How armed groups in Colombia are using TikTok to recruit young people

As Colombia's conflict has intensified, armed groups have turned to social media, particularly TikTok, to recruit new members. Videos show stacks of cash, gold watches, and attractive women, portraying an appealing life within the groups. Some posts highlight values like 'defence of the people,' while others openly invite users to join.

These posts come from various groups, including FARC dissidents, the ELN, and Clan del Golfo. According to a report by the NGO Vivamos Humanos, groups offer up to 12 million pesos a month (about €2,900) – seven times the minimum wage. They target vulnerable young people not in school, offering jobs that include drone piloting and coca leaf harvesting.

Some TikTok posts get over 100,000 views and attract comments asking how to join. FRANCE 24 investigators created a fake account, posing as a 17-year-old, and contacted 33 accounts. Six responded, several willing to recruit a minor. Colombian law punishes recruiting minors with up to 23 years in prison. The UN reports a 320% increase in children under 18 in armed groups from 2019 to 2024.

Online recruitment offers advantages: groups can reach the entire country from a single base, and disappearances often go unnoticed. It also downplays dangers. A member of an indigenous NGO in Cauca said children who join are often killed within weeks. Colombia's Institute of Legal Medicine reported 30 minors died between August 2025 and May 2026.

TikTok's community guidelines ban criminal organizations, but our investigation found accounts can remain active for over a year. When deleted, content reappears on other accounts. TikTok stated it takes proactive measures but acknowledged the challenge. In 2025, Colombia passed a law on safe digital environments for minors, but it has not taken effect and does not address recruitment by armed groups.