TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1 billion monthly active users globally as of 2023 (Source). The app allows users to create and share short videos, and has become known for its viral trends and challenges.
While TikTok can be fun and entertaining, users may sometimes encounter issues that lead them to want to file a complaint. Reasons you may want to complain to TikTok include coming across inappropriate or illegal content, having your account suspended unfairly, dealing with copyright infringement, or experiencing harassment, bullying, or scams on the platform.
Why You May Want to Complain
There are several key reasons you may need to submit a complaint to TikTok:
To report problematic content like misinformation, inappropriate material, or illegal content. TikTok has community guidelines that prohibit certain types of content, and you can use their reporting tools if you come across violations.
To appeal an account suspension or banning. If your account was banned or suspended, you can submit an appeal to TikTok to request reviewing your case. Make sure to provide any relevant context or explanations.
To submit a copyright or trademark infringement complaint. If your intellectual property or branded content is used without permission, you can file a DMCA takedown request or trademark complaint. TikTok has forms to submit these requests.
How to Report Problematic Content
TikTok allows users to report problematic content directly within the app. This makes it easy to flag issues and helps TikTok identify and remove policy-violating material. Here are the main ways to use TikTok’s in-app reporting tools:
To report an inappropriate or troubling video, open the video and tap the Share icon. Then tap “Report” and select the reason for your report. You’ll have options like “Nudity or sexual activity”, “Harmful or dangerous acts”, and “Hate speech or symbols”.
To report a problematic comment, tap the comment and hit “Report”. Choose your reason for reporting and submit.
If you come across an account impersonating someone else or posting abusive content, you can report the entire account. Go to the profile, tap the three dots icon, and choose “Report account”. Pick the reason and share details.
Live videos can also be reported in real time. Open the Live, tap the “Send” icon and choose “Report”. Select your reason to submit the report.
Using these in-app tools is the quickest way to get harmful, dangerous or impersonating content taken down from TikTok.
Appealing Account Suspension
If your TikTok account gets suspended, you will get a notification explaining the reason. Some common reasons for suspension include violating community guidelines, spam, or suspicious activity. If you believe your account was suspended incorrectly or want to appeal the suspension, you can submit an appeal to TikTok.
The appeal process requires the following:
- Open the notification email or in-app notification about your suspended account.
- Tap “Appeal” which will open a form to submit your appeal.
- Explain why you think your account was suspended incorrectly.
- Provide any evidence that can help your appeal.
Per TikTok’s guidance, you should receive a response on your appeal within 24 hours. However, it may take longer in some cases. If your appeal is rejected, you can try submitting another appeal explaining why you disagree with the decision. But repeated rejections likely mean TikTok believes the suspension is warranted.
It’s important to be polite, honest, and constructive in your appeal. Antagonistic or abusive appeals are less likely to be successful. You can also try reaching out to TikTok support directly via email for additional assistance if the appeal process doesn’t resolve your issue.
According to TikTok’s guidance, you must file an appeal to reactivate your suspended account. This can be done by submitting a customer support ticket. There are two ways to file the appeal – via the Account Info section under your avatar or by contacting TikTok Customer Support directly.
Copyright Complaints
If your copyrighted work is used in a TikTok video without your permission, you can submit a DMCA takedown request to have the content removed. Here is the process to submit a copyright complaint to TikTok:
1. Go to https://www.tiktok.com/legal/report/Copyright and click on “Submit infringement report”.
2. Enter the direct URL of the TikTok video that infringes your copyright.
3. Select the type of content that is infringing your copyright (music, visual, etc).
4. Provide details on how the content infringes your copyright, including proof of ownership such as registration certificates or screenshots showing you created original content.
5. Enter your contact information and select the declaration that you own the copyright being infringed.
6. Review and submit the form. TikTok will follow up via email if they need any additional information.
The DMCA requires that copyright complaints be submitted by the original rights holder or an authorized representative. TikTok will remove infringing content quickly after receiving a valid DMCA notice.
Contacting TikTok Directly
If you want to directly contact TikTok about an issue, there are a few options:
Email: You can email TikTok customer support at [email protected]. This email can be used for general inquiries, account issues, reporting problematic content, and more.
Phone: Unfortunately, TikTok does not have a public customer service phone number. The only way to potentially reach them by phone is through their creator support line, which is only available to verified creators.
Chat: TikTok does not offer live chat support at this time.
Social Media: You can try reaching out to TikTok Support on Twitter at @TikTokSupport. Send them a DM explaining your issue.
When contacting TikTok directly, provide as many details as possible, including your username, the problematic content in question, and specific dates and times. Screenshots and links can be helpful. Be polite yet firm in describing how TikTok’s policies have been violated.
Filing a BBB Complaint
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides a platform for resolving disputes between consumers and businesses. TikTok has a BBB profile that consumers can reference to view complaint details and file new complaints.
TikTok’s BBB profile overview shows they currently have a rating of 1 out of 5 stars based on 619 customer complaints. The profile provides transparency into the types of complaints filed, TikTok’s responses, and whether the issues were resolved.
To file a complaint against TikTok via the BBB:
- Go to the BBB website and search for TikTok’s profile.
- Click “File a Complaint” on TikTok’s profile page.
- Provide your contact information and describe the issue in detail.
- Submit supporting documentation if available.
- Confirm your complaint submission.
The BBB will notify TikTok of the complaint and facilitate communication to reach a resolution.
Seeking Legal Action
If you have ongoing issues with TikTok that are not resolved through standard complaint procedures, you may want to consider legal action. One option is hiring a lawyer to represent you in potential litigation against TikTok. A lawyer can advise you on the strength of your case and the options available. This route makes the most sense if you have suffered individualized harm from TikTok’s actions.
Another option is joining a class action lawsuit against TikTok. These lawsuits allow many users to combine their legal claims into a single case. Recently, some class action lawsuits have been filed alleging issues like data privacy violations and child safety concerns. A class action lawsuit may be a viable path if you want to hold TikTok accountable but litigation costs are a barrier. Talk to a lawyer to see if an existing class action suit fits your situation. Just keep in mind that compensation from class actions is usually small per person after legal fees.
Using Social Media
If you want to complain about TikTok more publicly, you can use social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. You can tweet at @TikTokSupport or post on TikTok’s Facebook page detailing your complaint. Keep your posts public, factual, and civil. Avoid rants or insults. Stick to the facts of your complaint and what resolution you’d like to see.
You can also try to find contact information for TikTok executives or spokespeople via LinkedIn or company directories. Send a polite, professional email explaining your complaint and desired outcome. Avoid emotional language or threats of legal action at this stage. Focus on resolving the issue cooperatively.
Posting publicly or emailing contacts might prompt TikTok to respond and address your complaint, especially if it gains traction among other users. However, these channels are less direct than formal complaint procedures. Manage expectations accordingly in terms of response time and resolution.
Key Takeaways
When you have an issue with content on TikTok that you want to complain about, you have several options available. The easiest ways are to report problematic videos, accounts, comments or messages directly within the app. TikTok has forms to submit copyright complaints if your content is used without permission. For account suspensions, you can appeal the decision and provide additional information.
If you have already tried the in-app reporting options without resolution, you can escalate your complaint by contacting TikTok directly via their email or feedback forms. Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau is another avenue to make your voice heard. For very serious legal matters, consulting an attorney about your options for legal action is recommended.
Persistence is key when dealing with large social media platforms. While TikTok does provide ways to report issues, their support team receives an extremely high volume of complaints daily. If your complaint is not resolved promptly, continue to follow up through multiple channels until you receive a satisfactory response. With patience and persistence, many users are ultimately able to get their issues addressed.
