When it comes to the social media world, a so-called “shadowban” on TikTok is something no creator wants to deal with. It often results in decreased engagement and stunted account growth. But is TikTok shadowbanning real, and how do you get around it?
TikTok shadowbanning is real and happens when the platform’s moderating algorithm flags content that violates its Community Guidelines. To fix a ban, start by deleting the offending content. You can also delete and reinstall the TikTok app. Above all, observe the guidelines to avoid future bans.
If you’ve spent countless hours crafting engaging content and building a solid audience on TikTok, a shadowban can truly be a soul-crushing experience. Let’s get started so you know what’s behind TikTok’s shadowbanning — and how to proceed if it happens to you.
What Is Shadowbanning?
Generally, shadowbanning occurs when a social platform or forum blocks or mutes a user for various reasons without notifying them. On TikTok, “shadowban” is the unofficial buzzword for what happens when the app temporarily limits the visibility of your account.
Whenever a shadowban occurs, your content won’t appear on the For You page (#FYP) or the hashtags section of the app. You’ll also notice a significant decline in the number of likes, comments, and views on your account.
TikTok maintains that shadowbanning is an automated process done by its algorithm to protect users from spam, threats, copyright issues, and inappropriate content. While it’s usually a simple way of putting your account on a timeout, it can take a toll on your reach, discoverability, and growth on the platform.
Is Shadowbanning Real?
Shadowbanning is real in the sense that TikTok may impose temporary or permanent bans on certain users’ accounts if they violate the platform’s Community Guidelines. However, TikTok doesn’t expressly use the term “shadowban” in any of the platform’s official documentation.
Moreover, they’ve never fully admitted that they engage in the practice as its described by users, but they’ve said enough to imply they do put limits on certain users’ accounts during specific times. The closest thing to a statement on shadowbans on TikTok reads as follows:
“We will temporarily or permanently ban accounts and/or users that are involved in severe or repeated on-platform violations; we may also consider actions on other platforms and offline behavior in these decisions.”
So, while TikTok doesn’t clearly use the term “shadowban,” some users have reported that their posts become increasingly hard to find when they’re experiencing what seems to be a shadowban.
Users also claim that they suddenly stop receiving likes and comments on posts that would have ordinarily done well in the past. Of course, it’s possible that these claims are unfounded, but one thing we can’t ignore is that something is happening in the shadows.
If you do nothing, your shadowban will probably last no more than 14 days, but some users have also experienced the ban for only 24 hours. Others suggest it could take as long as a month.
How Do You Get Shadowbanned?
While TikTok doesn’t admit to the practice of shadowbanning in so many words, here are some instances where it seems to occur:
When You’ve Violated TikTok’s Community Guidelines
The most obvious reason for a TikTok shadowban is violation of the platform’s Community Guidelines. It’s a long and detailed list, but TikTok classifies offending content as that which:
- Compromises minor safety
- Promotes dangerous acts and challenges
- Portrays adult nudity and sexual activities
- Glorifies suicide, self-harm, and disordered eating
- Has elements of bullying and harassment
- Markets illegal activities and unregulated goods
- Engages in copyright and trademark infringement
- Shows violent graphic content
- Supports violent extremism
- Showcases hateful behavior
- Compromises integrity and authenticity
Some of the topics aren’t as clear cut as others, and automated moderation only complicates things further. Also, if viewers “report” a TikTok video, it could trigger a shadowban on the creator’s account.
When You Act Like a Spammer
While different users have different personalities, you sure don’t want to post like a bot or you’ll be treated like one.
You might have attracted a huge following on your new account and are feeling pretty excited about it, but flooding your feed with new videos or bulk-following other users is a surefire way to get shadowbanned. TikTok usually limits posts its algorithm thinks are spammy.
You Can Be Shadowbanned by Accident
TikTok’s Community Guidelines are largely enforced by an algorithm, and their AI moderation isn’t flawless. Certain pieces of content or topics can be mistakenly flagged by censoring bots for guidelines violations.
As it turns out, the heavy reliance on automated moderation only makes things complicated, and sometimes it’s hard to know for certain why your account is facing a shadowban.
Some critics have raised concerns that TikTok is notorious for taking sides and deliberately stifling the voices of activists and protestors. Unfortunately, there’s little we can do about that at this point.
Thankfully, shadowbans don’t last forever, meaning you can sit tight if you’re on TikTok’s timeout at the moment.
How to Remove a TikTok Shadowban
Removing a TikTok ban can be complicated, as there’s no one secret formula to reverse it. Your best bet is to wait it out like you’re on probation and ride the 14-day period without producing any more content on the app.
You can also do the following while you sit in TikTok’s jail:
Delete Flagged Content
When you suspect a shadowban, it’s important you comb through your posts to determine which content may have got you in trouble. Once you’ve found the likely culprit, remove it and wait for TikTok’s algorithm to do its thing.
Delete TikTok and Reinstall It
Reinstalling the TikTok app will clear cache and cookie data that could still frame you after offending posts have been deleted. So, once you’ve successfully removed any troublesome content, delete the app and find an updated version on the App Store or PlayStore.
How to Avoid Becoming Shadowbanned
Follow these tips to avoid striking out and attracting a shadowban in the future:
Observe TikTok’s Community Guidelines
TikTok provides Community Guidelines for a reason, and you need to stick to them to avoid tripping the censors. Check out the rulebook so you know how to follow along, being careful not to do anything that will get you flagged.
Avoid Spammy and Bot-like Behavior
Acting like a normal person applies on TikTok, just as it does in the physical world. But the moment you act like a bot (or use one), TikTok’s own moderation bots will zone in on you. So, once your temporary ban is over, just chill and refrain from such things as 100-posts-a-day sprees.
Check Your Analytics
Tracking your performance with TikTok’s native Analytics tools will help you quickly determine if you’ve been stopped from getting hits from the For You page.
You can also leverage third-party social media management tools to measure your success on the platform and tell which posts you need to review or pull down.