Have your video views and engagement instantly taken a nosedive? You might have discovered your self on the enterprise finish of a TikTok shadowban.
Now, there’s a little bit of lore behind elusive social media shadowbans. TikTok assist doesn’t acknowledge they exist. However many content material creators and influencers have shared tales of instantly seeing no exercise on their TikTok movies that simply days earlier than had hundreds of views.
So, are TikTok shadowbans a actuality? Or can one thing else clarify why nobody can discover your movies?
We delved deep into the darkish corners of the web (effectively, largely TikTok and Reddit) to see what profitable content material creators needed to say concerning the topic.
We additionally requested Samantha Vlasceaunu, AKA The Unicorn Marketer, for her ideas on the subject. As a social media advertising coach serving to advertising businesses, coaches, entrepreneurs, and nationwide manufacturers, she provided a lot of tips about figuring out and coping with shadowbans.
What’s a TikTok shadowban?
Normally, a shadowban is when a person is blocked or muted on a social media platform or discussion board with out notification.
Particularly, a TikTok shadowban normally means your content material not seems within the For You Web page (FYP) or related searches. Since these are the 2 essential methods TikTok customers uncover new content material, a shadowban will practically halt all video views and general account’s visibility.
However the matter is controversial amongst creators. Some say shadowbans don’t exist and that one thing else, like inappropriate content material or low-quality content material, is inflicting the problem. Whereas many others are satisfied that TikTok positively suppresses accounts.
There are tales of even the most well-liked TikTokers, like Alix Earle, struggling the destiny of a shadowban.
Vlasceaunu says that whereas shadowbans are possible actual, most individuals mistake them for one thing else. “My emotions on this are blended, as 90% of people that assume they’re shadowbanned usually are not really shadowbanned in any respect, they only made some errors alongside the way in which.”
And what does TikTok say? Effectively, it hasn’t publicly admitted to shadowbanning any accounts. However it does have a set of Neighborhood Pointers and lists a couple of penalties for accounts that don’t observe them, together with:
Removing of content material: “[…] we take away content material—whether or not posted publicly or privately—after we discover that it violates our guidelines.”
Proscribing content material: “We prohibit content material that will not be appropriate in order that it’s only considered by adults (18 years and older).”
Make content material ineligible for the FYP: “Content material that doesn’t meet our requirements might be ineligible for the FYF.”
Whether or not you consider in true shadowbans or not, eradicating, proscribing, and disqualifying content material from search is a destiny you’ll need to keep away from (and we’ll present you the way in a bit).
How lengthy does a TikTok shadowban final?
Since TikTok doesn’t admit to shadowbanning accounts, there’s no official assertion on how lengthy they final. When you go by the suggestions from creators, although, a shadowban usually lasts for one to 2 weeks.
There are a number of components at play right here. In case you have one video inflicting the ban and delete it, you may return to regular shortly. However in case you have a number of posts that the TikTok algorithm doesn’t like, you may be caught in shadowban purgatory for months.
The rationale for, and your response to, the ban will finally resolve how lengthy it lasts. However stopping a shadowban continues to be your finest guess.
Let’s have a look at what’ll possible land your account in scorching water so you possibly can keep away from it.
How one can get shadowbanned on TikTok?
The scary factor is that it’s not all the time simple to inform why you’ve been thrown in shadowban jail. You possibly can have a thriving TikTok account in the future and see your video views drop to nil the subsequent.
All isn’t misplaced, although. You may vastly cut back the prospect of a shadowban by understanding TikTok’s guidelines and following the recommendation of different creators. Right here’s what they are saying are the most typical causes for a shadowban.
Posting ineligible content material
TikTok has posted a listing of For You Web page content material eligibility requirements. The doc says it limits the quantity of some kinds of content material on the For You feed and fully restricts different varieties from being found there.
For instance, TikTok says content material about weight-reduction plan, excessive health, grownup content material, disappointment, and overgeneralized psychological well being info are eligible for the FYP however might be restricted so customers don’t see them in giant clusters.
On the extra excessive finish, there’s a listing of content material TikTok received’t present within the FYF in any respect, together with:
Content material created by account holders underneath 16 years outdated
Hate speech
Nudity
Disordered consuming and physique picture content material
Harmful exercise and challenges
Specific content material
Inappropriate content material
Surprising and graphic content material
Misinformation
And extra
The sort of content material should still be present in different methods, but it surely received’t be proven within the FYP feed.
Vlasceaunu additionally says to be careful for sure phrases that go towards TikTok’s neighborhood tips. “Keep away from utilizing sure set off phrases or misspell them on TikTok (Intercourse vs Seggs, Fact BOMB and so on),” she explains.
Bullying or harassment
TikTok says it is not going to enable “harassing, degrading, or bullying statements or habits.” That assertion covers what you publish to your account and reactions or feedback you place on different accounts.
Now, there’s wiggle room for making unfavourable or essential feedback, particularly in direction of public figures. But when it straddles the road of violent menace or hate speech, you may wind up in shadowbanned land.
