How To Get Unshadowbanned on TikTok: Restore Visibility

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: May 21, 2024

TikTok 101
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TikTok can turn you into an overnight sensation and just as quickly banish you into obscurity. If your TikTok videos are not getting views or your engagement dropped suddenly, it’s likely due to a shadowban. Discover what a shadowban is and how to get unshadowbanned on TikTok. 

The silhouette of a man standing in shadow in front of a window with bars.

What Is a Shadowban on TikTok?

A shadowban is a temporary restriction on your account that prevents your content from showing up on feeds. Are your recent videos getting minimal to zero views and engagement? It’s possible that TikTok has imposed a shadowban on your account. TikTok reduces or completely blocks your visibility on the platform. And it does not inform you of the ban, hence, the word “shadow.”

Shadowbanned accounts typically don’t become immediately aware that TikTok has temporarily muted or blocked their posts. Eventually, they realize that something’s not right. Their videos are not receiving their customary share of views, likes, and comments — not even from their most engaged fans. 

The phenomenon is not unique to TikTok. Shadowbanning also exists on other social media platforms. But none of these platforms has ever confirmed that they do it. Some say that shadowbanning is not real — it’s just one of the countless conspiracy theories that refuse to go away. But incidences of “unofficial” account restrictions persist, so the anomaly is not just a theory. 

The genius of the shadowban phenomenon is that, like a shadow, there’s nothing tangible and concrete about it. But also, like a shadow, you can’t deny it exists. 

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Who Gets Shadowbanned on TikTok?

Users who violate TikTok’s Community Guidelines may find themselves at the receiving end of a shadowban. Accounts that engage in spammy or bot-like behaviors are also likely to experience stealthy banning. 

Here’s a rundown of platform violations that may get you shadowbanned on TikTok:

  • Posting inappropriate content, offensive content, adult content, hate speech, or fake news 
  • Content that promotes drug use, abusive behavior, or violence. 
  • Copyright violations
  • Intellectual property infringements
  • Spammy or bot-like behaviors, such as following too many accounts or liking too many videos too quickly. Flooding the feed with one video after another may also alert TikTok’s algorithm to spam-like activities. The algorithm may also flag a sudden and huge increase in followers, views, or engagement as a bot activity

Familiarize yourself with the platform’s guidelines to make sure you won’t break any rules. Always err on the side of caution if you’re not sure, especially as some rules fall in a grey area. It’s always easier to avoid punishment than figuring out how to be un-shadowbanned on TikTok. 

How Can You Tell If TikTok Has Shadowbanned Your Account?

These are telltale signs that may point to a shadowban:

  1. Your numbers suddenly take a nosedive after weeks of continuously increasing views and engagement: It’s likely that TikTok has hit you with the dreaded shadowban. 
  2. Your followers are not seeing your videos: If even your avid followers are not seeing your latest posts, it may be because TikTok has restricted your account. 
  3. Your new uploads have been “under review” longer than usual: It may be because of an app glitch or server issues, or it might be because of a shadowban. 

Your next question will likely be, “How do I get un-shadowbanned on TikTok?” Keep reading to find out. 

A pair of handcuffs dangles from one arm as the person holds both arms up to the sky.

How To Get Unshadowbanned on TikTok

How do you get un-shadowbanned on TikTok? Is there a way to reverse the ban, or is your only option to ride it out?

There’s no established formula on how to get your shadowban suspended. There’s no way to appeal the penalty, as it’s not even an official restriction. You can take the following steps to improve your standing and, hopefully, get you out of your forced hiatus sooner. 

  1. Review your most recent posts: Check them against TikTok’s Community Guidelines. If you spot anything that may have breached the guidelines, no matter how vague, delete the post in question. 
  2. Delete any flagged content: If TikTok has already notified you of a content violation, delete the content immediately. Be more careful with your future posts. Make sure you don’t commit the same violation.
  3. Did you boost your numbers artificially?: Get rid of the artificial numbers as soon as possible. 
  4. Stop any spam-like behavior immediately: Take a break from following accounts. Hit the brakes on the liking, commenting, and sharing. Slow down your TikTok activities. 
  5. Uninstall and reinstall the app: You never know; this fix might work. However, you’ll lose your TikTok drafts if you have any. Save them to your device first. 

How Long Does It Take to Get Unshadowbanned on TikTok?

If it’s not a real TikTok punishment, how can you tell when it’s over? How long does it take to get un-shadowbanned on TikTok? 

Because shadowbanning is not an official penalty, there’s also no definitive number on how long it lasts. But based on anecdotal evidence (i.e., reports from previously shadowbanned accounts), the ban may last 24 hours to 14 days. Repeat or heavy violations may put your account under the restrictive shadow for up to a month. 

A person’s handcuffed arms rest on a table.

Achieve and Maintain Prominent Visibility on For You Feeds 

Whether shadowbans are a myth or a real phenomenon, it’s best to avoid the unconfirmed and amorphous punishment. To paraphrase a popular aphorism: Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean TikTok’s not out to get you. 

As almighty and all-knowing as the algorithm may seem, it still makes mistakes. So, if you feel that your reduced visibility has no just cause, submit a report to TikTok. If there’s a tiny possibility that you committed a violation, chalk it up to experience. Sit tight and wait for the shadowban to be over. 

The smart move is to always err on the side of caution. Adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines. If you’re still feeling your way around the platform, learn from the best content creators in your niche and industry. 

Get to know your target audience and always keep their needs in mind when creating content. Keep an eye on your TikTok Analytics to identify which strategies work and which ones don’t deliver your desired results. 

It’s good to know how to get unshadowbanned on TikTok. It’s better if you don’t find yourself at the receiving end of any account restrictions. Why not get help from experts in TikTok growth? Sign up for a High Social plan to develop a content strategy that drives results.
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TikTok 101