TikTok is the wildly popular short-form video app with over 1 billion monthly active users globally in 2022 [1]. On TikTok, users can create and share 15 to 60 second videos on any topic. With its addictive algorithm and For You page tailored to each user, TikTok has become a daily destination for hundreds of millions of users.
However, like any social platform, TikTok also enforces its community guidelines and will ban accounts that violate policies. Banned users lose access to their TikTok accounts, and have profiles deactivated. But what actually happens when an account gets banned on TikTok? Are banned accounts deleted forever? Can users recover banned accounts? This article will examine TikTok’s banning policies and the implications for suspended accounts.
TikTok’s Content Guidelines
TikTok has strict content guidelines that prohibit certain types of content that go against their community values. According to their published Community Guidelines (source), some examples of content that can lead to a ban include:
– Nudity and sexual content
– Harmful and dangerous acts
– Hate speech and discrimination
– Harassment and bullying
– Violent extremism
– Suicide, self-harm and dangerous acts
– Regulated goods
– Illegal activities and regulated goods
TikTok uses a combination of technology and human moderators to identify accounts that repeatedly violate their guidelines. Serious or repeated violations can lead to a permanent ban.
Account Suspension vs Deletion
On TikTok, there is an important distinction between having an account suspended and having an account deleted. Account suspension is usually temporary, while account deletion is permanent.
When an account is suspended, the user is temporarily unable to access their account. This can occur if TikTok detects content or activity that violates their Community Guidelines. Reasons for suspension include inappropriate videos, spam, illegal activities, harmful challenges, and more.
Suspended accounts are not immediately deleted. According to TikTok’s support page, Account Safety, the user will be notified about the suspension and given an opportunity to appeal the decision. If the appeal is successful, the account can be reactivated.
In contrast, deleted accounts are permanently removed from TikTok. The user’s profile, videos, likes, comments, and all other data is erased. TikTok may delete accounts that show repeated serious violations, though the specific criteria is not publicly disclosed.
Users can also choose to delete their own account if desired. This can be done through the app’s settings. However, once an account is deleted either by the user or by TikTok, there is no way to recover it.
Can Banned Accounts be Reactivated?
In some cases, it is possible for banned TikTok accounts to be reactivated through the appeal process. When an account is banned, TikTok sends an email notifying the user of the ban and providing instructions for how to appeal the decision. The appeal gives users a chance to explain why they believe their account should not have been banned and request that TikTok reconsider.
According to TikTok’s rules, accounts can be banned for violations of their Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. Some of the most common reasons accounts get banned include illegal or dangerous content, hate speech, nudity or sexual content, harassment, spam, impersonation, and underage users.
The appeal process involves filling out an online form explaining why you believe the ban was a mistake. You can provide additional context, point out extenuating circumstances, or share why you should be given another chance. TikTok reviews all appeals and will notify users if the decision has been reversed and their account reinstated.
However, according to users who have gone through the process, it can be very difficult to get an account reactivated once it has been banned. TikTok does not overturn the majority of bans even after appeal. But it still provides users the opportunity to request a second review.
For permanent bans due to severe or repeat violations, reactivation is often not possible. But for temporary suspensions or borderline offenses, users have a better chance of successfully appealing and regaining access to their account.
Sources:
What Happens When an Account is Banned
When an account is banned on TikTok, the account and all of its associated content becomes inaccessible to other users on the platform. The banned account’s videos, likes, comments, and other activities are no longer visible to anyone except potentially TikTok itself (https://vpnoverview.com/research/will-tiktok-be-banned-in-the-us/).
From the account owner’s perspective, they will see a notification that their account has been banned for violating TikTok’s Terms of Service or Community Guidelines. They will no longer be able to log in or access any of their previously posted content. The account profile, bio, followers, and all other information will not be visible to anyone else using TikTok (https://www.insiderintelligence.com/content/podcast-potential-effects-of-tiktok-ban-twitters-new-subscription-service-instagram-stories).
Banned account owners do have the option to appeal the ban by contacting TikTok support. However, the appeals process has been criticized as inconsistent and lacking transparency (https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/new-executive-order-starts-the-clock-on-potential-tiktok-ban/). TikTok does not provide detailed reasons for account bans, making it difficult for users to understand what content led to the ban. Overall, losing access to an established TikTok account can be extremely disruptive for creators.
Permanently Banned Account Data
When an account is permanently banned on TikTok, the account itself is deactivated and inaccessible. However, TikTok does not immediately delete the data associated with the banned account.