Appearing like a scammer or spammer
You’ll see some folks counsel shortcuts to rising your account sooner, like shopping for followers or artificially growing engagement. However these actions will possible result in a shadowban, negating some other work you’ve put in to develop organically.
Right here’s how one Redditor with expertise in shadow bans explains it.
Listed below are a few of the spammy and scammy actions they are saying to keep away from:
Posting new content material too usually, particularly once you first create a TikTok account
Don’t go loopy commenting the identical factor on each video you discover to point out exercise
Don’t use a VPN
Don’t repost content material that has zero views
Shopping for followers is a very large no-no. “Shopping for followers falls within the spammy class and TikTok doesn’t need spammy habits,” Vlasceaunu says. “However this additionally impacts the algorithm course of as effectively, as purchased followers usually are not participating in your movies, which suggests TikTok can’t run its preliminary viewers check of your content material.”.
You possibly can additionally set off a ban in the event you publish too aggressively after taking a break from TikTok, Vlasceaunu says.
“Taking a break is ok, however in the event you come again after a couple of months of not posting and resolve to leap again in with 3-4 movies per day, TikTok might view that as very spammy-like habits,” she warns. “Ease again in with consistency first.”
Briefly, don’t do issues that’ll make TikTok’s algorithm assume you’re a bot. There are much better methods to develop your TikTok account.
Copyright infringement and unoriginal content material
Posting content material created by another person is a standard reason behind shadowbans. This consists of posting a video you might have created however that infringes on somebody’s mental property rights (like a copyright).
Sadly, this will occur by means of no fault of your individual if somebody impersonates your account. This TikToker explains how the TikTok algorithm mistook imposter accounts for the unique and left them shadowbanned.
Right here’s proof of how shadow ban really works (proof TikTok broke my account)byu/Transformativemike inTiktokhelp
Algorithm abnormalities
Right here’s the place it will get difficult. TikTok’s tips are enforced by an algorithm. Generally, that algorithm may mistakenly flag sure subjects or items of content material.
Some critics have even claimed that TikTok has taken sides or deliberately stifled the voices of activists and protestors. For instance, on the top of the George Floyd protests in 2020, many Black Lives Matter activists claimed their posts had been receiving 0 views in the event that they contained the #BlackLivesMatter or #GeorgeFloyd hashtags.
TikTok responded to those protests with a prolonged assertion. They blamed a glitch for the mixup and vowed to do extra to foster range on the platform.
Black Lives Matter isn’t the one motion that has accused TikTok of shadowbanning them. Nonetheless, a TikTok spokesperson advised Refinery29 that they’re swift to behave when their algorithms flag content material that hasn’t violated any tips.
“Our neighborhood of creators is vibrant and various, and the whole lot we do at TikTok is about offering a protected house for folks to specific their concepts and creativity, irrespective of who they’re,” a spokesperson stated.
“We’re open about the truth that we don’t all the time get each choice proper, which is why we proceed to take a position at scale in our security operations.”
How one can inform in the event you’ve been shadowbanned on TikTok?
There’s no official warning, notification, or little blinky icon to let you know your TikTok account has been shadowbanned. That’s the place the “shadow” half comes from.
However there are some indicators if what to search for.
Your numbers take a nosedive
In case your meteoric rise in video views instantly plummets to close zero, it’s possible you’ll be within the throws of a TikTok shadowban.
“Does your profile web page appear like this: you had been getting a mean of 3K-5K views per video and instantly they’ve constantly dropped under 100?”
Take a look at your TikTok or Hootsuite analytics dashboard.
Do you see one or two movies with zero views? That’s your shadowban sign.
Your movies are absent from search, hashtags, and the FYP
Like we stated, the For You Web page is the place new followers discover your content material. In case your movies cease exhibiting up there, that’s most likely a shadowban and unhealthy information.
The simplest strategy to test that is in your TikTok visitors sources, “Verify your latest visitors supply analytics and see if For You is lower than 1%. If it’s greater than 1%, you’re not shadowbanned.”
You may also discover this info in your Hootsuite dashboard. Have a look at “Put up video views: For You” to see what % of your views got here from the FYP.
When you see that you just’re not within the FYP, try related hashtags. Attempt including a related, well-liked hashtag to a brand new video. Don’t see your video within the hashtag search? Chances are you’ll be banned.

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Your uploads are saved down
One other sturdy trace that you just’re in a TikTok shadow ban is that if your new movies get mired within the “underneath assessment” or “processing” section.
There could also be a technical glitch, like a foul connection. However it might additionally imply the algorithm has seen one thing about your content material (accurately or not) that’s holding it from publishing.
You may see if a view is underneath assessment by clicking on the three dots on the backside, then tapping “Copy hyperlink.” You’ll get a banner on the prime telling you your content material is underneath assessment.
Supply: @the.digital.cat
Your account isn’t in good standing
Whereas TikTok received’t sign a real shadowban, it would let you know in case your account has crimson flags.
When you assume you’re banned, “Verify your account standing,” says Vlasceaunu. “Go to Tiktok Studio, then Account test, and see in case your movies are violating any of the neighborhood tips and ensure your account is in good standing.”
How one can eliminate a TikTok shadowban?
