TikTok Shadow Ban: All You Need to Know

Are you getting few likes, minimum reach, and zero visibility on TikTok out of the blue? If yes, then you are under the “TikTok Shadow Ban.”

Related Read: Instagram Shadowban: What Is It and How to Get Out of It? 

TikTok has been on a roll lately, with 834.3 million monthly users in 2023. The app has skyrocketed in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. But like any popular and growing app, TikTok has been no stranger to controversy. TikTok recently made headlines for its ‘shadow banning’ practice. But what is TikTok shadow banning? How does it affect you? And is it really that big of a deal?

Let’s find out in this blog.

What is a shadow ban on TikTok?  

A shadow ban on TikTok is a penalty that restricts a user’s activity without them knowing. When a TikTok account is shadow banned, content is still visible to the account’s followers but not to other users on TikTok.

This makes it difficult for the account to gain new followers or reach a wider audience, so the shadow ban is often called “stealth banning.”

Here are a few tweets from shadowbanned users who are ranting out on Twitter with the hashtag #shadowbanned

Remember: TikTok shadow ban restricts user’s account activity & visibility without sending any notification.

TikTok shadow ban can happen for multiple reasons, such as if the TikTok algorithm detects that the user’s content is spammy, violative of community guidelines, or otherwise low-quality. 

When a user is shadowbanned, their videos may not show up on the “For You” page, hashtags, or search results, making it difficult for them to gain visibility and grow their audience on the platform.

Also Read: How to Go Viral on TikTok?

It’s important to note that TikTok does not publicly acknowledge when accounts are shadow banned, and the criteria for what constitutes a violation of community guidelines can be broad and subject to change.

Here is another tweet from a TikTok user experiencing a TikTok shadow ban and looking for support on Twitter. 

Having a TikTok crisis🤦‍♀️😭🪦 #tiktokshadowban #TikTok #RIPTikTok pic.twitter.com/28SG57PiMh

— Rockin Robin (@RockinRobin_RCH) January 22, 2023

How do you get shadow banned on TikTok?

There are several reasons why a TikTok account may be shadow banned, including:

Posting duplicate or near-duplicate content

Repeatedly posting the same content or slight variations can be flagged as spam. TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit users from posting identical or substantially similar content across multiple accounts or videos on the same account. This is because it can be considered spammy and negatively impact the users’ experience.

The below example shows that the original video got 44k likes and massive engagements, while near-duplicate content got only a fraction of reach and likes. 

Also Read: Top 20 TikTok Video Ideas to Boost Your Engagement

Using prohibited hashtags

Using hashtags prohibited by TikTok, such as sexually explicit, violent, and promoting self-harm can result in a TikTok shadow ban. 

TikTok also prohibits hashtags associated with inappropriate, offensive, or spammy content. These hashtags include profanity, hate speech, racism, or other offensive terms.

In case you’re wondering how to find TikTok hashtags and go viral we’ve got your back!

Here is a tweet from @digi that shows her TikTok video got only 40 views with controversial hashtags, and as soon as she changed hashtags, her Tiktok video got 10k views. 

Also Read: TikTok SEO: How to Rank High on TikTok 

this week in silly social media lessons: my floating spheal video got shadow banned on tiktok *twice* (40 views compared to everything else, i know numbers aren’t everything but it was sus)

changed the hashtags and now it’s at 10k 💀 pic.twitter.com/1mFN6ci93x

— digi 🫧 (@digipoptv) March 4, 2022

Another tweet from @G Tylor informs that controversial and self-harm hashtags are banned on TikTok.

Cannabis hashtags are banned on TikTok and Instagram but not LinkedIn & Twitter.

— G Taylor (@gtaylorxjesus) November 5, 2022

Using automated tools

Social media automation actions on the platform, such as generating likes, views, comments, and followers and automatically posting or reposting content, are prohibited. Using automated tools falls under spammy behavior.  

TikTok community guidelines are crystal clear for us to beware of fake views and engagements. 

Posting content that is violative of community guidelines

TikTok has a set of guidelines for the types of content and behavior allowed on the platform. These guidelines prohibit a wide range of content, including hate speech, bullying, harassment, graphic violence, sexually explicit content, and more. If your account is found to violate these guidelines, your content may be removed from the platform, and your account may be subject to a shadow ban or other enforcement action.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Create Engaging Content in 2023

Here is the list of content types that aren’t allowed on TikTok.

