TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. However, with its meteoric rise in popularity, TikTok also faces challenges in effectively moderating the vast amount of content being shared daily. Getting a video removed can be frustrating and confusing for users who feel their content did not violate policies.
As a platform built around sharing short videos, TikTok requires extensive content moderation to maintain its community guidelines. TikTok uses a combination of automated algorithms and human reviewers to evaluate reports of inappropriate content and determine if removal is warranted. Understanding why a specific video may have been taken down requires looking closer at TikTok’s rules, violations that lead to removal, and the appeals process.
Violating Community Guidelines
TikTok removes videos and accounts that violate its Community Guidelines, which prohibit certain types of harmful or illegal content. The main categories of violations include:
- Nudity and sexual activities – Videos depicting nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit content.
- Harmful and dangerous acts – Videos promoting dangerous challenges, suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders.
- Hateful behavior and ideology – Content promoting hate speech, terrorism, or extremism.
- Harassment and bullying – Videos that harass, threaten, or humiliate other users.
- Regulated goods – Promoting the sale of firearms, drugs, or other regulated goods.
- Illegal activities – Depicting or encouraging illegal activities.
If TikTok detects these types of violations, it may remove the video, issue a warning or temporary suspension, or in severe cases, permanently ban the account. Repeated violations make a permanent ban more likely.
Copyright Violations
One of the most common reasons for TikTok removing videos is due to copyright violations. This occurs when users upload content containing copyrighted music, videos, or images without obtaining proper licensing or permission from the copyright holders. According to a Digital Music News report, copyright removal requests on TikTok more than tripled in 2022, with over 168,000 copyright and 19,000 trademark removal requests filed.
TikTok’s algorithm automatically scans uploads and flags potential copyright infringements. If you use a popular song or snippet of copyrighted video footage without permission, chances are it will be detected and your video will be removed. Per TikTok’s Copyright Policy, rights holders can formally report violations and request takedowns. Repeated violations can lead to strikes on your account or even permanent suspension.
To avoid copyright issues, only use original audio tracks, licensed music, public domain or royalty-free content, or brief snippets of copyrighted material that fall under fair use doctrine. TikTok also offers an expansive music library you can freely use. Obtain all necessary licenses and permissions before uploading derivate or repurposed content. Ultimately, comply with copyright law and show respect for other creators’ intellectual property.
Temporary Suspensions
TikTok may temporarily suspend an account for violating its Community Guidelines. Some common reasons for temporary suspensions include:
- Posting illegal, dangerous or inappropriate content
- Spamming or artificially inflating engagement
- Impersonating others or misrepresenting identity
- Minors (under 13) using the platform
The length of temporary suspensions can range from 24-48 hours for first-time violations, up to 1-2 weeks for repeated offenses. According to TikTok’s policies, “if we see that an account may have seriously or repeatedly violated our guidelines, the account may be permanently banned.”
To appeal a temporary suspension, you can submit an appeal through the app by going to your profile, tapping the three dots in the top right, selecting “Report a problem” and following the prompts. Provide an explanation of why you believe the suspension was unwarranted. TikTok reviews these appeals and determines whether to lift the suspension.
Sources: https://ads.tiktok.com/help/article/account-suspensions?lang=en, https://uaateam.digital/blog/how-to-recover-temporarily-banned-tiktok-account/
Permanent Bans
Permanent bans are issued to TikTok accounts for severe or repeated violations of community guidelines. According to the TikTok Help Center, users can receive a “permanent ban if we find severe or repeated violations of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service” (source).
Once an account is permanently banned, the option to appeal is extremely limited. TikTok states that “permanent bans can’t be appealed unless we’ve made a mistake” (source). This means users have little recourse if their account is permanently removed for legitimate reasons.
Some violations that can lead to a permanent ban include posting illegal content, dangerous acts or threats of violence, spamming others, and severe or repeat violations of community guidelines. Users must be very cautious with the content they post to avoid losing their account access permanently.
