What is TikTok?
TikTok is a short form video sharing app that allows users to create, share, and view 15-60 second videos. The app launched in China in September 2016 under the name Douyin and was introduced to the international market as TikTok in 2017. TikTok is owned by the Beijing-based internet technology company ByteDance.
On TikTok, users can watch, create, and share videos covering topics like dance, comedy, talent, and more. The app features an algorithmically curated “For You” feed that serves users tailored video recommendations based on their interests and engagement. TikTok allows users to add special effects and music to their videos with options to duet, stitch, and collaborate with other creators.
As of 2022, TikTok had over 1 billion monthly active users globally and was one of the most downloaded apps in the world. The platform is especially popular with younger demographics like Generation Z. While initially focused on lip sync and dance videos, TikTok has evolved into an entertainment hub showcasing a diverse range of content.
How comments work on TikTok
On TikTok, users can comment on videos to share reactions, give feedback, or interact with the creator or other viewers. Comments appear directly below the video, with the most recent comments shown first.
To comment on a TikTok video, tap the comment bubble icon on the right side of the video. This will open up the comments section. Type your comment into the text box at the bottom and tap “Post” to publish it. Your comment will then be visible to anyone who views that video.
TikTok has a few features to manage comments. You can reply directly to another user’s comment, like comments you appreciate, or report inappropriate comments. TikTok also gives creators the ability to filter, limit, or turn off comments on their videos if they choose. Overall, commenting is designed to enable engaging back-and-forth discussions between viewers.
Source: https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/messaging-and-notifications/comments
Can you delete comments on your own videos?
Yes, as the creator of a TikTok video, you have the ability to delete comments on your own videos. This can be done directly within the TikTok app or on the desktop site [1].
To delete a comment on your own video in the TikTok app, simply tap and hold on the comment you want to delete. This will bring up the option to delete the comment. Tap “Delete” to confirm.
On the desktop site, hover over the comment and click the trash can icon that appears to the right of the comment. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion.
Deleting a comment completely removes it from your video. The user who posted the comment will not be notified or alerted that you deleted their comment. As the video creator, you have full discretion to remove any comments you deem inappropriate or do not want visible on your video page.
Will the user be notified if you delete their comment?
No, users are not notified when their comment is deleted on TikTok. The original commenter will not receive any notification that their comment was removed (source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Tiktokhelp/comments/pcjh5n/if_i_comment_on_a_tiktok_but_then_decide_to_go/).
Once a comment is deleted, it is completely removed from the video and invisible to all users. The only person who can still see the deleted comment is the original comment poster when logged into their account (source: https://www.tiktok.com/find/will-someone-be-notified-if-you-delete-their-comment).
So if you delete someone’s comment on your video, they will not get any notification or indication that their comment was removed. The comment will simply disappear from public view on your video.
When should you delete comments?
One of the main reasons to delete comments is if they contain hateful, abusive, or spam content. According to Reddit users on r/Tiktokhelp, you should feel empowered to delete any comments that make you uncomfortable or that you don’t want representing your account.
“If the comment is rude, inappropriate, or makes you uncomfortable, absolutely delete it. You own your space on TikTok and get to cultivate the type of community you want,” advised one Redditor (source).
Abusive comments that attack someone based on race, gender, sexuality, religion or other identities should always be removed. The same goes for any threatening comments, harassment, bullying or reveals private information about someone without consent.
By deleting these types of inappropriate comments quickly, you can foster a more positive community within your comment section. Allowing abusive comments to remain visible can encourage that behavior from others.
How to delete comments on TikTok
Deleting comments on TikTok is easy to do directly within the app. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the TikTok app and navigate to the video that contains the comment you want to delete.
- Tap on the ‘Comments’ icon below the video to open the comments section.
- Locate the specific comment you want to delete and swipe left on it.
- Tap the ‘Delete’ option that appears.
- Confirm that you want to delete the comment by tapping ‘Delete’ again in the pop-up prompt.
The selected comment will now be removed and no longer visible to other users. According to TikTok (https://blog.brandbastion.com/how-to-delete-comments-on-tiktok), deleting a comment completely removes it from your video.