Posting content that is violative of copyright laws

Using copyrighted music, videos, or images without permission can result in a shadow ban. TikTok has a strict policy on copyright infringement and takes intellectual property protection very seriously.  It’s essential to always obtain permission from the rights holder before using any copyrighted material in your videos. This includes music, images, videos, and other forms of creative content.

Here is an image for sound copyright violation. 

Another tweet from @clay jones, who received copyright violation for TikTok videos.

Posting fake or misleading information

Posting fake or misleading content can be considered violative of community guidelines. The spread of disinformation can lead to confusion and mistrust and even influence public opinion and decision-making. Individuals need to fact-check information before sharing it on TikTok.

Here is a tweet from @Raffay Alvi that shows the shadow banning of the TikTok account due to misleading information.

Unfortunately got banned on TikTok live due to “misleading information” for a few days.

We’ve officially given back over $18,000 this month. Will resume our TikTok lives Wednesday ❤️

Please keep your telegram, youtube, and discord notifications on!

Insha’Allah 🙏🏽❤️

— The Crypto Network (@raffayalvi) April 12, 2022

Posting content that is considered low-quality

TikTok’s algorithm may flag content that is not engaging or relevant to users as low-quality content. Poor resolution & editing can also make content low and unappealing. Unfortunately, not all smartphones have powerful cameras. Dull & blurry videos are secondary contributing factors to TikTok shadow banning. To avoid posting low-quality content, use any device with 1080p resolution.

Here is a low-quality dance video from a Tiktok user with a blurred image:

Posting too much content too frequently

Posting many videos in a short time can be flagged as spam content. This type of content falls under unwanted marketing or self-promotion and is labeled as intrusive or annoying. TikTok has guidelines & policies to discourage spamming and may remove or penalize posts or accounts that violate these rules.

Refrain from burning all your resources on making too many TikTok videos; they won’t bring more engagement or growth to your Tiktok account; also, try to post in optimal time.

Related Read: What is Best Time to Post On TikTok? 

Using clickbait titles

Clickbait titles are a tactic used to attract attention and increase the number of clicks on a piece of content. Clickbait titles are often misleading, sensational, or exaggerated and entice people to click on a link or video without providing accurate or valuable information. This can lead to disappointment and frustration for users who have been duped into clicking on something that is not what they expected.

With a clickbait title, your Tiktok account might be linked to morbid activity and distort the image you are trying to transmit.

Being reported by other users

If other users report a user’s account as violating community guidelines, TikTok may investigate and take action, including shadow banning. It’s important to note that TikTok’s criteria for violating community guidelines can be broad and subject to change.

Also Read: How to Fix TikTok App Not Working?

A user @Esha K has been mass reported and banned from TikTok. She took Twitter to show proof.

#Nafo trolls mass-reported me on Tiktok for showing footage from the Liberation of Berlin! pic.twitter.com/pHiED8SLkn

— Esha K (@eshaLegal) December 4, 2022

How Do You Know If You’ve Been Shadow Banned on TikTok?

There are a few signs that may indicate that your TikTok account has been shadowbanned:

A decline in views and engagement:

If an account’s views and engagement suddenly drop off, you might encounter TikTok shadow banned. TikTok analytics can tell a lot about the account’s growth & activity in recent times. Go to your Tiktok analytics to see how many people engage with your content. 

Difficulty getting views on new content:

TikTok views are an essential metric to measure the success of your TikTok content. It tells you how many times your video has been watched by users. If an account’s new content is not getting views, it may be a sign that it has been shadowbanned. 

Also Read: How to Get More Views on TikTok in 2023?

Difficulty being found in search:

If an account’s profile and content are not appearing in search results, it may be a sign of shadowbanning. Lower engagement and poor-quality content can also affect your appearance in search results. To have better visibility in TikTok search results, optimize your content and use relevant hashtags. 

Difficulty being found in hashtags:

If an account’s content is not showing up, it may be a sign that your account is shadowbanned. TikTok also has a list of banned hashtags that violate community guidelines. If someone uses a banned hashtag, their content may not be shown in hashtag feeds.

Difficulty being recommended on the “For You” page:

If an account’s content is not recommended on the “For You” page, it may be a sign that the account has been shadow banned.

It’s important to note that some of these signs may appear as poor-quality content. If you suspect you have been shadow-banned, contact TikTok’s support team for more information.

How long will a TikTok shadow ban last? 

The duration of a TikTok shadow ban can vary depending on the severity of the infraction and the account’s history. 

