How do I know if I'm Shadowban on TikTok?

Avoid the shadowban on TikTok and optimize your visibility with the help of a TikTok agency expert can be a real challenge for brands!

The Shadowban is one of the most frustrating situations for creators on TikTok. Unlike a traditional ban, a Shadowban is not an explicit ban. Rather, it is a drastic reduction in the visibility of your content, without warning or direct explanation. In this article, we'll explore what a shadowban is, how to recognize if you're a victim, the probable causes, and most importantly, how to get rid of it.

What is a shadowban on TikTok?

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A shadowban is a silent restriction imposed by TikTok on a specific account or content. When you are shadowban, your videos are no longer visible on the For You Page (FYP) nor in search results or hashtags. Your followers may have trouble seeing your new posts, and new users will hardly be able to interact with your content.

This doesn't necessarily mean you've blatantly broken the rules, but it could be due to behavior or content that TikTok's algorithm deems inappropriate or spammy. It is essential to understand that this measure is often temporary, but it can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

How do you recognize if you are shadowban?

TikTok does not notify users directly when they are shadowban. So you need to be vigilant and spot some key signs.

1. Sudden drop in views and interactions

One of the clearest indicators of a shadowban is a sudden drop in engagement on your videos. If your videos had a steady rate of views, likes, or comments, and that number falls sharply for no obvious reason, it could signal a shadowban. Also, watch for comments or messages from your followers who say they no longer see your videos in their feed.

2. Your videos are no longer in the search results

Ask a friend to search for your videos using hashtags or keywords that you've used. If your videos aren't showing up in search results or in the hashtag sections, it could be an additional sign that you're shadowban.

3. Difficulty uploading videos

If TikTok keeps your blocked videos “under review” for an unusually long time, or if your videos never seem to finish “downloading,” that's another indicator. This kind of delay in the publishing process could indicate that your content is being reviewed more thoroughly by the algorithm.

Why are you shadowban? The main causes

The Shadowban is often the consequence of a violation of community guidelines of TikTok, but it can also happen due to behavior that the platform considers suspicious or inauthentic.

1. Violation of Community directives

If you've posted content that contains nudity, violence, harassment, or illegal activities, TikTok may apply a shadowban rather than a permanent ban. Even accidental violations, such as the use of music protected by copyright, can result in this penalty.

2. Spammy behavior

Behavior that is perceived as spammy, such as following or liking too many accounts in a short period of time, or using bots to artificially increase your engagement, can also trigger a shadowban. Abusive or misused hashtags, as well as the excessive posting of content in a short period of time, are also red flags for TikTok.

3. Using a VPN or buying fake subscribers

Using a VPN to change your location or buying fake subscribers and commitments can also put your account at risk. TikTok seeks to promote authentic interactions, and anything that goes against that is severely penalized.

How do I get out of a shadowban on TikTok?

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Fortunately, a shadowban is not a permanent situation and there are several ways to get out of it.

1. Remove problem content

Go through your videos and identify any that may be in violation of community guidelines. Remove them immediately. TikTok often notifies you if content is flagged, but you may need to do a thorough review yourself.

2. Follow TikTok guidelines

Review TikTok's community guidelines carefully and ensure that any new content you post complies with them. This includes using licensed music and avoiding potentially dangerous or inappropriate content.

3. Wait for unblocking

In most cases, a shadowban lasts between 7 and 14 days. During this time, reduce your posting activity and avoid using hashtags or aggressive engagement practices. The shadowban will often be automatically lifted after this time, if you stick to the rules.

4. Reinstall the application

Another solution is to uninstall and reinstall the TikTok app. This allows you to reset your cache and eliminate some technical issues that may be causing the loss of visibility.

5. Contact TikTok via support

If you think you've been unfairly shadowbanned, you can contact TikTok via the “Report a problem” option in the app. Provide evidence of your drop in commitment and explain why you think the penalty is unwarranted.

Conclusion

Shadowban is a discreet but effective measure that TikTok uses to protect its community. If you notice a sudden drop in visibility or engagement on your videos, take the time to review your practices. Respecting community guidelines, avoiding spammy behavior, and using authentic practices are the best ways to avoid and get out of a shadowban.