Despite TikTok being one of the most used social networking platforms, it’s possible your account could get shadowbanned. There isn’t any mention of shadowbanning in the community guidelines of the application. However, similar to other platforms, TikTok makes use of the algorithm to benefit some posts.
Therefore, make sure you don’t mess with its algorithm and steer clear of penalties if you want more audience to view your content. Hold back from using violence, illegal materials, spam, hate speeches, etc.
Today, we’ll find out how to know if your account has been shadowbanned and what needs to be done to avoid this penalty. But before delving in deep, let’s first understand what TikTok shadowban exactly is.
What is TikTok Shadowbanning?
Shadowbanning happens when apps such as TikTok deliberately restrict a user’s organic influence over the audience. This happens because of an action the user committed which the app didn’t find amusing. It is also referred to as comment banning or ghost banning.
If your account is shadowbanned, your posts and activities will not appear on the audiences’ feed. However, you won’t be aware that you’re banned.
Shadowbans usually happens when a user violates the policy of the platform. But because the algorithm keeps changing, it’s not easy to figure out the exact cause of shadowbanning.
Nevertheless, this practice is a way to get rid of the spammers and make TikTok posts more relevant.
How to Know If You’re Shadowbanned on TikTok
Lately, word has been going around about TikTok shadowbanning that’s clearly having a negative impact on the content creators. But here’s the good news! It’s most likely to take just about two weeks, and your account will be back to how it was again.
One of the main causes you may think you’re shadowbanned is the tremendous drop of views in your posts. However, a change in your organic exposure isn’t precisely the telltale sign to know if your account has really been ghost-banned. But there is a way you can know for certain.
Keep in mind that you’re not shadowbanned on TikTok if your ‘For You’ page (FYP) receives traffic.
Step 1: Run the TikTok application and load a video you uploaded after you think you were shadowbanned. Your video should be live for at least three days.
Step 2: Tap on the ‘…’ icon located on your screen’s Servicetom right.
Step 3: Select ‘Analytics.’ The page will show the sources of your traffic. If you see views, even if just one, from the FYP, that means your account is not shadowbanned.
Aside from this, you can try to uninstall and then re-install TikTok and also ensure the application is updated. This certainly is no way to get rid of shadowban, but by doing so, you can be sure there are no technical problems.
One other method of figuring out if you’ve been shadowbanned is by searching for your account after you’ve signed out. Then, find a post using your sound and see if you can find your video under said sound. In the case that your video is missing, it means your TikTok account has been shadowbanned.
Checking the hashtags added to your video also helps. If your post doesn’t show up, this is another way of knowing.
Causes of Shadowbanning on TikTok
TikTok may shadowban your account for a limited time because of the following reasons:
- If you disobey the community guidelines
- If you remove videos
- If you purchase fake engagements
- If you make use of copyrighted videos or audios
- If you get banned from live videos
- If you make posts private
- If you use some specific hashtags
- If you exploit minors
- If you buy fake followers
On a side note, you can visit our website if you want to purchase organic TikTok followers for your account. What’s more, you can also buy extra likes for your videos and make them go viral.
That said, if you get shadowbanned, that means you’ve done something that goes against the platform’s policy. As a result, TikTok feels you don’t deserve free exposure for what you did.
The prominent influencers need to be extra careful when it comes to what not to do in order to avoid shadowban. If you use TikTok to promote your brands, this penalty is going to affect your business direly. And as a result of this, your engagement levels will definitely drop.
Ways to Avoid Shadowbanning on TikTok
Taking into account the type of breaches that merits shadowbanning for TikTok, let’s now learn how to avoid getting shadowbanned.
- First and foremost, always abide by the terms and conditions
- Avoid sharing replica of other’s content or links repeatedly
- Don’t mistreat others on the platform
- Don’t share a video if you find it inappropriate.
- Avoid using forbidden hashtags
- Don’t share anything on illegal content
- Follow and learn from prominent content creators (what to share and what not to)
Moving on, it’s best to follow the social media marketing strategy when you post on TikTok. That way, you can abide by the rules and not get shadowbanned. For more influencer tips, read “Become an Influencer: How to Become a Social Media Star.”