Are you worried about a shadow ban on TikTok? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about TikTok shadow bans. We’ll explain what a shadow ban is, show you how to recognize if one has affected you and provide steps you can take to avoid them in the future.
Let’s dive into the details so you can keep your TikTok account active and engaging!
What is Shadow Banning on TikTok?
A shadow ban on TikTok means your account is secretly blocked or limited.
Your posts won’t appear on the For You Page, and you’ll see fewer likes, views, and comments.
TikTok automatically does this to stop copyright problems, spam, threats, and bad content.
It’s like TikTok is giving your account a timeout, which can hurt your visibility and growth on the app.
TikTok’s Community Guidelines in 2024
You need to follow community guidelines on social media sites, and TikTok has them too.
TikTok’s guidelines aim to make the app welcoming, safe, and fun.
Your videos might get blocked and your account shadow-banned for things like dangerous actions or hate speech.
TikTok says it keeps updating these rules to make sure the platform stays safe for everyone.
How to Get Shadow Banned on TikTok
Although TikTok hasn’t officially used the term “shadow ban,” breaking the app’s rules can still get you in trouble.
The platform states, “If we see that content breaks our rules, whether shared publicly or privately, we will remove it.”
Here are a few reasons TikTok might shadow-ban you:
- Posting content that’s not allowed
- Bullying or harassment
- Copyright infringement
- By mistake
Reason #1: Posting Restricted Content
If TikTok thinks your content isn’t right for the For You Page, you could get shadow-banned or even removed from the platform.
This could be for reasons like hate speech, promoting unsafe diets, dangerous stunts, nudity, shocking images, false information, fake likes, copied content, gambling, drugs, and others.
In short: Stick to family-friendly content, and you’ll stay on the For You Page.
Reason #2: Bullying or Harassment
TikTok values inclusivity and people expressing themselves without facing abuse, so it doesn’t tolerate hate.
If you post, comment, or share anything that TikTok sees as hateful, others might not see your content.
The bottom line? Leave hate out of it and focus on making awesome content.
Reason #3: Copyright Infringement
Posting content that isn’t yours is strictly forbidden.
TikTok has a strict policy against using someone else’s copyrighted material.
Bottom line: Always be original—it’s much more interesting that way.
Reason #4: By Accident
TikTok uses automatic systems to check if videos break its rules.
However, these systems aren’t always accurate.
An NBC News article reported that Jewish creators feel like they’re being censored because TikTok often flags and removes their content.
Automating moderation like this can be tricky. While it aims to block hate speech, it can sometimes silence important voices instead of amplifying them.
How Do I Know If I’ve Been Shadow Banned on TikTok?
The tough thing about a shadow ban on TikTok is that TikTok won’t tell you if it has banned you.
This can mean you might not even realize your account has restrictions.
But, there are a few clear signs of a shadow ban:
- Your content doesn’t show up on the For You Page or in search results.
- Your videos won’t upload and might show as “under review” or “processing.”
- There’s a big drop in your likes, views, or shares.
If you notice all these signs, you’re likely dealing with a shadow ban.
How To Get Rid of a Shadow Ban on TikTok
There’s no clear way to reverse a shadow ban on TikTok. You might just have to wait it out and pause your content creation for a while.
But, you can take these three steps to help your situation and avoid future shadow bans:
Delete Your Flagged Content
If TikTok warned you that your content broke their rules, it’s time to clean up your account. Remove any content that TikTok marked as inappropriate to show you understand the mistake. Remember what caused the issue so you don’t repeat it.
Follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines
If you’re not sure why you’re not showing up on the For You Page, check TikTok’s Community Guidelines. Review your videos, captions, and hashtags to see if they might be setting off alarms.
Avoid Spam-like Behavior
If you notice a decrease in engagement, you might post and comment more to boost your stats. However, this can come off as spammy, making TikTok think you’re a bot, which could extend your shadow ban.
While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why TikTok might deprioritize your account, remember that shadow bans don’t last forever. Hang in there, and you’ll be back to posting normally soon.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, knowing about TikTok shadow bans is key if you want to keep your account safe and active. Make sure you know the signs of a shadow ban, follow TikTok’s rules and avoid actions that could cause problems. Since TikTok might not always tell you when there’s an issue, it’s important to stay informed and careful.
Keep making great content and enjoy TikTok without worrying about bans.