TikTok is a popular short-form video sharing app with over 1 billion monthly active users. Users on TikTok can upload videos, participate in trends, and interact with other users. However, TikTok occasionally issues “account warnings” to users if they violate the app’s Community Guidelines.
There are a few main reasons why an account warning may appear on TikTok. The most common reasons include breaking rules around minor safety, illegal activities, regulated goods, nudity and sexual content, harassment and bullying, hateful behavior, violent and graphic content, suicide, self-harm and dangerous acts, and dangerous individuals and organizations. An account warning serves as a warning that the account violated a rule, but does not immediately lead to a permanent ban. However, repeated violations can lead to the account being banned.
Violating Community Guidelines
TikTok has a detailed set of Community Guidelines that prohibit certain types of content and behavior. Violating these guidelines can lead TikTok to take action against your account.
Examples of content violations include posting illegal or dangerous activity, hate speech, bullying, nudity, or sexually explicit content. You could also violate the guidelines through account misuse like spamming, artificially inflating engagement, or operating multiple accounts. Any content that is deemed inappropriate or harmful by TikTok moderators may result in a violation.
The consequences for violations range from content removal to temporary or permanent suspension. The severity depends on the nature of the violation and your account history. Repeated violations within a 90-day period are more likely to lead to a ban.
If your content is removed or your account is banned, you can appeal the decision through TikTok’s appeal process. However, appeals are not always successful, especially for severe or repeat offenses. Maintaining compliance with the Community Guidelines is the best way to avoid warnings and bans.
Suspicious Activity
TikTok has advanced systems in place to detect suspicious activity on the platform that violates their Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. This includes detecting bots, fake accounts, unusual login locations, and other unauthorized behaviors.
TikTok uses machine learning models to analyze account and content characteristics to identify automated accounts and coordinated inauthentic behavior. Things like account creation date, friend network, content uploads, captions, etc. are examined to detect patterns of bot accounts. TikTok also looks for coordinated activity like mass commenting or using specific hashtags from a group of accounts. (1)
Other suspicious activity like logging in from an unknown location or device can also trigger an account warning. TikTok notifies users of recent logins and security events, allowing users to report suspicious activity. Unrecognized logins from new devices or locations may be flagged by TikTok as potential unauthorized access. (1)
Underage User Ban
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. If TikTok detects your account was created when you were under 13, they will ban your account. This is to comply with COPPA regulations that aim to protect children’s privacy online.
If your account gets banned for being underage, you will see a message saying “Your account has been permanently banned because it violates our Terms of Service.” There will be no option to appeal the ban directly in the app.
To resolve an underage account ban, you need to verify your age by submitting an appeal to TikTok. You can do this by:
- Going to TikTok’s appeal form and selecting “My account was permanently banned because TikTok thought I was under 13 years old.”
- Submitting a photo of your government ID that proves you are currently over 13.
- Providing additional information like a selfie video to confirm your identity.
If your appeal is approved, TikTok will reinstate your account. However, it may take several weeks to get a response. Maintaining patience and repeatedly following up is key to getting an underage ban reversed.
Multiple Accounts
TikTok limits the number of accounts that can be created per device. This is to prevent spam accounts and other abusive behaviors. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, if you try to avoid an account restriction or ban by creating multiple accounts, TikTok may permanently ban those accounts.
The best practice is to only operate one TikTok account per person. However, if you do have multiple accounts for legitimate purposes, make sure to properly switch between them within the app. Do not try to use multiple accounts simultaneously on the same device, as this may trigger TikTok’s spam detection systems.
To switch accounts in the TikTok app, go to your profile page and tap the account switcher icon in the top right corner. Select the account you want to switch to. Log out completely before attempting to log into a different account on the same device.
Following TikTok’s rules around multiple accounts will help avoid triggering an account warning or ban.
Copyright Violations
One of the most common reasons for receiving an account warning on TikTok is uploading copyrighted material without permission. As stated in TikTok’s Intellectual Property Policy, users are prohibited from uploading videos that infringe upon someone else’s copyright. If TikTok receives a valid copyright infringement notice, they may remove the content, disable your account features, or suspend your account entirely.
According to TikTok’s support article, if your account receives 3 copyright strikes, it will be permanently banned. When you receive a copyright strike, you have the option to dispute it if you believe it was an error. However, TikTok advises being very confident the strike was unwarranted before disputing, as unsuccessfully disputing a valid copyright claim can count as an additional strike against your account.
The best way to avoid copyright issues is to only upload original content you created yourself. If you want to upload copyrighted material, it’s important to seek permission from the rights holder first. Making good faith efforts to credit the original creator and follow fair use principles can also help minimize copyright problems. Overall, staying aware of TikTok’s copyright rules and double-checking your uploads will go a long way in keeping your account active and warning-free.
Inappropriate Username
TikTok has strict policies against inappropriate usernames that violate their Community Guidelines. Usernames cannot contain obscene, sexual, harmful, hateful, defamatory or discriminatory terms.
If your username violates these policies, your account may receive a warning or become banned. You will likely see a notification about changing your inappropriate username. TikTok may prompt you to update your username before being allowed back on the platform.
To change your username, go to your profile page and tap Edit Profile. Enter a new username that follows TikTok’s policies. Avoid shorthand, abbreviations, or masked profanities. Choose a username appropriate for a diverse, global audience.
With an updated, policy-compliant username, you should be able to use TikTok normally again without restrictions. Just be mindful of TikTok’s guidelines going forward.
Banned Hashtags
TikTok bans certain hashtags that promote harmful or dangerous content. Using a banned hashtag can trigger an account warning or ban. Some commonly banned hashtags include:
- #proana – promoting eating disorders
- #shoplifting – promoting illegal activity
- #trafficking – promoting human trafficking
- #druguse – promoting illegal drug use
According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, using a banned hashtag is a violation that can lead to content removal and account suspension or termination. The consequences depend on the severity and frequency of violations.
First-time violations may receive a warning. But repeat violations could result in a temporary ban from posting, commenting, or live streaming. Permanent account termination is reserved for severe or repeated breaches of community guidelines.
To avoid account warnings, check that hashtags do not promote dangerous or illegal behavior before posting. TikTok does not publish a full list of banned tags, so users should exercise caution.
Restricted Mode
TikTok’s Restricted Mode limits the appearance of content that is not appropriate for all audiences. According to TikTok’s Help Center article on Restricted Mode (https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/restricted-mode), content is restricted if human moderators determine it is not suitable for all audiences.
Accounts may become restricted in this mode if moderators deem their content or activity inappropriate. Types of content that could trigger Restricted Mode include nudity, violence, harmful acts, illegal activities, and mature subjects.
To turn off Restricted Mode on your account, go to your profile, tap the three dots in the top right corner, select “Settings and privacy,” then “Digital wellbeing,” and toggle off “Restricted Mode.” You must disable Restricted Mode on each individual account if you have multiple accounts.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several main reasons why TikTok may show an account warning, including violating community guidelines, suspicious activity, underage user bans, multiple accounts, copyright issues, inappropriate usernames, banned hashtags, and restricted mode violations. To avoid common violations, be sure to follow all TikTok community guidelines, avoid spammy behavior, don’t lie about your age, don’t make multiple accounts, get permission before using copyrighted material, choose an appropriate username, avoid banned hashtags, and keep your content within TikTok’s restrictions.
The account warning is TikTok’s way of cautioning users when their behavior may lead to a suspended account. Paying attention to the warning and adjusting your conduct can help lift the warning so you can continue engaging with the TikTok community.