One day, you start your morning, excited to see the stats of your latest TikTok video, hoping to see your views, suddenly dropping back to 10 views from 15 views. This is nothing compared to the hundreds or thousands of views most of your content would usually attract. What gives?
That is, you may have been shadowbanned on TikTok. Essentially a soft ban where your profile and content are all but made difficult to locate in an attempt to prevent you from having reach and visibility. It is a way for the platform to penalize accounts for violating community guidelines without having to get an outright ban.
This shadowban can surprise you because it happens even if you are not by any means flouting any rules. An innocent mistake and here and there a mixup of algorithms equals boom, and your TikTok profile finds the corner awaiting a little corner time-out.
It’s not ideal when you are trying to grow your TikTok or channel view following. To get back in the good graces of TikTok, it is imperative to know exactly how shadowbans occur and what triggers them.
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Potential Reasons You Got Shadowbanned on TikTok
So your TikTok views suddenly sank like a stone in water. Why? Here are the most likely reasons TikTok temporarily limited your reach.
Violating Community Guidelines
Seems straightforward enough, but keeping up with TikTok’s community guidelines can be tricky. They cover everything from minor issues like spamming hashtags to serious infractions like illegal activities and hate speech. Even well-meaning users can accidentally step over the line.
Some of the most frequently violated rules include:
- Posting sexually explicit, graphic, or violent content.
- Nudity and sexually suggestive clothing/poses.
- Dangerous challenges or illegal behavior.
- Bullying, harassment, and hate speech.
- Spamming repetitive comments or videos.
- Impersonation of other users or celebrities.
TikTok relies heavily on both user reports and automated moderation technology to catch guideline offenders. So if your content raises red flags, even unintentionally, a shadowban may follow.
Overusing Hashtags
Hashtags are essential for discovery on TikTok. But in pursuit of viral videos, some users go overboard tagging barely relevant hashtags thinking it’ll boost views. Not so fast.
TikTok specifically prohibits hashtag stuffing and irrelevant hashtags in their community guidelines. Why? Because it provides a poor user experience for viewers expecting content related to those tags.
As a rule of thumb, don’t use more than 5 hashtags per video. And make sure they directly relate to your content, not just popular tags barely connected to your niche. If you’re looking to buy TikTok views, be cautious of services that encourage excessive or misleading hashtag use, as this can trigger TikTok’s algorithm to limit your reach.
Copyright Violations
Recreating that viral TikTok dance? Using a popular song snippet as your video backing track? Tread carefully. With its music and remix culture, TikTok walks an IP tightrope.
If you don’t have the rights or permission to use someone else’s content, you risk copyright infringement and DMCA takedown notices. Enough strikes against your account, and TikTok will crack down via Shadowban or worse.
Stick to original songs, audio, and choreography you have the right to use. Or explore TikTok’s licensed music library for popular songs approved for creative reuse.
Algorithm Penalties
TikTok’s mighty FYP algorithm determines which videos go viral. And if it decides your content quality is poor, your views can take a hit.
How might you trigger an algorithmic penalty? Possible red flags include:
- Repetitive, low-quality video uploads.
- High clickbait content with no substance.
- Videos ending abruptly or too short.
- Boring, static uploads are unlikely to retain viewer attention.
Essentially anything signaling your videos doesn’t deserve a coveted FYP spot. TikTok wants to surface the most engaging content to retain users. So instead of random pointless videos, focus on watch time and keeping viewers glued to your profile.
Security and Policy Violations
Ranging from age restrictions to suspicious login locations, security issues can also influence shadowban decisions. Violations might include:
- Circumventing bans by creating multiple accounts.
- Logging into accounts from anomalous locations.
- Sharing personally identifiable information.
- Children under 13 with accounts (COPPA violation).
TikTok closely analyzes account security patterns to prevent abuse. So sudden abnormal behavior may trigger automated restrictions pending review.
How to Tell If You’re Shadowbanned on TikTok
Wondering if a TikTok shadowban explains your lackluster video views? Look for these telltale signs:
Plummeting View Counts
If you usually get thousands of views only to suddenly have videos stagnating under 100 views, shadowbanning is likely. TikTok deliberately limits the reach of shadowbanned accounts.
No FYP Impressions
Check your video analytics. Are your FYP impressions at zero or near zero with no explanation? Strong signal of a shadowban. The FYP is TikTok’s primary discovery feed. So if you’re barred from it, visibility tanks.
Follower Engagement Drops
Do posts that normally get likes and comments from your loyal followers seem stuck at zero? Their ability to find your latest content has likely been disrupted by a shadowban.
Hashtag Views Evaporate
Compare recent video views to views on your top hashtags. For shadowbanned accounts, hashtag views will remain steady while video views plummet. Proof the content itself—not niche interest—is the issue.
Profile Views Decrease
Your profile should be discoverable by new viewers even if posts are limited. But in a shadowban, profile traffic also decreases since visibility is restricted across the board.
Note changes 2-3 days after upload instead of the first 24 hours. TikTok’s early exposure testing means stats fluctuate until they gather enough data. But a prolonged flatline signals trouble.
How Long Do TikTok Shadowbans Last?
The duration of a shadowban depends on the severity and type of violation. For minor first-time offenses, restrictions may be lifted in a matter of days. Repeated or egregious offenses can take weeks before being restored to normal reach.
In some cases, TikTok may lift posting/commenting abilities first before fully restoring FYP and hashtag visibility about a week later.
Check your analytics for positive momentum, not just absolutes. If views or FYP impressions spike 500% day over day, you’re likely on the road to recovery. But stagnation signals you’re still shadowbanned.
Appealing a TikTok Shadowban
Don’t resign yourself to TikTok purgatory forever. You can request an appeal or review of your shadowban status.
From your profile, tap the three-dot menu > Report a problem > My account > Request review. Select the options related to your situation like “reduced views” or “limited visibility.”
Describe why you believe your account has been incorrectly shadowbanned in the details section. Provide any clarification needed on potential violations. And request a review of the restriction and guidance on next steps.
Preventing Future TikTok Shadowbans
Getting back in TikTok’s good graces takes effort and avoiding past mistakes. Here are proactive tactics to employ:
- Carefully review community guidelines and copyright policies to avoid further violations.
- Analyze your video performance data weekly to catch sudden view drops.
- Use 5 or fewer niche-relevant hashtags per video.
- Boost content quality with better lighting, camerawork, captions, etc.
- Credit audio tracks properly and link to original dances/challenges.
- Stick to original songs or TikTok’s licensed music library.
- Maintain your brand identity and niche focus for better algorithm reception.
Essentially optimize your content and tighten up your TikTok best practices. Demonstrate you’re creating value, not just chasing views with subpar videos.
Regaining Your TikTok Momentum Post-Shadowban
Bouncing back fully once shadowbanned can take days to weeks depending on severity. But you’re not doomed forever.
Focus on the fundamentals: connect with your niche community, drive authentic engagement, and keep refining your content craft. Consistently deliver value aligned with TikTok’s incentives, and your profile will regain its rightful reach.
It’s frustrating, no doubt. But consider a shadowban an opportunity to improve and nail down what resonates with your audience. You’ll return wiser and primed for sustainable viral success.