TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create, share, and discover entertaining videos. Like other social media platforms, TikTok utilizes blocking and restricting mechanisms to enforce its community guidelines and promote a safe environment for users.
TikTok may temporarily or permanently block users from performing certain actions like commenting, liking, or following other accounts. These blocks are intended to curb abuse and spam on the platform. Understanding TikTok’s blocking policies can help users avoid running afoul of the rules.
This article provides an overview of the types of blocks TikTok utilizes and the reasons users may find themselves blocked. It also offers guidance on how to appeal blocks and avoid future restrictions.
Why TikTok Blocks Accounts
TikTok blocks accounts for various reasons in order to maintain the integrity and safety of their platform. The main reasons TikTok will block accounts include:
- Spam – Accounts that repeatedly post irrelevant, promotional, or repetitive content may be blocked for spam. This helps ensure users see authentic content relevant to their interests.
- Bots – Accounts identified as bots that attempt to artificially boost engagement will be blocked. This prevents bot accounts from manipulating the platform and metrics.
- Illegal content – Accounts sharing illegal content such as child exploitation, terrorism, threats of violence, etc. will be immediately blocked. Blocking these accounts helps provide a safe environment.
- Dangerous acts and challenges – Accounts promoting dangerous challenges or acts that put people at risk may be blocked. This protects users from potentially harmful content.
By blocking accounts that violate these rules, TikTok aims to keep the platform safe and focused on creative, entertaining short videos.
Temporary Blocks
TikTok may temporarily block an account for violating its community guidelines. According to TikTok’s support page, temporary bans typically last 1-2 weeks (Source). However, the duration can vary depending on factors like the severity and frequency of violations.
Some common reasons for temporary blocks include posting inappropriate or dangerous content, spamming, or abusing the reporting system. Actions like bullying, nudity, and hate speech often result in temporary bans to give users a chance to correct their behavior before facing a permanent ban.
During a temporary ban, users are unable to access their account or use TikTok’s features. However, the account and its content remain visible to others. Once the ban is lifted, full account access is restored.
Permanent Blocks
TikTok may permanently ban an account for severe or repeated violations of their community guidelines and terms of service. Some of the main reasons TikTok hands out permanent bans include:
- Posting illegal content like child sexual abuse material, terrorist content, or content that violates local laws.
- Spamming others, such as repeatedly contacting people without their consent.
- Impersonating others by creating fake accounts.
- Violating others’ privacy by doxxing or posting private information.
- Bullying, harassing, or threatening violence against others.
- Spreading misinformation that may cause harm.
- Using third-party apps or services to artificially boost popularity.
- Evading previous account bans.
TikTok states that when deciding on a permanent ban they consider factors like the severity of the violation, previous enforcement history, and the risk of future harm. Banned users can appeal the ban, but TikTok does not always overturn permanent bans.
Blocked From Following
TikTok may block you from following other accounts if you follow too many accounts in a short period of time. This is done to prevent spam and bot accounts from mass following large numbers of users. According to TikTok’s support page, you may receive a “too fast” error message if you have been liking or following content too quickly [1].
If you follow more than 30 accounts per hour, you risk being temporarily blocked from following anyone new [2]. The first block usually lasts 24 hours. If you continue to follow too many accounts after the initial block, subsequent blocks may last longer.
To avoid blocks, it’s best to limit following to 30 or fewer new accounts per hour. Take breaks between following spurts. You can also appeal if you feel you were unjustly blocked from following others.
Blocked From LIking
TikTok limits the number of likes that a user can give in a certain timeframe to prevent spamming and bot activity. The daily like limit is around 500-1000 likes in a 24 hour period according to various sources (TikTok limits, Quora). If a user exceeds this limit, they may receive a “you’re tapping too fast, take a break” error message and be temporarily blocked from liking content.
The duration of like blocks varies, but is often around 24 hours according to TikTok’s help documentation (TikTok Support). The block is designed to curb potential spam behavior and reset like patterns to normal levels. Users should take care not to indiscriminately spam likes on the platform if they want to avoid blocks.
There are no permanent blocks solely for exceeding the like limit as far as public information indicates. The blocks are temporary and intended to prevent abuse of the like feature. Users can resume normal liking behavior once the block timeframe has elapsed.
Blocked From Commenting
TikTok may temporarily block users from commenting for 24-48 hours if they violate community guidelines around harassment, hate speech, bullying, spam, or other inappropriate content according to this Reddit thread. The block is intended to give users a chance to re-evaluate their behavior before continuing to engage on the platform.
Repeated or more serious violations can lead to longer commenting bans, ranging from multiple days up to permanent removal of commenting abilities according to TikTok’s support page. Things that may warrant longer blocks include hate speech, bullying, illegal activities, dangerous challenges, nudity, and harassment. The length of the block depends on factors like the severity and frequency of violations.
Banned users cannot comment on any videos, livestreams, or profiles during their block. The only way to regain commenting abilities is to serve out the block duration and then exhibit good behavior moving forward.
Avoiding Blocks
There are a few best practices users can follow to avoid getting blocked on TikTok:
Be respectful and refrain from harassing, bullying or spamming other users. Offensive, abusive or inappropriate comments will likely result in blocks (https://support.tiktok.com/en/community-guidelines).
Avoid excessively commenting, liking or following others, as this could be perceived as spam. Spread out your interactions (https://www.socialchamp.io/blog/how-to-block-someone-on-tiktok/).
Don’t overuse hashtags or tag users who aren’t relevant just to gain more views. This is considered tag spam.
Make sure your content doesn’t violate copyright rules or Community Guidelines. Original content is less likely to prompt blocks.
If someone asks you to stop interacting with their content, respect their wishes and leave them alone.
In general, engage authentically on the platform, provide value to others, and avoid behaviors that could be annoying or make others uncomfortable.
Appealing Blocks
If your TikTok account gets blocked, you can appeal the decision directly through the app. According to TikTok’s Help Center, the appeal process is as follows:
- Open the notification from TikTok about your blocked account.
- Tap the “Appeal” button in the notification.
- This will take you to the appeals form within the app where you can explain why you think the block should be reversed.
- Make your case clearly and concisely in the provided text box.
- Tap submit to send your appeal to TikTok for review.
TikTok states that a member of their moderation team will review your appeal and make a final decision. This process may take some time. You’ll receive a notification from TikTok once the appeal review is complete. If your appeal is successful, your account and access will be fully restored. If it’s rejected, the block will remain in effect.
According to TikTok’s guidelines, you only get one chance to appeal a permanent ban. So make your appeal count by being polite, honest, and providing any necessary context.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok blocks accounts temporarily or permanently for violating its community guidelines around things like spam, illegal activities, dangerous acts, violent extremism, and more. Temporary blocks can last from 24 hours up to 30 days. Permanent blocks are reserved for severe or repeat violations.
If you find your account has been blocked from liking, commenting, or following other users, it’s likely due to suspicious activity or violations detected by TikTok’s systems. The best way to avoid blocks is to carefully follow the platform’s rules and policies. If you believe your account was blocked in error, you can appeal the decision through TikTok’s support options.
Overall, TikTok blocks are intended to protect the community and foster a positive environment on the platform. While frustrating if applied unfairly, they play an important role in content moderation. With a proper understanding of TikTok’s rules and a thoughtful approach to posting content, most users can avoid blocks and maintain access to the app’s full functionality.
