With over 1.5 billion monthly active users as of 2022, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world (https://www.businessofapps.com/data/tik-tok-statistics/). Many users rely on the reporting feature to flag inappropriate content or accounts that violate TikTok’s community guidelines. But does reporting an account actually lead to it getting deleted? This article will examine what happens when you report a TikTok account, whether reporting triggers account deletion, the types of violations that could get accounts removed, how many reports it takes to potentially get deleted, and more.
We’ll also look at best practices for reporting accounts, alternative ways to address problematic accounts beyond reporting, the controversy around deplatforming, and what users can do if their own account gets deleted. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how TikTok’s reporting and account deletion processes work.
What Happens When You Report a TikTok Account
Here is the step-by-step process for reporting a TikTok account:
1. Open the profile of the account you want to report. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select “Report account” from the menu that pops up. This will open the reporting screen.
3. Choose the reason you are reporting the account. Options include “Impersonation,” “Bullying or harassment,” “Hate speech or symbols,” and more.
4. You will have the option to provide additional details on why you are reporting the account.
5. Tap “Submit” to send the report to TikTok for review.
Reporting an entire account is more serious than reporting a specific video or comment. TikTok may permanently ban accounts that severely or repeatedly violate community guidelines.
To report a video or comment, tap the share icon and select “report.” You’ll go through a similar flow to report that specific piece of content.
For more information, see the TikTok article on what happens when you report a TikTok account.
Does Reporting Delete an Account
Reporting an account on TikTok does not directly lead to that account being deleted or banned. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, reporting is meant to flag concerning content for TikTok’s content moderation team to review. TikTok themselves state: “Reporting a user does not ensure their account will be removed from our platform, however, we take each report seriously.”
So while reporting brings problematic content to TikTok’s attention, it does not trigger any automatic account deletion. The number of reports is also not necessarily tied to deletion. Even a single report may lead to removal if it shows a clear violation, while many reports may not result in deletion if no policy was broken. Ultimately, TikTok reviews each report individually based on their guidelines.
TikTok does say accounts may be removed if they are dedicated to illegal or dangerous activity, spam, financial fraud, hate speech, harassment, privacy violations, or other severe or repeated violations. But the review process focuses more on the type of violation rather than the number of user reports.
In summary, reporting flags issues for review but does not directly cause accounts to be deleted or banned from the platform. TikTok still reviews each case based on its severity and type of violation.1
What Types of Content Can Get an Account Deleted
TikTok has community guidelines that prohibit certain types of content. If users repeatedly violate these guidelines, TikTok may permanently delete their account. Some examples of prohibited content that could result in account deletion include:
- Harassment or bullying
- Hate speech or discrimination
- Illegal activities or regulated goods
- Violent, graphic, or shocking content
- Adult nudity or sexual activities
- Spam or fake engagement
- Impersonation or misleading information
- Dangerous acts or challenges
TikTok’s community guidelines state: “Accounts dedicated entirely to violating our Community Guidelines may be removed without prior warning.” The specific policy can be found here: https://support.tiktok.com/en/deleting-an-account
So any content that violates TikTok’s policies against harmful, dangerous, hateful, or sexually explicit material may be grounds for account deletion if violations are repeated and severe.
How Many Reports Lead to Account Deletion
There is no set number of reports required before TikTok will delete an account. TikTok reviews each report on a case-by-case basis. One report may be enough for TikTok to remove an account if it contains illegal or dangerous content. On the other hand, hundreds of reports may not lead to deletion if the reports seem coordinated or inauthentic.
TikTok looks at a variety of factors when reviewing reports, including the severity of the violation, the context of the situation, any history of violations, and the validity of the reports. More severe violations like hate speech, harassment, dangerous challenges, and illegal content often lead to quicker removal than minor violations.
While the number of reports matters, TikTok also analyzes the credibility of reports and reporters. A handful of reports from trusted users flagging severe violations will likely lead to faster action than hundreds of duplicate spam reports. [1]
Overall, the number of reports needed varies case-by-case based on the content in question. But in serious cases, even one report may be enough for TikTok to remove an account violating its Community Guidelines.
Getting Your Account Back After Deletion
If your TikTok account has been deleted, you may be able to appeal the decision and get your account restored. TikTok does have an appeals process for accounts that have been deleted.
To appeal a deleted account, you can contact TikTok Support through the app or website and explain why you believe the deletion was a mistake. Provide any details or context that can show your account was deleted unfairly or incorrectly. TikTok reviews all appeals and will restore accounts that were removed without a legitimate reason.
According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, you must submit your appeal within 30 days of deletion. After 30 days, deleted accounts cannot be restored.
