What is a TikTok Shadowban?

A shadowban isn't an official term from TikTok, but it's a community term for when an account's visibility is secretly reduced by the algorithm. Your videos may stop appearing on the 'For You' page, and you'll see a dramatic and sudden drop in views and engagement, with traffic coming mostly from your followers or profile page.

What Causes a Shadowban?

Shadowbans are typically triggered by behavior that violates TikTok's Community Guidelines, even if it's not severe enough for an outright ban. Common causes include:

* **Spammy Behavior:** Following too many people too quickly, or liking and commenting excessively in a short period. * **Posting Inappropriate Content:** This includes content that is violent, hateful, or sexually suggestive, even if it's borderline. * **Copyright Infringement:** Consistently using copyrighted music or video clips without permission can flag your account. * **Using Banned Hashtags:** Some hashtags are blocked by TikTok. Using them can limit your video's reach. ### How to Check for and Fix a Shadowban

1. **Check Your Analytics:** Go to the analytics for a recent video. If the percentage of traffic from the 'For You' page is extremely low (e.g., less than 10%) or zero, you might be shadowbanned. 2. **Delete Problematic Content:** Review your recent videos. If any of them could be seen as violating community guidelines, delete them immediately. 3. **Clear Your Cache:** In the TikTok app, go to 'Settings and Privacy' and 'Clear Cache'. This can sometimes help reset things. 4. **Take a Break:** Stop posting for a few days (e.g., 3-7 days). This can give the algorithm time to reset its view of your account. 5. **Focus on High-Quality Content:** When you return, focus on creating original, high-value content that fully complies with all guidelines. Rebuilding trust with the algorithm is key.