TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. Since launching in 2016, TikTok has amassed over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2022 (source). It’s the sixth most popular social media platform overall, behind giants like Facebook and Instagram. TikTok’s growth has been astronomical, more than tripling its user base between 2018 and 2021 (source). The app has taken off thanks to its fun, short-form videos and powerful algorithms that determine a customized “For You” feed for each user.
With so many active users, TikTok has also had to deal with enforcing its community guidelines and banning users who violate them. Getting banned from TikTok can be frustrating, especially for creators who have built up large followings. Fortunately, in many cases, users are able to make new accounts after being banned from the platform.
Reasons People Get Banned
There are several reasons a TikTok account can get banned, usually for violating TikTok’s community guidelines or terms of service. The most common reasons include:
Violating community guidelines – Accounts can be banned for sharing inappropriate, dangerous, or illegal content, including nudity/sexual content, hate speech, violence/dangerous acts, misinformation, cyberbullying, or content that promotes self-harm. See TikTok’s content policy for more details.
Multiple account abuse – Using multiple accounts to artificially boost engagement or skirting a previous ban by opening a new account goes against TikTok’s Terms of Service. Having multiple accounts for legitimate reasons is okay, but abusing multiple accounts can lead to permanent bans.
Artificial engagement – Using bots, fake accounts, or other services to artificially boost likes, comments, views, shares or followers goes against community guidelines and can prompt bans. TikTok aims to foster authentic engagement.
Illegal or dangerous content – Sharing any content promoting dangerous or illegal activity is grounds for an immediate ban on TikTok. This includes criminal behavior, violence/weapons, dangerous acts, illegal drugs, and regulated goods.
TikTok’s Ban Policy
TikTok has different types of bans that impact users in different ways:
- Permanent ban – This completely removes the user’s account and prevents them from ever creating a new account from that device. TikTok permanently bans accounts for severe or repeated violations.
- Temporary ban – The user’s account is suspended for a set period of time, such as 30 days. After the ban expires, they can access their account again.
- Device ban – TikTok blocks a specific device from accessing any accounts. Users cannot simply create a new account to bypass a device ban.
- Account ban – TikTok disables a specific account, but does not prevent the user from making new accounts on the same device.
The type of ban largely depends on the severity and frequency of policy violations. Permanent device bans are reserved for serious infractions like illegal content or activity. Temporary account bans may occur for minor first-time offenses. Understanding the nuances of TikTok’s ban policy can help users avoid permanent exclusion.
Making a New Account After Being Banned
If your TikTok account gets banned, you can try creating a new account, but you’ll need to take steps to avoid getting detected and banned again. According to TikTok’s ban policy, creating a new account after being banned for a severe violation is against their rules and can result in penalties.
To try creating a new account, you should use a different email address, phone number, and device than the banned account. You’ll also need to avoid posting the same type of content that got your original account banned. TikTok’s systems monitor for accounts tied to banned users, so major changes are required.
You may also need to use a new IP address. TikTok can detect accounts coming from the same IP as a banned account. Using a VPN or different internet connection can assign you a new IP and help avoid quick detection. While it’s possible to create a new account, success heavily depends on fully separating it from your banned account.
According to https://www.pipiads.com/blog/banned-on-tiktok-heres-how-to-create-a-new-account-in-2022/, using a different device and download method (App Store vs. Google Play) also improves your chances of evading detection.
TikTok’s Ability to Detect Ban Evasion
TikTok uses advanced systems and pattern recognition to detect when a banned user tries to create a new account. According to this Reddit thread, TikTok has sophisticated algorithms that can identify a previously banned user even if they try to change their username, email, device, or IP address. TikTok likely analyzes factors like device identifiers, location data, WiFi networks, and patterns of usage and content to determine if a new account belongs to a banned user.
TikTok states in their community guidelines that ban evasion is against their terms of service. They warn users not to try to avoid a ban by creating new accounts. So even if a user manages to trick TikTok’s detection systems initially, the account risks getting banned again if flagged for ban evasion.
Consequences of Ban Evasion
Creating a new account after being banned can lead to serious consequences beyond just having the new account banned. According to TikTok’s terms of service, the company reserves the right to delete not just the new account but also the device used to create it from the platform. This is because TikTok has advanced systems to detect and connect ban evasion accounts by tracking associated devices and IP addresses.