To avoid false or unfair deletion in the first place, be sure you fully understand and follow TikTok’s rules and policies. Do not post any illegal, dangerous, or abusive content. Make your account private if you want to limit who can see your videos. And if you receive any warnings from TikTok about violations, take them seriously and adjust your behavior on the platform.
With a nuanced appeals system and sound judgment about appropriate content, you can likely avoid any mistaken account termination. But if the worst happens, act quickly within 30 days to request reinstatement.
Best Practices for Reporting Accounts
When encountering problematic content or behavior on TikTok, reporting the associated account is often the best first step. However, it’s important to use this tool responsibly. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Only report accounts that clearly violate TikTok’s Community Guidelines. Don’t abuse the tool by reporting accounts you simply disagree with or have personal issues with. Focus on accounts spreading harmful misinformation, hate, harassment, dangerous challenges, etc.
Take time to gather evidence and be sure the account is in clear violation. Document specific examples of problematic posts or comments. Rashly reporting accounts based on limited information can backfire.
Consider contacting the account owner first if feasible. Politely explain your concerns and give them a chance to modify their behavior or remove the problematic content before resorting to reporting.
If you decide reporting is necessary, thoroughly explain the issue in the report comments. Provide links to or screenshots of the most egregious examples. This context helps TikTok reviewers take appropriate action.
Don’t spread “report this account” calls publicly on the platform, as this can lead to mob justice. Work through proper channels privately.
Remember the person behind the account. While certain content and actions need to be addressed, avoid vilifying others. Leave space for education and positive change.
Overall, exercise wisdom in reporting accounts. While this tool protects the community, use it judiciously and primarily as a last resort after other options are exhausted.
Other Ways to Address Problematic Accounts
While reporting problematic accounts to TikTok is one option, there are other actions you can take to address accounts that are bothering you without trying to get them removed entirely:
You can block accounts so you no longer see their content in your feed. This prevents you from viewing the account while still allowing them to remain on the platform. Blocking can be done by going to the account’s profile and tapping the “Block” button.
Leaving constructive comments pointing out issues with the content is another alternative. Engaging in a civil discussion may lead the account owner to reconsider what they are posting. However, commenting should be done with care to avoid escalating the situation.
Making your own content countering or critiquing the account can be more effective than reporting in some cases. Creating thoughtful responses adds more perspective to the conversation and allows you to model the kind of discourse you want to see.
You can also choose to simply ignore accounts that bother you. Reporting or engaging often gives problematic accounts more attention. Limiting interaction may discourage poor behavior over time without resorting to account deletion.
Overall, there are options beyond reporting that can potentially lead to more positive outcomes when dealing with accounts posting inappropriate or harmful content.
The Controversy Around Deplatforming
There has been ongoing debate around the ethics and effects of banning accounts on social media platforms like TikTok, known as “deplatforming.” On one hand, many argue it’s necessary to curb harmful behavior like cyberbullying, hate speech, and misinformation. Others worry it could lead to censorship and a lack of ideological diversity online.
Those in favor of deplatforming say it helps make online spaces safer by removing bad actors who violate community guidelines. They believe private companies have a right to enforce rules on their platforms. Critics counter that permanently banning accounts restricts free speech. They argue better solutions exist, like temporarily suspending accounts or labeling misinformation.
According to research by Shagun Jhaver, deplatforming banned users does initially decrease their ability to spread harmful content. However, some eventually migrate to other platforms and rebuild their audience. So while it reduces harm short-term, long-term effects are mixed (source).
As Tim O’Brien discusses, the line between protecting users and censorship isn’t always clear. Content moderation involves difficult judgment calls. Factors like intent, context, and cultural norms make blanket rules complicated (source).
Overall, the effects of banning accounts are debatable. While social platforms must address harmful behavior, permanently removing users also raises concerns. A nuanced approach may be required as technology and norms evolve.
Conclusion
In summary, reporting a TikTok account does not directly lead to that account being deleted. The platform has a rigorous process for reviewing reports and investigating accounts before deciding on any action. Just one or two reports are highly unlikely to get an account removed. However, if multiple people report an account for a valid reason like harassment, dangerous or illegal behavior, or intellectual property violations, TikTok may delete the account after review.
If you come across inappropriate content, the best practice is to report the specific video or account through the proper channels. While some believe deplatforming limits free speech, TikTok has a responsibility to uphold community guidelines and local laws. With over 1 billion monthly active users, keeping the platform safe and positive for everyone remains an ongoing challenge.
In the end, think twice before reporting accounts just because you disagree with them. But if you see truly harmful content that makes TikTok a worse place, don’t hesitate to flag it through the proper channels.
