Shadowbanning on TikTok: All You Need to Know

You’re a creator on TikTok and your videos have been doing well for quite a while. But then, suddenly, you started noticing that some of the clips that you worked hours on stopped receiving as many views as your previous ones. 

It looks like it’s time for you to find the answer to the question “What is shadow ban on TikTok?” Below, you’ll discover everything that you need to know (and more!).  

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Does TikTok Shadow Ban?

TikTok shadow banning is when the platform makes an account less visible without telling the account owner. 

If your account is subject to a shadow ban, your videos might not show up when other users are looking for content in their "For You" pages or in relevant hashtag searches. This can result in a big drop in engagement and reach.

How Do You Get Shadowbanned on TikTok?

Violating Community Guidelines

TikTok has some pretty strict community guidelines. They prohibit certain types of content, like:

• Adult or sexually explicit material
• Hate speech, bullying, and harassment
• Promotion of dangerous or illegal activities
• Copyright infringement 

If you break these rules, TikTok might limit how many times your videos are seen.

Spammy Behavior

Am I shadowbanned on TikTok? If you have been engaged in any kind of ‘spammy’ behavior, then the platform might have taken some measures against your account.

Ideally, you should never:

• Use bots or fake accounts to artificially boost engagement.
• Excessively post or comment in a short period.
• Engage in "engagement pods" to game the algorithm.

Sensitive Content

Even if your content doesn't directly break the rules, you might still get less exposure on the platform if your videos are wrongly labeled as sensitive or inappropriate. 

This is likely to happen with videos on topics like politics, health, and other subjects that could cause a bit of a stir.

How to Tell if You’re Shadowbanned on TikTok

Sudden Drop in Engagement

One pretty clear sign of a shadow ban is a big drop in your video views, likes, comments, and shares all at once. 

If your videos have always gotten lots of engagement and then suddenly it drops, it could be a shadow ban.

Disappearance from "For You" Feeds

Another way to spot shadowbanning on TikTok is if your content stops showing up on your followers' "For You" pages. 

The "For You" page plays a big part in how users discover and grow their following on TikTok, so being missing from it can seriously limit your reach.

Reduced Visibility in Searches

If your videos are no longer showing up in searches for hashtags or keywords that are relevant to your content, it's likely that your account is being shadow-banned. This makes it harder for new users to discover your content.

Difficulty Uploading Videos

Some users have reported that they're having trouble uploading new videos. It seems like their videos just get stuck in a "processing" or "under review" status for a really long time. It could be a sign that TikTok is restricting your account.

How to Get Rid of Shadowban on TikTok

If you suspect your TikTok account has been restricted, there are several steps you can take to try and remove shadowban:

Delete Offending Content

The first step is to find any videos that might have broken TikTok's community rules. This could include anything with adult themes, hate speech, copyrighted material, or any other problematic content.

Appeal the Shadow Ban

1. Gather Evidence: Collect whatever helpful info and documents you can find that support your case. This might include things like screenshots of your work, analytics showing a sudden drop in engagement, or proof that your video didn't actually break TikTok's policies.
2. Submit the Appeal: If you want to appeal a decision made by TikTok, just go to their official appeals page. You can find this by going to the "Report a Problem" section of the app or the TikTok website. You'll be asked to give some information about your account, the video or content in question, and why you think the shadow ban should be lifted.
3. Wait for a Response: Unfortunately, the appeals process on TikTok takes a while. It can take weeks or even months to hear back. In the meantime, you'll just need to keep creating great content and make sure it follows the rules.
4. Follow Up, if Necessary: If you don't get a reply within an acceptable time frame, it's probably best to contact TikTok customer service to find out what's going on. You could also try resubmitting your appeal if you have new evidence or a stronger case. Just keep in mind that this whole process can take a while and is rarely successful. 

How to Get Unshadowbanned on TikTok: Clear Your Cache

Sometimes clearing the cache on your TikTok app can help fix technical issues that might be contributing to a shadow ban. This process doesn't delete any of your actual content or account history, but it can reset the platform's data on your device.

1. Open the TikTok App: Start by opening the TikTok app on your mobile or tablet device.
2. Access the Settings Menu: To access your profile, just tap the Me icon in the bottom-right corner of the app. You'll find the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, which you can tap to access your settings and privacy.
3. Navigate to the Cache & Cellular Section: In the Settings menu, scroll down until you find the "Cache & Cellular" option, then tap on it.
4. Clear the Cache: If you're on the Cache & Cellular page, you'll see an option to "Free up space." Just tap on it and the app will get to work clearing your TikTok cache for you.
5. Confirm the Cache Clearing: Once the cache has been cleared, you'll see a confirmation message. That means your TikTok app's cache has now been cleared.

Post Consistently, But with Restraint

Now that you've taken out the bad stuff, focus on posting new, great-quality content that follows TikTok's guidelines. Just avoid posting too much or engaging in other spammy stuff, because that might prolong your shadow ban.

Be Patient and Wait It Out

Sometimes, the best thing to do is just wait it out. Lots of people say that after about two weeks, their shadow bans are lifted because TikTok's systems adjust and your account starts to get favorited again.

How Long Does a Shadowban Last on TikTok?

It's not really possible to say exactly how long a TikTok shadow ban might last. It can vary quite a bit depending on how bad the violation is and how you react to it.

As a general rule, minor violations might get you a shorter, 2-week ban, while more serious or repeated offenses could result in a longer suspension. If you take the initiative to remove any problematic content and follow TikTok's guidelines, you might be able to lift your shadow ban more quickly.

How to Prevent This from Happening Again

• Make sure you're up to speed on the latest community guidelines from TikTok, especially any updates or changes.
• Try to steer clear of posting anything that might be seen as adult content, hate material, dangerous material, or copyrighted material.
• Don't use bots, fake accounts, or other tricks to artificially boost your engagement.
• Keep your posts coming at a steady pace without going overboard.
• Keep an eye on how your account is doing and get on top of any unexpected drops in engagement or visibility.
• If you're not sure whether your content is appropriate, it's probably best to hold off posting it.

BigMotion: Automated, Faceless Video Creation for TikTok (and Beyond)

As you figure out the ins and outs of the platform and deal with the ongoing risk of shadowbanning on TikTok, think about making the most of AI-powered video-making software like BigMotion. 

With BigMotion, you can create videos in a flash using features that handle everything from scriptwriting and image generation to voiceovers, captions, and music. No expensive human resources or special skills needed! This streamlined approach lets you produce engaging videos much faster than with traditional methods.

On top of all that, BigMotion has some pretty special algorithms that create videos that look great and are pretty diverse. That'll help you avoid any issues with TikTok's content filters. 

No matter if you're an up-and-coming TikTok star, a small business owner, or a content marketer, BigMotion's user-friendly and robust AI video tools can be a game-changer on your TikTok journey.

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