You don’t have to pay homage to algorithm deities (or pay TikTok a nice). There are a couple of easy steps you possibly can attempt to shine some gentle again in your shadowbanned account.
Overview your content material intently
Once you suspect a ban, step one is to determine which publish(s) might have triggered it. Overview all features of your content material fastidiously. Right here’s a fast guidelines:
Search for any phrases in your video transcript that the algorithm might have flagged.
Be sure your music doesn’t infringe on any copyright points, particularly if it doesn’t come from the TikTok library (and don’t overlook to test background music your video might have captured).
Verify your captions and hashtags for phrases which will run afoul of TikTok’s tips.
Don’t overlook to assessment your bio, as effectively. This TikTok creator says her shadowban went away after she eliminated a YouTube hyperlink from her bio.
Delete flagged or questionable posts
Generally, you’ll get a warning that certainly one of your posts violated a neighborhood guideline. Otherwise you’ll discover a theme or side of your video that may be flagged by the algorithm. Both means, you’ll need to take away the perpetrator as shortly as attainable.
You may attraction if certainly one of your movies will get tagged as violating a suggestion. However that course of might take weeks or months. So except there’s a extremely compelling purpose to stick with it, you’re higher off simply deleting the publish.
Filter your TikTok cache
When you’re assured your content material is clear and also you’re nonetheless in a ban, strive clearing out the cache in your TikTok account. That’ll clear up any lingering technical glitches holding you again.
To filter your cache, open TikTok and:
Faucet the three-line icon within the prime proper nook after which faucet “settings and privateness.”
Scroll right down to the cache and mobile information part.
Faucet “clear cache.”
Don’t fear, it solely removes non permanent recordsdata. All of your content material might be protected and sound.
Maintain participating thoughtfully
It’s essential that TikTok sees you energetic on the app throughout a shadowban. Which means viewing and fascinating with content material from different content material creators.
“Participating with different folks on TikTok might be a very powerful tip,” says Vlasceaunu. It reveals the algorithm that you just’re energetic in a optimistic means and helps retrain it.
“Take a break from asking and simply give, give, give. Remark every day for the subsequent three days and unfold kindness. It will present TikTok you’re energetic. Not simply posting, however giving again to the TikTok neighborhood. And it tells TikTok who your actual viewers ought to be.”
Simply don’t go loopy and like each video in your FYP. That’ll look spammy and probably dig your shadowban gap even deeper.
Put up nice content material
Do not forget that TikTok isn’t purposefully out to stifle your account development. They need extra customers, too.
This TikToker stated that’s why it’s best to maintain posting your superb content material constantly throughout a shadowban.
Don’t simply repost content material to fill the void, Vlasceaunu says.
“It’s 2025, and this technique received’t work. TikTok, like Instagram, needs authentic content material, particularly since they’re paying folks out by means of the creator fund. You may’t skate by with simply reposting a video you lately created (like 3 months in the past).”
Bear in mind, don’t attempt to overcompensate by posting dozens of movies on daily basis. That’ll appear like bot habits and maintain you shadowbanned longer.
5 professional tricks to keep away from a TikTok shadowban
Shadowbans will sap your momentum, each creatively and on the TikTok app. Nonetheless, Vlasceaunu has a couple of methods to maintain your TikTok account out of bother.
1. Get your self in a great place
It’s disheartening to see your laborious work get thrashed by a shadowban. Attempt to not let that have an effect on what you do subsequent. “Get your self in a great place,” Vlasceaunu says. “It makes an enormous distinction. Once you’re in a spot of worry, shortage, and negativity, all of your content material will proceed to flop.”
She suggests taking a break and listening to an uplifting podcast or video.
2. Change up your movies
Vlasceaunu says to maintain posting content material however not persist with the playbook, which can have stirred up bother.
“Change the hook and supply of your movies,” she says. “For instance, in the event you’re all the time speaking at your viewers, strive utilizing storytelling to inform the way you realized the hidden secrets and techniques you’re instructing.”
3. Go Reside
Engagement charges along with your content material is an effective clue to TikTok that you just don’t deserve a shadowban. Vlasceaunu says one strategy to get views on present movies is with TikTok Reside.
“In case you have the flexibility, go stay on TIkTok,” she says. That’ll present that you just’re exhibiting up for folks, and it’ll assist enhance your movies as people who find themselves concerned with your Reside will bounce to see your profile.”
“That’ll enhance extra views again to your movies that could be shadowbanned.”
4. Enhance your common watch time
Whether or not to keep away from a shadowban, or to develop your account, Vlasceaunu says that holding eyes in your movies longer ought to be a precedence.
“One of the crucial essential metrics on TikTok is retained watch time,” she explains. “When you look by means of your analytics on every video, and also you’re shedding 75% of individuals within the first 5 seconds, change it up. Maintain the center part the identical and alter the primary 5 seconds of your movies with a polarizing hook.”
5. Uninstall the app and take a break
When you’ve tried all the above steps and haven’t seen any enchancment, a timeout from creating content material might assist.
Taking a break from TikTok could possibly be the reset you’ll want to let your new account have a recent begin and keep away from any additional guideline violations.
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