Getting shadowbanned on TikTok can be very unpleasant, and reversing it could be even more challenging.
Many TikTok influencers who take advantage of the maneuverability of TikTok’s algorithms can maximize their account visibility for thousands and millions of daily views and engagements in the form of likes, comments, and shares.
However, what most of these TikTok celebrities have at the back of their minds are the ever-watching eyes of TikTok’s ‘Watch Dogs.’
A significant lawsuit back in 2017 saw TikTok coughing out as much as $5 Million in damages for violating ‘Major Child Protection Policies,’ and ever since that event; there’s been a massive crackdown on account activities that violate TikTok’s community guidance rules and Policies.
What is TikTok Account Shadowbanning?
Account Shadowbanning on most social media services is one of the many penalties applied by the social media platform on accounts and individuals they believe have violated one or more of their usage policies to deter a widespread breakdown of policy violations.
So in simpler terms, if your account got shadowbanned, you most likely did something wrong.
Shadowbanning is a softer corrective measure and works differently than getting an account suspension or outright ban.
The crazy thing about shadow banning is, unlike an account deletion, suspension, or ban where you’re sent a notification email stating how long the punishment is to last, an account Shadowban is more subtle. You’ll most likely get no notification about it.
The only way to notice you’ve been shadowbanned is when the effects kick in.
Why do TikTok Shadowban accounts?
A Shadowban is effected on an account that violates TikTok’s Community Guideline Rules, Usage Policies, and Terms of Service.
Simply stated, getting a Shadowban could be for one or more of these reasons
1. Spamming other TikTok users
Spamming could be implied from activities as simple as following multiple accounts in a short time (which makes you seem like an account-growing bot) to more offensive behavior such as sending indiscriminate DMs to ladies, guys, or underage teens.
2. Peddling Hate speech and stirring online rebellion
Social media platforms are a great place to air your political, religious, and entertainment views, but while you’re at it, ensure you’re not indirectly hurting other people’s personal feelings and opinions.
Doing that will most likely earn you a free pass to shadowban land on TikTok.
3. Stirring and Encouraging Violence
When your uploads on TikTok are directly or indirectly targeted to incite violence in a specific gender or group of people. TikTok’s algorithms will flag your account for the appropriate corrective measures.
4. Uploading content deemed inappropriate for the public.
These include illicit advertising of drugs, weapons, or dangerous substances in your uploads.
5. Uploading copyrighted content
A cheap way to grow your following on TikTok is to upload a currently viral video that gives you a direct share of the views the video attracts.
However, you must be careful not to be caught uploading someone’s copyright property, as you could get shadowbanned if reported by the original creator of the video.
How will I know if my account is Shadowbanned?
There isn’t a direct way to know when a Shadowban is in effect.
You won’t get a notification or email or any alert about it. But there are a few pointers to watch out for:
- Your average daily views per video uploads begin to drop
- You may not see your uploads on the TikTok for You page
- Your live videos are getting fewer and fewer views
- Your average number of daily new followers drops drastically
- You stop getting as many comments as you used to previously per video upload
- You start getting a reduced number of likes and comments on your uploads.
All of these point to a possible Shadowban on your TikTok account.
Removing Shadowban on a TikTok Account
1. Uninstall the TikTok app
An initial step to getting your TikTok presence back on and removing every trace of Shadowbanning is to uninstall the app and reinstall it again.
For Android users, do this by tapping and holding the TikTok app icon on your home screen and dragging the icon to the uninstall button at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on your android make and model.
For iPhone users, holding down the app will bring two popups; choose the option that says to uninstall the app, and that’s it.
After successfully uninstalling the app, you can download the most recent version on Apple appstore or Google Playstore.
2. Delete your Recently uploaded Videos
If you have any recently uploaded Videos that aren’t gaining many views, comments, and likes, you will do well to remove them, as they could cause your account to be shadowbanned.
3. Remove any Video that violates TikTok’s Policies.
The most logical way to get your profile out of shadowban is to remove l offensive, explicit, nude, and dangerous videos that violate TikTok’s privacy policy.
4. Get Pro on TikTok
Going pro on TikTok offers some benefits, including viewing your viewers’ behavior and preferences.
With TikTok pro activated, you’ll have analytics tools to measure your growth metrics and ascertain the performance of each upload.
5. Create Fresh Content
One thing that drives continuous growth in TikTok is the originality of your video uploads.
You’re on your way to removing a Shadowban on your account by creating compelling, inspiring and engaging content.
Originality is key in crafting a video that’ll eventually go viral. So make it a point of identity to create your own space by finding a competitive niche to explore your creativity.
Always have it at the back of your mind that more than 98% of TikTok users are only interested in having a good laugh while learning something new.
Effects of Shadowbanning on my TikTok account
- You lose your Rating on TikTok
- Your efforts aren’t noticed anymore
- Your Videos stop appearing on TikTok for You landing page, Viewers’ Searches, and trending hashtags.
- Your earnings and TikTok Rewards drop considerably.
How long Does Shadowban last on a TikTok account?
Typically, a Shadowban may last for about a week or two. However, in more severe circumstances, an offender can remain shadowbanned for up to a month.
We hope you’re now well informed about the causes, effects, and impact of a Shadowban and how to lift it.
Let us know your thoughts about this in the comments section.