a short video creation and sharing app developed by BIGO Technology in Singapore. It works similarly to TikTok — users create and share short videos with special effects, a music library, lip-syncing tools and filters. The app also features live streaming, direct messages and public profiles. Likee is popular in parts of Europe and Asia, attracting users who want an alternative to TikTok with a less crowded audience.

Age rating: 13 years (but there is minimal age verification at sign-up).

Why do kids like it?

• Easy video creation with special effects. Likee offers a wide range of effects, filters and editing tools that make it simple to create eye-catching videos without any experience.
• Large music library. Kids can make lip-sync videos and music videos using popular songs.
• Less “crowded” than TikTok. It can feel easier to get noticed and gain followers on a platform with fewer users.
• Creative expression. Kids enjoy expressing themselves through video, dance and editing.
• Viral potential. Videos can reach large audiences quickly, which is motivating for young creators.
• Live streaming. The ability to broadcast live and interact with viewers in real time is exciting for many kids.

What are the real risks?

• Public by default. Videos and profiles are visible to everyone unless settings are actively changed. Many kids don’t realise their content is completely open.
• DMs from strangers. Without the right settings, anyone can send direct messages to your child.
• Live streaming with real-time comments. Kids who go live can receive comments from anyone — including inappropriate or manipulative messages.
• Limited content moderation. Compared to larger platforms, Likee has faced criticism for weaker moderation, meaning inappropriate content can more easily appear in the feed.
• Predatory contact risk. The app has been criticised for insufficient child safety measures, and there have been reports of unwanted contact with minors.
• Location exposure. Features like “Nearby” can reveal your child’s approximate location to other users.
• Data collection. The app collects significant amounts of data, and as a Singapore-based platform there is less transparency about data practices compared to Western platforms.

Settings to check

1. Set the account to private: Go to Profile → Settings → Privacy → enable “Private Account”. New followers will then need approval.
2. Disable DMs from strangers: Settings → Privacy → “Who can message me” → set to “Friends” or “No one”.
3. Turn off location services: Go to your phone’s settings → Apps → Likee → Location → select “Never”. Also disable the “Nearby” feature within the app.
4. Disable live streaming: Settings → Privacy → turn off the ability to start live streams, or restrict who can view them.
5. Restrict who can comment: Settings → Privacy → “Who can comment” → set to “Friends” or “No one”.
6. Review followers regularly: Check the follower list together with your child and remove unknown accounts.
7. Disable the “Nearby” feature: Settings → Privacy → turn off “Nearby” so the profile does not appear to users in geographic proximity.

How to talk about it

“I see you’re using Likee — what do you like most about it? Is there something you’ve made that you’d like to show me?”

“Is your account public or private? Do you know who can see your videos?”

“Has anyone you don’t know ever contacted you on Likee? What would you do if that happened?”

“Do you ever go live? Who watches and comments when you do?”

Last reviewed: March 2026