In addition, TikTok may take legal action in severe cases, especially repeated or egregious violations. According to a report by Quincy Institute, criminal penalties for ban evasion under proposed legislation could include fines up to $1 million or even prison terms up to 20 years, although such harsh sentences would likely be reserved for severe and intentional violations at scale rather than individual users.
In summary, the main consequences of trying to evade a ban on TikTok by creating a new account can include:
- The new account being deleted
- The device used to create the account being banned
- Potential legal action and criminal penalties in severe cases
Given these serious risks, users are better off avoiding ban evasion attempts and instead focusing on submitting appeals or using alternative platforms.
Tips for Avoiding Future Bans
One of the top tips for avoiding a future ban on TikTok is to ensure you are following all of the community guidelines and terms of service. TikTok has strict rules against bullying, harassment, nudity, dangerous acts, and more. So be sure you understand and adhere to these rules. Posting inappropriate content is an easy way to get your account banned.
It’s also important to build an authentic, genuine following on TikTok. Avoid buying fake followers or engagement as this is against TikTok’s policies and could result in a ban. Focus on creating original, high-quality content that resonates with viewers. Use relevant hashtags to help your videos be discovered by those interested in your niche. And engage meaningfully with your followers by replying to comments.
Lastly, be wary of any third-party services claiming they can get you TikTok followers fast. Often these services use bots or fraudulent tactics which could get your account shut down (Source). While growth hacking can be tempting, in the long run it’s better to grow your account organically.
Appealing a Ban
If you believe you were banned from TikTok unfairly or by mistake, you can submit an appeal to request your account be reinstated. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, you can appeal a permanent ban by going to the Appeals page and submitting the appeal form.
In the appeal form, you’ll need to provide details explaining why you believe your ban should be overturned. You’ll want to be as thorough as possible in explaining the situation and why you did not actually violate any of TikTok’s rules. Providing context, admitting fault if applicable, and promising to improve behavior may help demonstrate you should get another chance. However, there is no guarantee your appeal will be successful.
According to users’ experiences documented on Reddit, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to receive a response on your appeal. Some users have reported success getting their accounts reinstated through the appeals process, while others were denied. The outcome likely depends on the specifics of your case and violation history.
Refer to: https://www.pupperish.com/appealing-tiktok-ban
Alternatives to TikTok
If you find yourself banned from TikTok and want a similar short-form video sharing experience, there are several alternatives worth checking out:
YouTube Shorts allows creators to make 60-second vertical videos designed for mobile devices. As part of YouTube, Shorts has a massive built-in audience and lots of video effects and editing options. YouTube Shorts launched in 2020 as a direct competitor to TikTok and has grown rapidly since then. Many top TikTok creators now also post videos on YouTube Shorts to reach new audiences.
Instagram Reels gained huge popularity after TikTok was banned in India in 2020. Reels has TikTok-like features embedded within Instagram, allowing users to create 15-second multi-clip videos set to audio and augmented with effects. Reels videos appear in a dedicated section of Instagram as well as on users’ profiles. Reels makes it easy for TikTok creators to repurpose their content.
Snapchat has offered short-form vertical videos for years through its stories feature. Snapchat also allows video augmentations through lenses and effects. While Snapchat doesn’t have a dedicated short video feed like TikTok, its large existing user base makes it a popular alternative. Snapchat also offers monetization opportunities for creators through gifting and sponsorships.
Conclusion
In summary, users who have been banned from TikTok do have the option to create a new account, but this comes with risks. TikTok has sophisticated systems for detecting ban evasion, and creating a new account after being banned can result in the new account being deleted and device bans. Those who attempt to evade a ban should carefully consider the potential consequences.
If you believe you were banned unfairly, the safest option is to appeal the ban directly with TikTok and wait for their decision. For some users, a temporary break from the platform may be advisable. There are also alternative platforms to consider.
Ultimately, following TikTok’s rules and community guidelines is the best way to avoid issues that could get your account banned. But in cases where you do receive a ban, understand that making a new account comes with substantial risks.