You can delete multiple comments at a time by swiping left on each one and tapping ‘Delete’. There is no limit on how many comments you can remove.
Keep in mind that only the original video creator has the ability to delete comments. Other users can report inappropriate comments, but cannot directly remove them.
Limits on deleting comments
TikTok does place some limits on how many comments you can delete. According to TikTok’s Help Center, you can only delete up to 100 comments at a time 1. To delete more, you’ll have to go through the process again in batches of up to 100 comments.
TikTok also limits the total number of comments you can delete per day, though they don’t specify exactly what that limit is. If you try to delete too many comments in one day, you’ll get a notification saying “Limit exceeded” and won’t be able to delete any more comments until the next day.
These limits are likely in place to prevent abuse and make sure no one person can completely erase or censor all comments on their videos. While the exact limits are unclear, it’s best to delete comments judiciously and not try to remove too many at once or in a short period.
Best practices for comment moderation
Moderating comments on TikTok can help create a positive environment, but should be done thoughtfully. Here are some best practices for effective moderation:
Be consistent. Try to apply the same standards to all comments and don’t play favorites. Make moderation decisions based on your guidelines, not the user.
Act quickly on harmful comments. Prioritize removing hate speech, threats, harassment, and misinformation as soon as possible.
Consider context. Think about the creator’s intent and audience. Humorous creators may permit edgier jokes while younger audiences need tighter moderation.
Explain decisions. If deleting comments, particularly from loyal fans, politely explain why. This transparency builds trust.
Make moderation visible. Pin a comment explaining your standards. Proactively communicate how you’ll create a positive space.
Use filters wisely. Filters can automatically hide unwanted language, but should be customized thoughtfully.
Judge intensity, not viewpoints. Unpopular opinions can remain if expressed moderately. Extremism and hostility can warrant removal.
Review appeals. If asked, take a second look at deleted comments in case of errors. But don’t permit harassment of mods.
Partner with users. Promote positive comments and remind users to report issues. Your fans can help support moderation.
Stay level-headed. Moderation works best when done calmly. If overwhelmed, take a break and resume with a fresh perspective.
With consistent, balanced moderation and open communication, TikTok creators can cultivate positive, engaging communities.
Dealing with negative feedback
When responding to negative comments on TikTok, it’s important to maintain your composure and choose your words wisely. Here’s a couple of tips for handling critical comments professionally:
Don’t take it personally. Oftentimes negative comments have more to do with the commenter than your actual content. Try not to let it get to you.
Respond calmly and maturely. Being defensive or insulting them back will likely escalate the situation. Take the high road.
Consider their viewpoint. There may be some valid critiques you could learn from, even if they weren’t communicated constructively. See if there’s any truth to it.
Delete and block sparingly. Only remove truly offensive or harassing comments. Being too aggressive with moderation can alienate your audience.
Turn off commenting if needed. If the negativity becomes overwhelming, you can disable comments for a while until things settle down.
Focus on your supportive followers. For every negative Nancy, there are likely many more fans encouraging you and enjoying your content.
Let it go and move on. Don’t dwell on one critical comment. Make your content for the people who appreciate you.
As Imogenation says, she wouldn’t leave such comments on someone else’s TikTok, so try to give commenters the benefit of the doubt before reacting (source).
Fostering a positive community
One of the keys to healthy engagement on TikTok is fostering a positive community. As a creator, you can help set the tone for your comment section by encouraging constructive discussions. Here are some tips:
Respond to thoughtful comments. If someone leaves a meaningful remark, take a moment to reply and keep the conversation going. This shows you value their contribution.
Highlight good comments. Consider pinning or liking comments that add depth or insight. This publicly rewards users who enrich your community.
Be a role model. Maintain a respectful and engaged presence. Your behavior often influences how your audience interacts.
Call out negativity. If you spot a rude comment, politely explain why it’s inappropriate and ask for more constructive feedback. This establishes norms.
Disable comments as needed. If discussions become toxic, you can disable comments for a while until things settle down. This helps reset the tone.
By encouraging constructive engagement, creators can cultivate vibrant, supportive communities on TikTok. This leads to more meaningful interactions and reduces spam.
