While TikTok can lead you to fame, it can also ban you for rule violations. You may have heard of ‘shadowban,’ where users suddenly lose likes, views, and traffic. This practice, known as ghost banning or stealth banning, blocks or limits content. Unfortunately, a TikTok shadowban can hamper your reach and growth, affecting influencers and businesses who rely on their online community. Curious about TikTok shadowban, its signs, and how to fix it on TikTok? We’ll explain everything you need to know about shadowban on TikTok right down here.
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What is TikTok Shadowban?
TikTok shadowban is when TikTok limits the visibility of your account for a period. During this time, your videos won’t show up on the “For You” page or in hashtag searches. Some people who experience a shadowban often notice that their posts are harder to find, and they get fewer likes and comments than usual.
Before we explore the reasons why your account got TikTok shadowban, first, let’s clarify the different types of TikTok bans so that you can determine the status of your account.
| Type of Ban | Description | Notification | Duration | Appeal Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadowban | Silently limits content visibility without direct notification. Videos not shown on “For You” pages. | No | 2 weeks | No official appeal process |
| Temporary Ban | Clear notification received for rule violations. Restrictions on activities (posting, commenting, etc.). | Yes | Typically 24-48 hours | No official appeal process |
| Underage Ban | Enforced for users under the platform’s age requirement (usually under 13 or 14). | Yes | Permanent, unless appealed | Possible appeal for reinstatement |
| Permanent Ban | Imposed for serious, repeated rule violations. No TikTok access. Device blocking is possible in severe cases. | Yes | Permanent | The appeal is possible through the TikTok mobile app |
Now, armed with this knowledge, you can better understand your account’s current status and take appropriate action for yourself.
What actions can lead to a TikTok shadowban?
“How do I know if I’m shadowbanned on TikTok?” – TikTok hasn’t officially used the term “shadowban”, but they do take action as temporarily or permanently banning accounts that repeatedly violate their guidelines. Here are 4 reasons why you might experience a TikTok shadowban:
Reason #1: Posting Adult Content
TikTok is pretty strict about adult content, meaning anything explicit or nudity is a big NO. If you break these rules, you might not only get a shadowban but could end up permanently banned. So, play it safe and stick to TikTok’s content policy to avoid these consequences.
Reason #2: Bullying or Harassment
TikTok values inclusivity and opposes hateful behavior. If your content involves being mean or harassing others, TikTok might decide to hide or limit your posts. To keep things positive, avoid actions that go against TikTok’s vibe.
Reason #3: Copyright Infringement
Sharing content that doesn’t belong to you is not only against TikTok’s rules but also illegal. TikTok enforces a strict policy against posting copyrighted material without permission.
Reason #4: By Accident
TikTok uses automated systems to check for guideline violations, but sometimes, these systems make mistakes. In cases where content is mistakenly flagged or removed, it can lead to frustrations and concerns about potential censorship.
In essence, TikTok takes guideline violations seriously, and these violations can result in various penalties, including reduced visibility (shadowban) or account bans.
How to know your TikTok has been shadowbanned?
How to tell if I’ve been shadowbanned on TikTok? The tricky thing about a shadowban on TikTok is that the platform won’t directly tell you that you’ve been banned. So, you might not even realize it’s happened. But, 3 signs can help you figure it out:
- Videos Won’t Upload Normally: If your videos constantly get stuck in “under review” or “processing” mode, that’s another sign.
- A Sharp Drop in Engagement: If you notice a sudden and significant drop in likes, views, or shares, it could be 99% that you’ve gotten a shadowban strike.
- Your Content Isn’t Visible: If your videos get 0 views or aren’t showing up on the “For You” page, in search results – that’s a red flag.
Note: In some cases, videos might get 0 views, but it doesn’t indicate a shadowban. There are various reasons that could lead to the “0 views” issue.
>>> Learn more here: TikTok 0 views: Figure out Why and How to fix this issue
If you notice all 3 of these things happening, you’ve likely been shadowbanned on TikTok.
How long does TikTok Shadowban last?
Typically, TikTok shadowbans last around 2 weeks, based on what users have experienced. If you do find yourself shadowbanned, you’ve got a choice: be patient and wait for the ban to lift on its own, or start fresh with a brand new account.
There’s also a rumor that some accounts might get permanently shadowbanned by TikTok, and in some cases, even have their IP address banned. This usually happens because users repeatedly break TikTok’s rules and exploit the platform.
When shadowban on TikTok happens, you should wait, being patient, especially if you’ve already built up a good number of followers. However, if you continue to violate TikTok’s Community Guidelines, your ban could become permanent, and that’s not good news.
How to fix the shadowban on TikTok?
Getting out of a TikTok shadowban requires no secret rituals or unusual actions. Here are 5 ways to restore your account:
Remove Flagged Content
First, identify the content that may have triggered the shadowban as content related to
- Violence
- Hate
- Illegal activities
- Self-harm
- Harassment
- Nudity
- Hate speech
Or you can check which video is violated by following these steps:
- Go to your TikTok profile
- Tap the menu in the top-right corner
Choose “Creator Tools” > “Analytics” to find out which videos might be suppressed.
