Getting banned on TikTok can be frustrating, especially for content creators who rely on the platform. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has become one of the main places people go for entertainment, information, and creativity.
In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons accounts get banned on TikTok, what the ban process looks like, how long bans typically last, how to appeal bans, options for creating new accounts, and tips for avoiding future bans. Whether you’ve been banned yourself or are just curious about TikTok’s policies, read on to learn more about banned accounts on one of the world’s most popular apps.
Reasons for Bans
TikTok bans accounts for violating their Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. Some of the main reasons accounts get banned on TikTok are:
Copyright Violations
Posting content that infringes on someone else’s copyright can result in an account ban. This includes re-uploading music, videos, images or any other material you do not own the rights to 1. TikTok has automatic detection in place to identify copyrighted material.
Hate Speech / Bullying
Accounts that promote hate speech, harassment, bullying or discrimination may be permanently banned. This includes content that attacks or incites violence against an individual or group based on protected attributes 2.
Nudity / Sexual Content
TikTok does not allow nudity, pornography or sexually explicit content. Posting this type of content can lead to an immediate permanent ban 2.
Impersonation
Impersonating another individual or brand in a misleading or deceptive manner is prohibited. TikTok may ban accounts intended to impersonate someone 1.
The Ban Process
TikTok uses both automated systems and human moderators to detect violations of their community guidelines and terms of service. According to TikTok’s support page, their systems are designed to “promote a positive environment” by removing content or accounts that go against their policies.
When an account violates a policy, TikTok will send a notification email explaining the reason for the ban. This notification will include details on which content was removed and which community guideline or term it violated. The email will also provide instructions for appealing the ban if a user feels it was a mistake.
Users have the option to submit an appeal directly from the email notification or by going to the appeals page in the app. The appeal includes a box to explain why you believe the ban was in error. TikTok reviews all appeals, but states that their decision is final in most cases.
According to an article on TechTarget, “TikTok’s ban appeals process remains opaque to most users, however, and the company rarely overturns its moderation decisions.” Users report frustrations with a lack of transparency and inconsistent or unfair enforcement of bans.
Duration of Bans
TikTok bans can be either temporary or permanent depending on the severity and frequency of violations. According to TikTok’s Content Violations and Bans page, minor first-time offenses will result in a temporary ban, while repeated or more serious violations can lead to a permanent ban.
Temporary account bans on TikTok typically last 1-2 weeks for minor violations. More severe violations can result in 1-2 month bans or longer. TikTok does not provide exact timeframes, simply stating that temporary bans will prevent posting, commenting, LIVE streaming and other access for a “period of time.” According to sources, temporary bans can last anywhere from a few days up to 6 months.
Permanent bans are reserved for severe or repeated violations of TikTok’s Community Guidelines. These include illegal activities, dangerous acts, hate speech, bullying, spam, artificial engagement, and other harmful behaviors. TikTok states that “in some cases, an account may be permanently banned, without the option to appeal.” So permanent bans are difficult to overturn.
Other factors that determine ban length include the user’s violation history, with repeat offenses resulting in longer or permanent bans. High-profile accounts with large audiences may also face tougher consequences. Overall, the exact ban duration depends on the context and is determined at TikTok’s discretion.
Appealing Bans
If your TikTok account has been banned, you can appeal the ban through the app. TikTok states that “If you believe your content or account has been removed by mistake, you can appeal the decision directly in the app” (Source). The appeal process involves:
- Opening the notification about your banned account
- Tapping “Appeal”
- Selecting a reason why you think the ban was incorrect
- Providing additional details to support your appeal
According to users on Reddit, the success rate for appealing TikTok bans varies greatly depending on the reason for the ban. Strategies for improving your chances of a successful appeal include:
- Providing a clear, polite explanation of why you believe the ban was a mistake
- Only appealing bans you feel were truly incorrect, not trying to appeal every ban
- Double checking that your content did not actually violate TikTok’s community guidelines
- Making your account private during the appeals process to avoid further issues
Repeated appeals, especially for bans related to multiple or egregious violations, are less likely to succeed. Overall, properly following TikTok’s rules and guidelines is the best way to avoid needing to appeal bans in the first place.