According to TikTok’s support page, “If your account is banned, you can log in to the account to submit an appeal and download your personal data. Keep in mind, we’ll delete your personal data in the following timeframes:”
- 113 days if you’re based in the US
- 180 days if you’re based in the EEA
- 23 days if you’re based in the rest of the world
So while the account itself is inaccessible after a permanent ban, TikTok retains the data for a set period of time before deleting it. This allows users to appeal the ban and/or download their personal content before it is removed from TikTok’s servers.
It’s also worth noting that if you try to create a new account after being permanently banned, TikTok’s systems are designed to detect and suspend accounts associated with previously banned accounts. So permanently banned users have a limited window to retrieve their data before it is deleted.
Sources:
https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/content-violations-and-bans
Preventing Banned Accounts Re-creation
TikTok has measures in place to prevent users from simply creating a new account after being banned. According to TikTok’s support page, “If an account is permanently banned, the device that was used to access the account will also be permanently banned from the platform.”1 This makes it difficult for banned users to evade the ban by simply creating a new account.
TikTok is able to identify devices that were previously associated with banned accounts. If a new account is created from a banned device, TikTok will detect this and ban the new account as well. There are ways users attempt to circumvent device bans, such as using VPNs or factory resetting their device. However, TikTok employs advanced techniques to identify banned devices despite these measures.
In addition, TikTok monitors various account signals to detect ban evasion attempts. Things like IP address, device details, phone number, and location data can indicate if a new account is likely tied to a previously banned one.2 While not perfect, these methods allow TikTok to automatically and proactively stop most attempts at ban evasion.
Notable TikTok Ban Controversies
TikTok has banned several high-profile users over policy violations, often sparking controversy and debate. Here are some notable incidents:
In 2020, TikTok banned popular teen influencers Zoe Laverne and Sebastian Bails for inappropriate messages with underage fans (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/banned-famous-accounts). While Zoe eventually got reinstated, Sebastian remained banned. This highlighted TikTok’s strict policies against child safety violations.
That same year, TikTok permanently banned Faizal Siddiqui’s account after he posted an inappropriate “acid attack” prank video. The ban came following an injunction by a local court in India amidst public outcry (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/famous-account-got-banned).
In 2021, TikTok drew criticism for banning the account of a US teen, Feroza Aziz, after she posted viral videos disguised as makeup tutorials to criticize China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Her account was later reinstated and TikTok claimed it was banned due to an earlier satirical video being mistaken for terrorism content.
Other prominent creators like Dr. Phil McGraw and Gordon Ramsay have also been temporarily suspended by TikTok over policy issues. But the platform’s harshest punishments seem reserved for severe violations like hate speech, dangerous acts or child safety issues.
Alternatives for Banned Users
For users whose accounts have been permanently banned on TikTok, there are several alternative platforms and creative outlets to consider.
One of the most popular TikTok alternatives is Triller, which allows users to create and share short music videos. Triller has similar features to TikTok, such as filters and effects, and also offers contests and challenges. Other top apps like TikTok include Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat.
For more editing and customization options, banned TikTok users can try Funimate or Zoomerang. These apps allow for advanced video editing tools to create high-quality short videos.
Users looking for a TikTok-like experience but with different community guidelines may want to check out apps like Byte or Dubsmash. These platforms offer similar short-form video sharing features with their own content moderation policies.
Additionally, creators who relied on TikTok for income could explore monetization options on YouTube or Facebook. Building an audience and generating revenue is possible on many platforms beyond TikTok.
With plenty of apps mimicking the TikTok format, there are diverse options for users to redirect their creative talents if their account faces a permanent ban on TikTok.
Conclusion
In summary, when an account is banned on TikTok, the user loses access to the account and the content becomes inaccessible to others. However, the data is not immediately deleted. TikTok retains banned accounts for a period of time in case appeals are made or the ban is overturned.
If the ban is permanent, TikTok will eventually delete the account data entirely. But there is no set timeframe for when this deletion occurs. TikTok reserves the right to remove accounts as it sees fit according to its Terms of Service.
While users cannot recreate a banned account, it is possible for someone to create a new account as long as it does not violate TikTok’s rules. However, TikTok does use signals like device ID, IP address, and other identifiers to detect ban evasion.
In the end, TikTok account bans are complex and handled on a case-by-case basis. The platform aims to promote a safe community, but controversies around bans still occur. Understanding TikTok’s rules and appeal options remains important for all users.
