Bigo Live Review: Features, Risks, and Safety Measures

BIGO LIVE can be tricky, especially for parents worried about privacy, inappropriate content, and how much time their kids spend online. While this platform offers exciting ways to connect and share experiences, it also raises important safety concerns.

So, this article aims to dive into BIGO LIVE, exploring its features and fun aspects but also highlighting the risks involved. We'll look closely at what measures the app takes to keep users safe and offer tips for a more secure online experience.

What is BIGO LIVE?

BIGO LIVE is a pioneering live-streaming platform that has rapidly carved a niche for itself in the digital world. Launched by BIGO Technology, a Singapore-based company, this app has transcended geographical boundaries to become a favourite among users of various ages.

At its core, BIGO LIVE allows individuals to broadcast live videos, showcasing talents, sharing life moments, and interacting with viewers in real-time. This platform stands out for its diverse content, from music performances, dance routines, and casual chats to gaming streams and educational content.

Key Features of BIGO LIVE

• Multi-Guest Feature: This allows you to host live sessions with up to 12 guests, making your streams more interactive and engaging for panel discussions, interviews, or group chats.
• Filters and Effects: BIGO LIVE provides a wide range of filters and special effects to add a creative touch to your streams, including beauty filters and fun effects.
• Virtual Gifts Feature: Viewers can show their appreciation for content by sending virtual gifts, which can be converted into beans (BIGO's currency) and cashed out by the broadcaster.
• 3D Avatar for Streaming: You can create a digital avatar for use during broadcasts, adding a unique and playful element to your streams.
• Co-Streaming: This feature allows you to collaborate with friends or other streamers, appearing side by side in a live stream to interact with each other and your combined audiences.
• Video Call: BIGO LIVE includes a video call feature for more personal interactions with friends and followers.
• Private Room and PK Feature: You can create private rooms for subscriber-only streams or engage in friendly competition with other streamers using the PK (Player Knockout) feature.
• BIGO Family: Joining a BIGO family can enhance your streaming experience through collaboration and support from a group of BIGO LIVE users

BIGO LIVE Is Popular Among Teens

BIGO LIVE boasts a broad user base that spans various age groups. Yet, it holds particular appeal among teenagers and young adults. This demographic is drawn to the platform for its vibrant community, the immediacy of live interaction, and the opportunity to explore and express their identities in a virtual space.

The app's intuitive interface and innovative features cater well to the digital savvy and creative aspirations of younger users, making it a hotbed for the next generation of internet personalities.

• Creative Expression: Teens are in a constant search for avenues to express their creativity and individuality. BIGO LIVE offers just that: a platform where they can share their talents, ideas, and stories with a global audience.
• Social Interaction: In an age where digital connections often supplement physical ones, BIGO LIVE provides a space for teens to interact with peers and make new friends from around the world. The real-time nature of these interactions adds a genuine touch to online friendships.
• Exposure to Global Cultures: BIGO LIVE's global reach exposes teens to diverse cultures and perspectives, broadening their worldviews and fostering a sense of global citizenship.
• Entertainment and Learning: With a wide range of content available, teens use BIGO LIVE not just for entertainment but also for learning new skills, from language lessons to cooking demonstrations and more.

Is BIGO LIVE a Safe Social App?

Potential Risks of Using BIGO LIVE

Using BIGO LIVE, like engaging with any social media or live streaming platform, comes with potential risks that users should be aware of:

• Exposure to Inappropriate Content: You might encounter content that is sexual, violent, or otherwise inappropriate on BIGO LIVE, as users from around the globe broadcast in real-time, and it can be challenging for moderators to catch everything immediately.
• Privacy Concerns: Sharing live videos or participating in others' broadcasts can expose personal information or moments to a wide audience, potentially leading to privacy breaches. There's also the risk of data collection and sharing with third parties.
• Cyberbullying and Harassment: The interactive nature of live streaming means you could be exposed to cyberbullying or harassment from viewers or other broadcasters, which can have psychological effects.
• Scams and Financial Exploitation: BIGO LIVE's virtual gifts and rewards system can encourage spending real money, and there's a risk of scams where users might be tricked into sending money or gifts under pretences.
• Addiction and Overspending: The engaging and interactive nature of the platform can lead to excessive use, potentially resulting in addiction or significant spending on virtual gifts and rewards.
• Influence and Peer Pressure: Young users, in particular, might feel pressure to conform to certain behaviors or appearances to gain followers or receive gifts, which can impact self-esteem and mental health.