Avoiding Bans
The best way to avoid getting banned on TikTok is to carefully follow the platform’s Community Guidelines. These guidelines prohibit certain types of content like nudity, illegal activities, hate speech, and violence. Make sure any videos you post do not violate these rules.
It’s also important to properly attribute any copyrighted material used in your videos. TikTok has a strict policy against copyright infringement. If you use someone else’s music, images, or other content without permission, your video may get removed and your account could face suspension or termination.
If your content does get removed or your account gets temporarily banned, take it as a warning sign. Build your appeal case proactively by saving screenshots and records showing that you followed platform policies. That way if your account faces permanent deletion, you’ll have evidence to make a strong case for reinstatement.
Appealing Removals
If your content is removed from TikTok for violating community guidelines or other policies, you can appeal the decision by tapping “Appeal” at the top of the notification you receive. According to the TikTok Help Center, you can also submit an appeal after providing feedback explaining why you disagree with their decision.
When submitting an appeal, provide a detailed explanation of why you believe your content does not actually violate any policies. Point out any misunderstandings or ambiguities that may have led to the incorrect removal. Remain respectful and constructive in your appeal. TikTok notes that abuse or profanity in appeals can result in suspensions.
The timeframe for appeal reviews can vary depending on the complexity of the case. However, TikTok strives to resolve most appeals within 24 hours. If your appeal is successful, your content will be promptly restored. TikTok will also notify you that the appeal was accepted and the penalty reversed. This proactive notification can provide reassurance that your account is in good standing.
Proactive Moderation
One of the best ways to avoid TikTok bans is to be proactive with content moderation. Creators can utilize TikTok’s built-in moderation tools to identify any potential issues before posting. This includes reviewing automated captions, hashtags, mentions, and comments for language or content that could violate guidelines.
TikTok also allows creators to assign moderators to help filter comments and manage live streams. Moderators can ban users, delete comments, and report concerning content using special commands. Assigning trustworthy moderators enables creators to focus on producing content while delegating moderation duties.
If a video receives warnings or temporary restrictions, creators may need to edit or remove it to comply with Community Guidelines. Trimming out any questionable portions, blurring images, or deleting the post altogether prevents a permanent account ban. While editing takes more effort, it allows creators to improve content and continue posting without starting over.
Overall, taking a proactive approach to moderation by utilizing TikTok’s built-in tools, assigning moderators, and editing content can help creators avoid permanent removal of their account or videos.
Alternatives to TikTok
If you find TikTok’s moderation policies too restrictive, there are other platforms you can use to reach an audience. YouTube and Instagram generally have more relaxed content rules, though they do still remove some videos that violate their guidelines. You can build a following on multiple platforms to reduce reliance on just one.
Some alternatives to explore include:
- YouTube Shorts – Google’s popular video site allows longer videos and has over 2 billion monthly users. You can upload Shorts up to 60 seconds long. Source
- Instagram Reels – Create and share 15 to 60 second multi-clip videos on Instagram’s Reels feature. Over 1 billion people use Instagram every month. Source
- Triller – This app has similar community features to TikTok. It promotes itself as valuing creative freedom and expression.
- Snapchat – Post videos and photos that disappear after viewing. Over 300 million people use Snapchat daily.
Building an audience across multiple sites can help you reach more people. It also reduces dependency on any one platform. If you do get banned from TikTok, you will retain audiences elsewhere. Staying active on alternative sites will keep your overall following engaged.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok videos can be removed for violating community guidelines, copyright issues, or other policy violations. Temporary suspensions are common for minor first-time offenses, while permanent bans are reserved for severe or repeat violations. The best way to avoid removals is to follow all guidelines, get permission for copyrighted material, and avoid spam tactics. If your content does get taken down, politely appealing the decision and reading the policy may help get it reinstated. For creators who want to avoid moderation altogether, alternative platforms like YouTube or Instagram may be preferable.
In closing, be thoughtful about what you post and proactively steer clear of borderline content when using TikTok. This will minimize your chances of a removal while allowing you to best reach your intended audience. With knowledge of TikTok’s rules and a commitment to creating quality videos, you can build an engaged following and avoid headaches over removed content.