Creating a New Account
TikTok has advanced methods for detecting users that try to create new accounts after being banned, known as “ban evasion.” According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, ban evasion is a violation that can result in a permanent ban.
TikTok is able to identify ban evasion through IP addresses, device IDs, and by analyzing other signals from a user’s device. If TikTok determines that someone is trying to evade a previous ban, the new account will likely be banned as well. Any content created with a new account will also be removed.
“Creating multiple accounts or using someone else’s account after your account has been banned,” as stated in TikTok’s Terms of Service, can lead to permanent loss of access to TikTok services. TikTok aggressively seeks out and deletes accounts created to replace banned accounts.
The best option if your account has been banned is to go through TikTok’s appeal process truthfully, providing any requested information. Attempting to open new accounts after being banned will only make the situation worse.
IP Bans
TikTok has the ability to ban devices and IP addresses associated with accounts that violate their community guidelines. An IP ban prevents any device using that IP address from accessing TikTok, while a device ban only blocks a specific device.
Users who try to circumvent an IP ban by using a VPN or proxy will find these methods ineffective. As a TikTok representative explained, “If you’re IP banned, a VPN won’t do anything because they banned your phone’s IP not your internet. And you aren’t IP banned because you wouldn’t be able to log in at all” (source).
The only way to lift an IP ban is to change internet service providers and receive a new IP address. Device bans can be avoided by acquiring a new phone. However, any new accounts created on a banned device or IP address also risk getting banned.
Regaining Access
If your TikTok account has been temporarily banned, the easiest way to regain access is to simply wait out the duration of the ban. Temporary bans may last anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks. You will receive a notification from TikTok when the temporary ban has been lifted and you can access your account again. Successful appeals can also lead to banned accounts being restored more quickly. You can submit an appeal through the app by tapping the “Appeal” button on the notification for the ban (source). Provide an explanation of why you believe the ban was a mistake. If TikTok agrees, they may lift the ban. Finally, using TikTok on a new device and IP address can sometimes help circumvent IP bans. TikTok may block your device’s unique identifier or your network IP if you violate policies. Connecting from a new device on a different Wifi network or cellular data can essentially give you a fresh slate with TikTok in some cases.
Preventing Future Bans
The best way to prevent your TikTok account from getting banned again is to carefully follow TikTok’s community guidelines. These cover what kind of content is allowed on the platform, as well as rules around privacy, safety, illegal activities, terrorism, child safety, and more. Be sure to thoroughly review the guidelines and avoid posting any content that violates them.
It can also help to make your account private rather than public. With a private account, you can control who sees your content more easily. TikTok states that private accounts tend to receive fewer complaints and reports than public ones. Keep your page private and only approve followers you know and trust. Also be cautious about duetting or stitching public videos, as inappropriate content in those could still cause issues.
In summary, closely following the community guidelines and making your account private are two of the best ways to keep your account in good standing with TikTok and prevent future bans.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several reasons why a TikTok account may get banned, including violating community guidelines, being underage, or spamming. The duration of bans varies, but permanent bans are applied for the most serious offenses. Users can appeal bans by contacting TikTok support, but success is not guaranteed. Creating a new account after being banned is difficult due to device and IP blocking. The best way to avoid getting banned is to follow all TikTok rules and policies when using the platform.
In conclusion, while regaining access to a banned TikTok account is challenging, it is not impossible. By submitting an appeal and providing valid reasons for reconsideration, some users have succeeded in recovering banned accounts. The most important takeaway is to use TikTok responsibly by providing authentic, high-quality content that uplifts the community. Avoiding any violations of TikTok’s policies is the best way to ensure your account remains in good standing on the platform.