Once you’ve found it, delete that content and wait at least 14 days to get the ban lifted.
After that, refresh your page to check the status.
Remember:
Avoid Breaking Community Guidelines
- Don’t post sexually explicit content.
- Avoid pornography and nudity.
- Steer clear of inciting violence or making threats.
- Don’t engage in spammy behavior.
Stop Posting Low-Quality Content:
- Understand your audience better.
- Create interesting, relevant, and authentic content.
- Use video-making and editing tools for better-quality content.
Reinstall the App
If you’ve removed the problematic content and want to check if the ban has been lifted, try uninstalling and reinstalling the TikTok app on your device. Sometimes, this can help resolve issues caused by cached data or outdated versions of the app.
Act Naturally
Avoid behaviors that might make TikTok’s algorithm think you’re a bot such as:
- Engage in excessive liking, following, or spammy comments.
- Buying fake followers or overusing hashtags.
Don’t engage in excessive following or posting, especially immediately after a shadowban. Act authentically and avoid spammy activities.
Send a Support Ticket
If you suspect you’re shadowbanned on TikTok, you can reach out for help by sending a support ticket through the app. Here’s how:
- Go to your TikTok profile.
- Tap on the triple-dots icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
- Scroll down to find the “support” section.
- Under “support,” select “Report a problem”
- Tap on the writing icon located in the top-right corner of your screen. This will open the feedback section where you can report issues.
- Explain your problem and describe the shadowban issue clearly.
- Provide evidence, such as screenshots showing a significant drop in your engagement.
That’s it! Follow these steps to send a support ticket to TikTok. Remember to be certain that you’re shadowbanned before contacting them.
Update Your TikTok Profile to Avoid TikTok Shadowban
Make sure your TikTok profile description and username are free from curse words or language that could be misinterpreted. Also, check your profile picture. If it contains violent or sexual imagery, it could lead to a TikTok shadowban. To change your picture, click on the pencil icon on your profile photo.
Tips to stay clear from Shadowban
Now, let’s delve into some crucial insights on how to steer clear of the dreaded shadowban on TikTok. These helpful tips will help protect your TikTok presence, ensuring that your content reaches its intended audience without any hindrances.
- Follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines: First and foremost, familiarize yourself with TikTok’s guidelines and policies. Adhering to these rules is the best way to avoid potential issues:
- Avoid copyrighted content: Uploading others’ videos or online finds can lead to copyright issues, risking TikTok removal and account flagging.
- No nudity allowed: TikTok strictly prohibits nudity to protect its young user base and maintain a positive image.
- Stay within legal boundaries: Posting illegal content, including drugs, weapons, violence, or other prohibited materials, can result in bans.
- Optimize lighting: Bright videos are essential as TikTok’s algorithm uses brightness to detect forbidden objects or nudity.
- Choose licensed music: Avoid using sound under review or labeled as ‘Trying to obtain copyright’ to prevent shadow banning.
- Stick to one account per device: While unconfirmed, rumors suggest that having multiple accounts on one device may lead to bans. Use caution.
- Avoid Overuse of Hashtags: While hashtags are essential for discoverability, using too many or irrelevant ones can trigger a shadow ban. Stick to relevant and trending hashtags.
- Watch Your Content Quality: Low-quality, spammy, or inappropriate content is more likely to get you shadowbanned. Create engaging and authentic content that resonates with your audience.
- Limit Automation Tools: Avoid using excessive automation tools or bots to engage with content or follow/unfollow users. TikTok may interpret this as spammy behavior.
- Post Consistently and Authentically: Maintain a consistent posting schedule but ensure your content remains authentic and engaging. Overloading your audience with frequent, low-quality posts can lead to a shadowban.
- Respond to Notifications: If TikTok sends you a warning or notification regarding a specific issue, address it promptly. Ignoring warnings can escalate the situation.
- Use TikTok’s Business Account: If you’re using TikTok for marketing or business purposes, consider switching to a TikTok Business Account. These often receive better support and fewer issues.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on TikTok’s policies and any changes they make. The platform evolves, so your understanding of the rules should too.
- Report Any Issues: If you believe you’ve been mistakenly shadowbanned or are experiencing issues, reach out to TikTok’s support for assistance.
By following these tips and maintaining a respectful and authentic presence on TikTok, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering a shadowban.
Final Word
Experiencing a TikTok shadowban might not be enjoyable, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a permanent setback. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t fret. You can patiently wait out the two-week period, and once your account returns to normal, simply ensure that you adhere to TikTok’s terms and conditions. As long as you maintain a clean account, there’s no need to fear another shadowban on TikTok.
Discover more! It’s not just shadowbans – there are various types of TikTok bans you should know about. Dive deeper into our comprehensive summary of TikTok bans to stay informed and protect your TikTok experience!
>>> Read more: From Banned to Unbanned TikTok Account [Agency Guideline]