Built-in Safety Feature of BIGO LIVE

BIGO LIVE integrates several built-in safety features designed to build a respectful and secure environment for its community. These built-in features are aimed at protecting users from inappropriate content and interactions and ensuring a positive experience on the platform:

• Real-Time Moderation: The platform uses a combination of artificial intelligence and a team of moderators to monitor live broadcasts in real time. This system is designed to detect and remove content that violates the app's community guidelines.
• User Reporting System: Users can report inappropriate behavior or content directly within the app. This feature allows the community to contribute to the platform's safety by flagging content that automated systems or moderators might have missed.
• Age Restriction: BIGO LIVE requires users to be at least 18 years old to register. However, this is dependent on self-reported data. This age restriction is meant to protect younger audiences from potentially harmful content.
• Private and Public Settings: Broadcasters have the option to make their live streams public or private, giving them control over who can view their content. This feature helps users manage their visibility and interact safely with their audience.
• Content Filtering: The app employs content filtering technologies to prevent the sharing of explicit or harmful content. This includes filters for language and images that do not adhere to community standards.
• Account Blocking and Muting: Users can block or mute other accounts to prevent unwanted interactions. This personal safety measure allows users to customize their experience and avoid harassment or bullying.

What Do the Media and Users Say about BIGO LIVE?

After looking through reviews of BIGO LIVE on various websites, I found a mix of concerns and some positive feedback. Many people worry about the app promoting inappropriate content and not being safe for younger users. There are also complaints about privacy issues and some users feeling scammed, especially when it comes to in-app purchases.

Despite these issues, a few users have shared positive experiences, mentioning that they've been able to make genuine connections on the app. Overall, while there are some good points, the majority of reviews suggest being cautious with BIGO LIVE, particularly because of content and privacy concerns.

Let's see some typical user reviews:

Concerns Over Content and Safety:

"I see it as an excuse to lure underage kids into dangerous territory, so I put this as an adult-only app in my book." - Bobby A., Adult

Scam Allegations:

"Bigo.tv 'bigo live' is a scam. Bigo.tv has scammed me over and over for the last year..." - issamuzik, Parent of 12, 14, 15, and 16-year-old

Privacy Invasion:

"Definitely invading your privacy. Nothing tells you that they can see you by just watching a live stream and recording it..." - twoface, Adult

Positive Feedback:

"I can you can find happiness here I think you can meet real people here, so please try it." - Queenles, Adult

So Is Bigo Live Safe?

BIGO LIVE, like many social media platforms, incorporates various safety features and community guidelines to protect its users. However, the app's safety largely depends on how individuals use it.

The platform offers moderation and reporting tools to combat inappropriate content and behaviour. Still, users, especially younger ones, should navigate it with caution and awareness. Parental guidance is recommended for teenagers to ensure a safe and positive experience.

Ultimately, while BIGO LIVE strives to be a safe space for expression and connection, user discretion and responsible usage play crucial roles in maintaining its safety.

Proven Tips to SafeGuard Your Kids on BIGO LIVE

Have Open Talks about Online Experience and Safety Regularly

Initiate regular discussions with your children about their online experiences and the importance of internet safety. Encourage your children to share their experiences and thoughts on BIGO LIVE and other social platforms. Use these conversations to educate them about the potential risks of sharing personal data and interacting with strangers online.

Monitor Inappropriate Content & Online Activities

Stay informed about the content your child is viewing and creating on BIGO LIVE. Check their profile, the type of content they're interested in, and who they're interacting with. Discuss setting boundaries on what is considered appropriate content to view and share.

Report Inappropriate Behavior or Content

If you or your child encounter inappropriate behavior or content on BIGO LIVE, it's crucial to report it:

• Navigate to the profile of the user posting inappropriate content.
• Look for a "..." or similar icon indicating more options.
• Select "Report" from the menu.
• Choose the reason for reporting the user or content, providing as much detail as possible.
• Submit the report.

Block an Unwanted User

Blocking unwanted users is straightforward:

• Go to the user's profile you wish to block.
• Tap on the "..." or similar icon for more options.
• Select "Block" from the dropdown menu.
• Confirm the action to prevent any further interaction from that user.

Manage Bigo Live App Usage and Even Block It

For comprehensive monitoring and management of your child's BIGO LIVE usage, consider using a parental control app like AirDroid Parental Control. This app helps parents protect their children in the digital world, safeguard offline activities, and guide them in building healthy digital habits. With AirDroid Parental Control, you can:

• Manage Bigo Live & screen time usage and check acitivity reports.
• Block access to BIGO LIVE during specific hours or completely if necessary.
• Monitor all online activities to ensure your child's digital experience is safe and healthy.
• Track real-time location and set geofences for physical safety.

Final Thoughts

Bigo Live represents a significant advancement in live streaming technology, offering users and content creators alike a dynamic and interactive space to connect and share experiences.

Its continued growth and adaptation to user needs and safety concerns will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leader in the live-streaming industry and in shaping the future of online social interactions.