If you’ve been using TikTok for a while, you’ve probably heard of the shadowban.
If you’re getting zero views or a sharp drop in your engagement, you’re probably shadowbanned.
Did you notice a sharp drop in your engagement (e.g. likes, comments) on your videos?
A lot of users have experienced the TikTok shadowban and it’s negatively affecting their reach.
It can be frustrating because you might spend a lot of time making videos, but they get little to no views.
In this article, you’ll learn what is the TikTok shadowban, how to fix it, and why you got it.
- What is the TikTok Shadowban?
- How do I know if I’m shadowbanned on TikTok?
- Why did I get shadowbanned on TikTok?
- How to fix the shadowban on TikTok
- How long does a shadowban last on TikTok?
- Is a shadowban permanent?
- How do I prevent the TikTok shadowban?
- Why do I keep getting shadowbanned on TikTok?
What is the TikTok Shadowban?
The TikTok shadowban is a ban that prevents your videos from showing up on the For You Page (FYP).
If your account is shadowbanned, your videos will get little to no views, likes, and comments.
A TikTok shadowban mitigates spammers, bots, and inappropriate content on the platform.
Instead of permanently banning these users, TikTok might enforce a shadowban instead.
How do I know if I’m shadowbanned on TikTok?

You’ll know if you’re shadowbanned on TikTok if every new video you post gets zero views.
If you’re shadowbanned on TikTok, the views, likes, and comments on your newer posts will drop sharply.
An example is if you used to get over 1,000 views on every video but now you only get zero views.
The second way to know if you’re shadowbanned on TikTok is to post a video with an uncommon hashtag (e.g. #test13579).
Then, ask your friend to search for the hashtag on TikTok (or you can use a secondary account to do this).
If your post happens to be on the search results, then you are not shadowbanned.
However, if your post does not appear on the search results, then you are shadowbanned.
Why did I get shadowbanned on TikTok?
You got shadowbanned on TikTok because you’re either carrying out actions too quickly or posting low-quality content.
Otherwise, you’ve either violated the community guidelines, bought fake engagement, or used a VPN.
1. You followed, liked, or commented too fast
If you carry out actions on the app too fast, TikTok will think that you’re a bot or spammer.
This includes following, unfollowing, liking, commenting, sharing, and uploading.
Instead, use the app normally without spamming any actions.
Otherwise, your account will be shadowbanned and your future posts will get zero views.
2. You’re posting low-quality content
The first reason why you may be shadowbanned on TikTok is that you’re posting low-quality content.
Low-quality content is videos that are reposted, contain little to no edits, or are not interesting.
Before you publish a video, you should always compare it to the videos you see on the For You Page.
Is the quality of your video similar to the ones on the For You Page, or is it very different?
If the quality of your video is bad compared to the videos on the For You Page, then you should reconsider posting it.
3. One or more of your videos have violated TikTok’s guidelines

If one or more of your videos have violated TikTok’s guidelines, your account may be shadowbanned.
You’re not allowed to post videos that are dangerous, illegal, or graphic.
If you post something that violates TikTok’s guidelines, they might shadowban you instead of permanently banning you.
It’s important to go through TikTok’s guidelines and read them thoroughly to avoid being shadowbanned.
4. You bought fake followers, likes, or comments
Purchasing fake engagement like followers, likes, or comments will lead to a shadowban.
TikTok can detect fake engagement from real engagement and shadowban users who utilize fake engagement.
You should never buy fake engagement because it’s a surefire way for TikTok to penalize your account.
In addition, your SIM card may be blacklisted such that any new account that you create will be shadowbanned.
5. You’re using a VPN
If you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you may be shadowbanned by TikTok.
You’ve most likely used a VPN because you want to change your geographic location.
If you’re using a VPN, turn it off before you open TikTok or post a new video.
In addition, TikTok knows if you’re using a VPN and your videos will not get pushed to the right audience.
How to fix the shadowban on TikTok
To fix the shadowban on TikTok, you must buy a new phone with a new SIM card.
You can also try sending them a support ticket, wait it out, continue posting, or create a new account.
1. Buy a new phone with a new SIM card
- A TikTok shadowban is imposed on your phone number (SIM card).
- You must buy a new phone and get a new SIM card to lift the shadowban.
- Create a new TikTok account using your new phone number on your new phone.
