How to Avoid Shadowbans on TikTok
Suddenly getting zero views? You might be shadowbanned. Here's everything you need to know about staying in TikTok's good graces.
What is a Shadowban?
A shadowban is when TikTok restricts your content's visibility without notifying you. Your videos won't appear on the For You Page, hashtag searches, or sometimes even to your followers. You can still post, but almost no one sees your content.
Important: TikTok has never officially acknowledged shadowbans. They prefer to call it "reduced distribution." But the effect is the same—your reach drops dramatically, often overnight.
Shadowbans typically last 24 hours to 2 weeks, though some accounts report longer restrictions. The severity and duration depend on the violation.
Signs You Might Be Shadowbanned
You went from thousands of views to near zero overnight with no change in content quality.
Search for a hashtag you used, sort by "New"—if your video doesn't appear, you may be restricted.
Check your analytics. If FYP traffic is 0% for recent videos, your content isn't being distributed.
Sometimes content just doesn't perform. True shadowbans affect ALL your videos, not just one.
What Causes TikTok Shadowbans
Community Guideline Violations
- • Nudity or sexual content
- • Violence or graphic content
- • Hate speech or harassment
- • Dangerous activities
- • Misinformation
Spam-Like Behavior
- • Posting too frequently (10+ per day)
- • Mass following/unfollowing
- • Repetitive comments
- • Using banned hashtags
- • Buying fake followers/engagement
Copyright Issues
- • Using copyrighted music/sounds
- • Reposting others' content
- • Watermarked content from other apps
Technical Triggers
- • VPN usage while posting
- • Switching devices frequently
- • Multiple accounts on same device
How to Check If You're Shadowbanned
- 1Check your analytics
Go to Creator Tools → Analytics → Content. Look at traffic sources. If FYP is at 0% for multiple recent videos, you may be restricted.
- 2Search your hashtag
Post a video with a unique hashtag. Wait a few minutes, then search that hashtag on a different account. If your video doesn't appear, there's an issue.
- 3Ask a friend
Have someone who doesn't follow you search for your content. If they can't find you through search or explore, you're likely shadowbanned.
How to Recover From a Shadowban
Step 1: Stop and Assess
Stop posting for 24-48 hours. Review your recent content—did anything violate community guidelines? Delete any questionable content.
Step 2: Clean Up Your Account
Remove any content that could be flagged. Check that your bio doesn't have external links or prohibited content. Make sure profile picture is appropriate.
Step 3: Wait It Out
Most shadowbans lift within 2 weeks. After your break, return with 100% clean content. Start slow—1 post per day maximum.
Step 4: Rebuild Trust
Create high-quality, fully original content. Engage genuinely with your community. Don't use any growth shortcuts. Let the algorithm relearn that you're a quality creator.
Prevention: Best Practices
Stay on the Right Path
The best way to avoid shadowbans is to focus on quality growth strategies.