Starting a Channel or Account: Creating Content Safely

Creating content can be genuinely rewarding — a way to share something you are passionate about, build a creative skill, or connect with people who share your interests. It also comes with real risks that are worth understanding before you start. A few smart decisions at the beginning make a significant difference to your safety and your experience.

Setting up your account safely

Use a username that does not reveal your real name, school, or location. Set your account to private initially — you can always open it up later once you understand the platform. Use an email address created specifically for your creator accounts, separate from your personal email. Review every privacy setting before you post anything. On TikTok, check who can comment, duet, stitch, and download your videos. On YouTube, decide whether you want your channel to be discoverable by search.

What to show and what to keep private

You do not have to share your face to make great content. Many successful creators use voiceover, animation, screen recordings, or just their hands. If you do appear on camera, be mindful of what is visible in the background — school uniforms, location clues, house numbers, and distinctive local features can all reveal more than you intend. Never share your full name, school, exact location, or daily routine in content or in your profile bio.

Managing comments and followers

Even with a small audience, comments can include unkind or inappropriate messages. Turn off comments if you are not ready to manage them, or filter them using keyword blocks. Be cautious about anyone who slides into your DMs to offer opportunities, management deals, or unusually intense admiration — these are common grooming tactics. You are not obliged to reply to everyone, and blocking is always an option.

Your rights as a young creator

You own the content you create. Platforms have terms of service that grant them wide licences to use your content, so read these before you post. If you are under 18, be aware that earning money from content may have tax implications — speak to a parent or guardian before monetising. Under UK law, companies that use your image or likeness for advertising purposes without consent may be breaking the law.