Some TikTok users who have been on the platform for some time and, this time, have experienced the sadness of having a shadow ban on TikTok know that it’s not what anyone should wish for.
So, if you have noticed that your TikTok videos get fewer views, likes, and comments than usual, and you wonder why your TikTok account is growing slower than expected. You might be experiencing a phenomenon known as shadow banning.
Shadow banning is when TikTok limits the visibility and reach of your content without notifying you. Your videos are not shown to your followers, the For You page, or the search results. Shadow banning can affect your platform’s engagement, growth, and monetization.
But don’t worry yourself too much; there is a way to fix the shadow ban on TikTok and restore your account to its full potential.
So this guide will show you the possible causes of shadow banning, how to check if you are shadow banned, and how to fix the shadow ban on TikTok with a step-by-step guide.
What Causes Shadow Banning on TikTok?
TikTok has no official confirmation on what causes shadow banning or how it works. However, based on user reports and experiences, some common factors might trigger shadow banning on TikTok.
1. You are violating TikTok’s community guidelines or terms of service. TikTok has a set of rules and policies that govern what kind of content is allowed on the platform.
If you post anything illegal, harmful, hateful, abusive, misleading, spammy, or inappropriate, you might get shadow-banned or even suspended from TikTok.
Some examples of prohibited content are nudity, violence, drugs, weapons, hate speech, harassment, impersonation, scams, and spam.
2. It was using banned hashtags, sounds, or songs. TikTok also monitors the hashtags, sounds, and songs used in the videos. You might also get shadow-banned if you use any hashtag, sound, or music that is banned, restricted, or controversial.
Some examples of prohibited hashtags are #fyp, #foryou, #foryoupage, #xyzcba, #followme, #likeforlike, #spamforspam, and #duetwithme. Some examples of banned sounds and songs are those that contain explicit lyrics, copyrighted material, or political messages.
3. You are changing your account settings frequently. TikTok might also shadow-ban you if you change your account settings too often or drastically.
This includes changing your username, profile picture, bio, or niche. TikTok might see this as a sign of spamming or botting and limit your exposure accordingly.
4. You are posting too much or too little. TikTok might also shadow-ban you if you post too much or too little content on the platform. If you post less, TikTok might think you are spamming or flooding the platform with low-quality content.
If you post enough, TikTok might feel you need to be more active or interested in the platform. Either way, TikTok might reduce your visibility and reach to balance the supply and demand of content on the platform.
How do you check if you are shadow-banned on TikTok?
There is no definitive way to check if you are shadow-banned on TikTok, as TikTok does not inform or warn you. However, some signs and indicators suggest you are shadow-banned on TikTok.
1. A sudden and significant drop in your views, likes, and comments. If you notice that your videos are getting much fewer views, likes, and comments than usual, you might be shadow-banned on TikTok. This is especially true if your videos used to get a lot of engagement and exposure, but now they need more.
2. Your videos are not showing up on the For You page, the search results, or the hashtag pages. If your videos are not showing up on the For You page, the search results, or the hashtag pages, you might be shadow-banned on TikTok. This means your videos are not recommended or discovered by new or potential viewers or followers.
3. Your videos are not showing up on your followers’ feeds. If your videos are not showing up on your followers’ feeds, you might be shadow-banned on TikTok. Your videos must be delivered or seen by your existing or loyal fans or supporters.
4. Your analytics are showing a low or zero reach. If you notice that your analytics are offering a low or zero reach, you might be shadow-banned on TikTok. This means your videos are not reaching or attracting any audience or traffic on the platform.
How to Fix Shadow Banned on TikTok: Step-by-Step Guide
If you think that you are shadow-banned on TikTok, don’t panic. There is a way to fix the shadow ban on TikTok and get your account back on track. Below you will see the steps that you can follow to select the shadow banned on TikTok:
Step 1: Stop posting new content for a few days
The first step to fixing the TikTok shadow ban is to stop posting new content for a few days. This will give TikTok time to reset your account and remove the shadow ban. Some users suggest taking a break from posting for 3 to 7 days to help lift the shadow ban.
Step 2: Delete any content that violates TikTok’s rules or policies
The second step to fix the shadow ban on TikTok is to delete any content that might have violated TikTok’s community guidelines or terms of service.
This will show TikTok that you comply with their rules and policies and are not a spammer or a bot. Deleting content with less than 100 views can also help lift the shadow ban.
Step 3: Review and update your account settings
The third step to fix the shadow ban on TikTok is to review and update your account settings. This includes your username, profile picture, bio, and niche.
Ensure your account settings are consistent, relevant, and appropriate for your content and audience. Avoid changing your account settings too often or drastically, as this might trigger another shadow ban.
Step 4: Avoid using banned hashtags, sounds, or songs
The fourth step to fix the shadow ban on TikTok is to avoid using banned hashtags, sounds, or songs in your videos. This will prevent TikTok from flagging or limiting your content for using prohibited or restricted elements.
Instead, use hashtags, sounds, and popular, trending, or relevant songs for your content and audience. You can use tools like TikTok Hashtag Generator or TikTok Sound Finder to find your videos’ best hashtags, sounds, and songs.
Step 5: Post high-quality and original content regularly
The fifth and final step to fix the shadow ban on TikTok is to post high-quality and authentic content regularly. This will show TikTok that you are a genuine and valuable creator on the platform and deserve more visibility and reach.
Posting 3 to 5 times daily at optimal times can help boost your engagement and growth. The utilization of TikTok Analytics has the potential to provide valuable insights for the TikTok Pro Account to find the best times to post for your audience.
Conclusion
Shadow banning on TikTok can be frustrating and very discouraging, but it is not the end of your TikTok influencing. There is a way to fix the shadow ban on TikTok and get your account back to normal.
Following the steps in this guide, you can restore the shadow ban on TikTok and improve your engagement, growth, and monetization on the platform.
Always follow TikTok’s rules and policies, use the best hashtags, sounds, and songs, and post high-quality and original content regularly. This will help you avoid getting shadow-banned on TikTok again and achieve your goals on the platform.
