How To Get Your TikTok Account Unbanned in 2024
TikTok has become a popular choice for content creators and brands to promote their content and gain massive followings. One of the worst things that can happen to a TikTok creator is their account getting banned. In this article, we will take a look at different types of bans, potential causes, how to get it unbanned and steps to avoid getting banned in future. Without further ado, let’s dive straight into it.
Table of Contents:
Different Types of Bans and Their Causes
You might not be aware, but there are a few different types of TikTok bans, each with different causes.
1. Shadow ban
A shadow ban is an invisible ban on your account where, as the name suggests, your content is “shadowed” There is no official indication, such as a notification, and you can only discern that your account is shadow banned if your videos don’t get as many likes, comments, and views as they usually do. This happens because your content is not recommended in users and even your followers “For You” page.
A shadow ban can occur for several reasons, including excessive posting or spamming, particularly when posting comments with links to your account or incessantly asking people to follow you. If your content spreads misinformation or makes controversial statements, it could also lead to a shadow ban. Furthermore, if TikTok detects fake followers or views on your profile, that can result in your account being shadow banned as well.
2. Underage Ban
An underage ban is instigated when TikTok suspects a user is below the age limit of 13 years (except in South Korea and Indonesia, where the limit is 14). Users with an underage ban can’t conduct live sessions, and some other features may also be restricted. This ban is part of TikTok’s effort to create an age-appropriate platform to protect younger users from potential negative effects.
3. Temporary Ban
A temporary ban results from a violation of TikTok’s community guidelines. The offense could range from spreading misinformation to engaging in discriminatory or indecent acts across the platform. Users receive an in-app notification of a temporary ban, which limits them from commenting on videos, sending direct messages, and uploading new content. Temporary bans usually last from two days to a week.
4. Permanent Ban
A permanent ban is the harshest penalty a creator can face on TikTok. Unlike the previous types of bans we’ve talked about, the chances of this one getting reversed are very slim. This ban is often inflicted after a user has ignored multiple violation warnings. In extreme cases, even a single violation can result in a permanent ban.
Impersonation, violent content, or inciting civil unrest are among the violations that can lead to a permanent ban. During the ban, users cannot watch or upload content, interact with others, and can only access notifications and account settings.
How To Get TikTok Account Unbanned
Now that you’re up to speed on potentially why your account was banned, it’s time to go over how you can get it back.
1. Getting Shadow Banned Account Unbanned
If you notice that your account has been shadow banned there isn’t much that can be done through official means. You have to wait it out and it will be over shortly. Meanwhile, you should be extra cautious about the new content you upload, it should be completely in line with the community guidelines.
If you have another account on other platform like Instagram or Facebook also share the link of your new content over there so your followers can see your content and shadow ban gets removed as soon as possible.
It could be wise to review and delete any recent content that might have triggered the shadow ban.
2. Getting Underage Banned Account Unbanned
There is only one way to get an underage banned TikTok account unbanned and that is through an appeal. Now if you really are underage there is really not much you can do, however, if your account has been wrongly banned you need to prove to TikTok that you are of age.
To do so, you’ll need to click on the “Appeal” option in the notification you received regarding being underaged. Then depending on your situation, you can do one of the following:
Selfie With Government Issued-ID:
You will first need to attach an image of your government-issued ID, then a selfie of you holding that ID along with a piece of paper. The paper should clearly display a unique code provided by TikTok for verification.
People Between Age 13-17
If you are between 13 to 17 years old and don’t have a government-issued ID, you’ll need the help of your parent/guardian. You would need to click a picture of both, you and your guardian along with a paper which clearly states your date of birth in format (DD/MM/YYYY) and a unique code as instructed by TikTok.
Along with an in-app appeal you should also send the proofs at Legal@tiktok.com and Creators@tiktok.com.
3. Getting Temporarily Banned Account Unbanned
A temporary ban is less concerning, as your account will be reinstated within a week. If you believe the ban was unjustified, you can appeal through the option in your ban notification.
4. Getting Permanently Banned Account Unbanned
Avoiding a full-on ban in the first place is the best course of action. However, if a permanent ban occurs, it can be very challenging to reverse it. If you committed numerous violations leading to the ban, the chance of revival is slim. Your best option might be to create a new account and follow the community guidelines strictly.
However, it is also possible that TikTok might have banned you by mistake. In such case if you appeal, most likely the ban will be reversed, and your account will be back to normal.
Downloading TikTok Data
If you are guilty in an underage ban or a permanent ban you should download your TikTok data to keep it safe for future use. This should be done as soon as possible because after a set limit of days this data gets deleted, and you won’t be able to recover it. The procedure to request data is listed as below:
- Open your TikTok app and click on the Profile icon at bottom right of the screen.
- Tap the three-line icon at the top-right corner and select Settings and privacy in the menu.
- On the new page click on Account and then on Download your data.
- Select a suitable file format from TXT or JSON and click on Request data.
- Within four days a file will be available in Download Data section, which you can then download into your device.
Impact Of Getting Banned On TikTok
Getting ban of any type can be disastrous for influencers and content creators. Some of the impacts are discussed below:
- Reduced Popularity: Given your account has a lot of followers and you get banned it will decrease your popularity substantially. If you make a new account, it will take a lot of time to regain all of those lost followers.
- Financial Loss: While TikTok doesn’t directly pay its creators like YouTube does, creators can still earn income through brand partnerships, live stream gifts from followers, and other methods. This means that losing your account could lead to significant financial loss.
- Reduced Brand Reach: Especially if you are a company or a brand a ban on your TikTok can be very disastrous. TikTok has more than a billion users and hence you would be missing out an opportunity to advertise your product to a lot of people, leading to reduced sales.
- Reputational Damage: Depending on the reason for the ban, it can reflect negatively on your reputation. If your account was banned due to violating TikTok’s community guidelines or engaging in inappropriate behavior, it may impact how others perceive you both on and off the platform.
Avoid Getting Banned From TikTok
If you just got shadow banned or temporarily banned, it is imperative that you keep these things in mind to avoid getting permanently banned in the future:
- Avoid Offensive Content: TikTok aims to foster an environment where everyone feels welcomed. As such, you should not pass remarks or in your content demean anyone. Examples include but are not limited to body shaming, racism, religious extremism.
- Refrain From Political Content: TikTok monitors its platform regarding political content. Avoid from posting anything political or related to unrest or protests.
- Avoid Graphic/Sexual Content: Do not post content that may contain graphic images or videos. Following that also do not post anything of sexual nature as such content might be flagged for being inappropriate leading to a ban.
- Misinformation/Spam: Refrain from content based on rumors or spreading misinformation about a subject. Do not spam in comment sections of other videos and upload your content with a suitable frequency, avoid uploading a lot in a single day.
- Take Violations Seriously: In case you get a violation on one of your videos or they get removed, you should be concerned. File an appeal if you think it was a mistake and in case it was not do not repeat it. A violation strike expires in 90 days after which it is not considered in temporary or permanent ban.
Conclusion
In conclusion, success on TikTok goes beyond creating engaging content; it requires a keen understanding of, and compliance with, the platform’s policies. This guide aims to help you not only in recovering from potential bans but also in preventing them.
Always remember, your ongoing journey on TikTok depends on respecting its community guidelines. Stay creative, stay engaged, and stay mindful of the rules.