Sometimes, a shadow ban may be temporary and only last a few days or weeks. In other cases, it may be more long-term, lasting several months. 

Sometimes, an account may be permanently banned if the violation is serious enough or the account has a history of violations. 

It’s important to note that TikTok does not publicly acknowledge when accounts are shadow banned and doesn’t clearly explain how long the shadowban would last. 

Additionally, knowing when a shadow ban has been lifted can be challenging, as there is no notification from TikTok. You can contact TikTok’s support team for more information about your account’s status.

How to remove TikTok Shadowban?

Here are a few tips that may help remove a TikTok shadowban:

Review and comply with TikTok’s community guidelines:

Make sure your content does not violate any of TikTok’s guidelines, such as those related to hate speech, harassment, and copyright infringement. Read the rule book so you can know better how to get along. Never use copyright-violated music in Tiktok videos. Hate content and infamous hashtags can also be a reason for TikTok shadowban. 

Check your analytics:

TikTok analytics is a great way to acknowledge your content performance on the “For you page.” You will be noticed instantly if you have stopped getting any views & likes on your videos. However, if you want to monitor performance with detailed insights, we suggest you use a reliable third-party tool, such as ContentStudio.

For one user-friendly dashboard, you can post content, answers comment, and measure metrics.

Act Normal:

That’s a good life suggestion in personal & professional fields. Crazy people might make a difference and draw attention, but they soon mark themselves as outcasts, and so does happen in TikTok. Never act like a crazy person or bot. Post your content at regular or average frequency. Brands benefit from one to three times posting a day. Though it isn’t a hard solid frequency. Engage and follow people genuinely. The more you act normal, the higher your chance of Tiktok account growth.

Improve the quality of your content:

Before you start filming, plan out your content and think about what message you want to convey. This will help you create more structured and focused content that resonates with your audience.

Good lighting, high-resolution devices, and clear sounds are essential for creating high-quality videos. Ensure you’re filming in a well-lit area and use a microphone or ensure the sound quality is good.

Remove flagged content:

When you experience a shadow ban, go through your account activity and find out which is causing the trouble. After deleting offensive content, wait for 2 to 3 weeks to get the shadow ban lifted. You can also restart or reinstall the app to see if you have finally managed to lift the shadow ban.

Know your audience:

Identify who you want to reach with your message. Consider age, gender, location, interests, and behavior. Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, record your TikTok video to their specific needs and preferences. Use language and examples that resonate with them, and address their pain points.

Switch to TikTok pro account:

When you search for how to lift shadowban, switching to a pro account may up to the solution. TikTok pro account has expanded features & promotional opportunities. Pro accounts can offer access to video stitching, which allows you to combine multiple videos into one, and a customizable profile cover. Upgrading to a pro account on TikTok can help you lift shadowban, grow your audience, gain valuable insights into your content performance, and potentially earn money from your videos.

Reach out to TikTok’s support team:

Contact TikTok’s support team and explain the situation, providing any relevant information that may help them understand why the shadow ban occurred and how you plan to fix the issue.

To reach out to TikTok customer support, visit TikTok Contact.

These tips are not guaranteed to remove a shadow ban. It is also important to remember lifting a shadow ban can be complex and time-consuming. 

Final Words

TikTok has been gaining popularity for a while now, with its short and fun videos capturing a new generation of social media users. However, the app has recently been hit with several controversies. The latest one has been a ‘shadow ban,’ where users are upset that they are no longer featured in the ‘Trending’ section. We have shared a complete guide about TikTok’s shadow ban, including why it’s happening and how to avoid it.

If you need further help, we are always here.

FAQs

How long does TikTok shadow ban last?

The duration of a TikTok shadow ban can vary, but it typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks. The exact length of the ban can depend on the severity of the violation and the actions taken by the user to correct the issue.

What is a shadow ban on TikTok?

A shadow ban on TikTok refers to a situation where a user’s account is partially or completely restricted from being seen by other users without any notification.

How do I fix the shadow ban on TikTok?

To fix a shadow ban on TikTok, you can try the following steps:

• Review TikTok community guidelines
• Check for violations
• Wait and appeal
• Once you get unbanned, keep your account clean

How do I know if I am Shadow banned on TikTok?

There are a few signs that may indicate that your TikTok account has been shadow banned:

• Reduced engagement
• Difficulty in reaching a new audience
• Limited reach
• No notifications