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How to get unshadowbanned on TikTok
TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of users creating and sharing content daily. However, TikTok’s algorithm is complex, and the platform can be strict with its guidelines. As a result, some users may find themselves shadowbanned on the platform. Here’s everything you need to know about a shadowban and how to get unshadowbanned on TikTok.
QUICK ANSWER
To get unshadowbanned on TikTok, ensure that you follow the platform's community guidelines, delete inappropriate content, avoid spammy activity and contact TikTok support if necessary.
KEY SECTIONS
What is shadow banning on TikTok, and why does it happen?
Shadowbanning is a term used to describe a situation where a social media user’s account is blocked or muted without receiving any notification of the action. In other words, without knowing it, the user’s visibility on the platform is reduced and temporarily restricted.
When you’re shadowbanned on TikTok, your content can still be seen by you, but it won’t be visible to others. This can happen for various reasons, such as violating TikTok’s guidelines or using inappropriate content. Additionally, your videos will no longer be visible on the For You page ( also known as the #FYP) and will not appear in the hashtags section of the app. Some users may also experience a decrease in the number of likes and comments on their posts, making their content harder to find.
Although TikTok does not use the term “shadowban” in its official documentation, the platform has acknowledged that it limits the reach of certain users during certain times. TikTok’s website states that the platform will temporarily or permanently ban accounts and users who violate their community guidelines repeatedly or severely. Violations of the platform’s guidelines can include inappropriate content, spammy behavior, or using banned hashtags.
If you suspect your account has been shadowbanned on TikTok, it is vital to identify the cause immediately and take corrective action. This can include reviewing the community guidelines, deleting inappropriate content, and reducing activity on the platform. In the following sections, we’ll cover how to tell if you are shadowbanned, how long the ban lasts, and how to get unshadowbanned on TikTok.
How do you know if you’re shadow banned on TikTok?
The term “shadowban” comes from the fact that you’ll be kept in the dark about what’s happened. You won’t receive a message from the mysterious council of TikTok mods to notify you that the all-mighty algorithm has suppressed your content. However, there are a few indicators to look out for if you suspect you have been shadowbanned:
- Your views, likes, and comments suddenly drop. If the upwards trends of engagement with your posts take a nose-dive out of nowhere, you might have been hit with a shadowban.
- Your content doesn’t appear in search results or the For You page. If you have a friend who sees your posts on their FYP, cross-reference to see if they’ve disappeared.
- Your account doesn’t appear in hashtag searches. Try searching for your videos and include hashtags from your description to see if they appear in the results.
- You can’t upload videos. If your posts say “under review” or “processing” for an unusually long time, your account could have a shadow ban.
If you haven’t noticed any of the above abnormalities, it may be that the TikTok’s not working, in which case, here’s how to fix it.
How long does a shadow ban last on TikTok?
The duration of a shadowban on TikTok can vary depending on the severity of the violation. Some shadowbans may last only a few days, while others may last for several weeks or months. Such are the frustrations of being dealt a ban without explanation. However, users generally report that average shadowbans tend to last two weeks.
Identifying the cause of a shadowban and taking corrective action is essential to resolve the issue and prevent it from becoming a long-term problem. Avoiding the situation could result in an extended shadowban or even a permanent ban from the TikTok platform. Learn more about removing a shadowban in the next section.
How to get unshadowbanned on TikTok
There is no quick fix to remove a shadowban on TikTok, and anyone or app promising to do it for you is likely a scam. But there are some steps you can take to get unshadowbanned and help regain your account’s visibility. Here’s what you should do:
Delete any Inappropriate Content
If you’ve posted the content that violates TikTok’s community guidelines, delete it immediately. Inappropriate content can include anything from hate speech to nudity, violence, or spammy behavior.
Comb through your posts to find anything you suspect may be the culprit, and delete the video. This goes for your profile name and bio as well. Once you’ve removed the content, allow the algorithm to detect the changes.
Review TikTok’s Community Guidelines
The first step to getting unshadowbanned on TikTok is to review the platform’s community guidelines. Ensure you understand the rules and policies that TikTok has in place and that your content is compliant. And it’s not only inappropriate content that can get you flagged. For example, using songs from outside the app could cause a copyright violation. Read the rulebook so that you know what’s allowed.
Reduce your Activity on TikTok
If you’ve been engaging in spammy behavior or following and unfollowing users excessively, you may have triggered TikTok’s algorithm to shadowban your account. In short, don’t act like a bot or buy bots to inflate views, likes, followers, etc., artificially. To improve your chances of getting unshadowbanned on TikTok, reduce your activity on the platform avoiding spammy tactics.
Use Hashtags Carefully
Hashtags are a great way to increase your visibility on TikTok, but using too many or inappropriate hashtags on TikTok can result in shadowbanning by the platform. Algorithms often can’t understand context, sarcasm, or humor. Also, avoid using banned or irrelevant hashtags, and limit your usage to a few relevant ones.
Reach Out to TikTok Support
If you’ve followed the previous steps and you’re still shadowbanned, it’s time to contact TikTok support for assistance. You can submit a request through the app’s “Report a Problem” feature.
When contacting TikTok support, provide all the relevant information about your account, including your username and a detailed description of the issue. Be polite and professional in your communications, and follow up regularly to ensure your TikTok account is unshadowbanned.
FAQs
To fix shadowban on TikTok, review the platform’s community guidelines, delete inappropriate content, reduce your activity on the platform, and reach out to TikTok support.
On TikTok can shadowban users who post inappropriate content, engage in spammy behavior, or violate any of its community guidelines.
The duration of a shadowban on TikTok can vary depending on the severity of the violation. Some shadowbans may last only a few days, while others may last for several weeks or even months.