2. Send a support ticket
The first way you can fix the shadowban is to send a support ticket via the TikTok app.
To do so, go to your Profile > Menu > Settings and privacy > Report a problem > Submit a report.
Describe that you’re shadowbanned and you need help to fix it.
Wait for TikTok to respond to your request.
3. Wait it out
The second method to fix the TikTok shadowban is to wait it out.
Typically, the shadowban is temporary and will be automatically lifted after a few weeks.
In some cases, there is a chance that your account might be permanently shadowbanned.
If that’s the case, you need to use the first method, which is to buy a new phone and a new SIM card.
4. Continue posting
If your TikTok account is shadowbanned, you should continue posting as normal.
You should also interact with your FYP (e.g. liking, commenting, sharing).
It’s recommended that you do this for a few weeks to prove that you’re not a bot.
If you do this, your videos should be able to get back on the For You Page again.
5. Create a new account
The fifth method is to create a new TikTok account to get rid of the shadowban.
After you’ve created a new TikTok account, try posting a high-quality video with edits.
Then, wait for 24 hours and check if the video has accumulated views.
If the video has some views after 24 hours, it means that the shadowban is not imposed on your new accounts.
How long does a shadowban last on TikTok?
A shadowban typically lasts for one or two weeks.
In some cases, it can be permanent if you’ve violated TikTok’s guidelines.
A permanent shadowban means that all of your new videos will get zero views forever.
This ban is typically imposed on your SIM card.
Is a shadowban permanent?
A TikTok shadowban is usually not permanent.
A shadowban typically lasts for one or two weeks and will be lifted after that.
If it’s still not lifted after a few weeks, it means that your SIM card is blacklisted.
If that’s the case, the only way to fix it is to get a new phone with a new SIM card.
How do I prevent the TikTok shadowban?
1. Stop posting low-quality content
If you want to prevent being shadowbanned or want to get on the For You Page, you have to stop posting low-quality content.
The main reason why your posts aren’t getting on the For You Page is that your content isn’t good enough.
If there are one or two videos that get really low engagement as compared to most of your other videos, then it’s very likely that the videos that you’ve posted are low-quality.
Before posting a video on TikTok, make sure to benchmark it with videos that are currently on the For You Page.
2. Don’t post anything that violates TikTok’s guidelines
To prevent being shadowbanned, you cannot post anything that violates TikTok’s guidelines.
It’s highly recommended that you read TikTok’s guidelines carefully; especially if you’re unsure whether something violates their guidelines or not.
If you post something that violates TikTok’s guidelines, your post may be reported.
Consequently, if the post does indeed violate their guidelines, it will be taken down and you might be shadowbanned.
3. Don’t follow, like, or comment too fast
Don’t carry out actions on the app too fast or TikTok will think that you’re a bot or spammer.
This includes following, unfollowing, liking, commenting, sharing, and uploading.
Instead, use the app normally without spamming any actions.
Otherwise, your account will be shadowbanned and your future posts will get zero views.
4. Don’t buy fake engagement
Don’t buy followers, views, likes, followers, shares, or comments.
TikTok knows if you’re participating in purchasing engagement.
If you do, your account will be shadowbanned and your future videos will not show up on other’s FYP.
Purchasing fake engagement is also a violation of one of TikTok’s guidelines under integrity and authenticity.
5. Avoid using a VPN
Finally, you should avoid using a VPN.
A VPN enables you to post content in a different region.
If you use a VPN to post content in different regions in a short period, you may be shadowbanned.
In addition, using a VPN does not push your videos to that specific country.
Why do I keep getting shadowbanned on TikTok?
You keep getting shadowbanned on TikTok because your content is low-quality.
Otherwise, you’re spamming actions too quickly like following or unfollowing.
If your videos still get views (e.g. 50 to 300 views) after a few hours, it means that you’re not shadowbanned.
Instead, it means that your content is not interesting enough for the FYP.
Conclusion
If you noticed a consistent, sharp drop in your views/engagement rate in your new posts, then you might be shadowbanned.
Otherwise, your content might be of low quality which prevents it from getting on the For You Page.
TikTok has a rigorous moderation policy that decides whether a post can get to the For You Page or not.
If your content is low in quality, then your post might perform poorly on the For You Page.
That’s just how the platform is run—TikTok only wants to show the best content on the For You Page so that people are more likely to stay on the app.