TikTok Shop is a popular ecommerce platform now. But sellers don’t just post their products here, they’re also pushed to create content and videos to generate a high engagement rate among their followers. Add to that doing live selling everyday.
In the hope of giving your customers highly entertaining content, baka di mo namamalayan you’re unknowingly violating TikTok’s rules and guidelines. And you can get banned for this!
What is a TikTok Ban?
A TikTok ban is the suspension of an account, either permanently or temporarily, due to a violation of its community guidelines.
When you’ve been banned, you won’t be able to post a video, send a message, manage your shop and your engagement will drastically fall. This will greatly affect your business.
Getting a TikTok ban happens for different reasons, and the extent of the offense determines how long your account may be banned.
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What are the types of TikTok bans?
TikTok enforces various levels of penalties for users who violate its community guidelines and terms of service. These penalties can range from temporary restrictions to permanent bans, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
Shadowban
Also known as a “soft ban,” this is a temporary restriction that limits the visibility of your content. Your videos may not appear on the “For You” page or in search results, reducing your reach and engagement.
Shadowbans are often used as a warning for users who have violated guidelines but haven’t committed severe offenses.
Learn more about TikTok Shadowban and How Can You Avoid It.
Temporary Suspension
In more serious cases, TikTok might suspend your account temporarily. This means you won’t be able to access your account, post new content, or engage with other users for a specified period.
The duration of the suspension can vary based on the severity of the violations.
Permanent Ban
For severe or repeated violations of TikTok’s guidelines, your account could be permanently banned. You’ll lose access to your account, and your content will be removed from the platform.
Permanent bans are typically reserved for serious offenses like hate speech, harassment, or illegal activities.
Content Removal
TikTok might remove specific content that violates its guidelines without necessarily banning the entire account. This could be due to violations like nudity, hate speech, or dangerous activities.
Limited Features
In some cases, TikTok might restrict certain features for users who have violated guidelines. For example, you might not be able to live stream, use certain filters, or participate in challenges.
5 TikTok Shop violations that could get you banned
If you run a TikTok shop, you should check on the specific guidelines for TikTok sellers. Carefully following the rules will not only prevent a ban, you can also be sure you’re creating the right content to engage your audience and increase your sales.
These are the activities you should never do in your TikTok Shop.
1. TikTok Shop gambling
TikTok categorizes gambling-related activities as selling items through games or other methods like raffles and lucky draws. Customers may not know the specifics such as the quality, quantity, value and type of products they’re buying.
This restriction covers various features including shop windows, video content, and live streams.
2. Selling prohibited products
All products displayed on TikTok shops must comply with local laws and regulations. TikTok enforces strict rules regarding sale of prohibited products to ensure a safe and positive environment for its users. Some prohibited products include:
- Weapons and dangerous items
- Illegal substances
- Protected wildlife and plants
- Adult or sexually-explicit items
- Unsafe health products
3. Violating rules on restricted products
Some products are restricted by law if they may potentially harm consumers.
According to TikTok’s guidelines, sellers who wish to sell any restricted products are required to obtain the necessary approvals. They may also sell certain categories of products only if they have been given approval via TikTok Shop’s limited “invite-only” process.
The list of restricted products generally include:
- Alcohol and related products
- Dietary supplements
- Luxury jewelry, watches and accessories
- Beauty and personal care products
- Home Appliances, Phones and Electronics
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3. Minors or underage promotional content violation
TikTok has stricter guidelines for content involving minors and underage persons. Sharing content that exploits, endangers, or sexualizes minors in promotional content is strictly prohibited.
The guideline cites that minors must be seen accompanied by adults. There are also limitations on the products that can be presented with a minor. Allowed products include toys, kids’ shoes and clothing, and baby products.
Misleading or false product information
Some TikTok Shop sellers would do everything they can to earn big sales. But using false and misleading information when promoting the products is a clear violation of TikTok’s guidelines..
An unfounded or distorted comparison between your products versus other brands also falls under this. This is not allowed as it can create confusion among the customers about the right product to choose.
How to appeal TikTok Shop violation
If a seller violates a rule, TikTok may notify them with a warning or restrict their accounts immediately. Although there are cases where you may not be aware of the violation you committed.
But you can always file an appeal with TikTok to lift the ban and reactivate your account. Especially if you think that the platform banned you mistakenly or unfairly.
If you believe your account was suspended by mistake, You may request an appeal by going to the TikTok Store Manager and then clicking Appeal. Expect TikTok’s team to get back to you within 24 hours.
You can also submit an appeal to TikTok’s support team through email by clicking the Report A Problem on the platform and submitting a feedback on why you disagree with their decision.
Protect your business from TikTok bans
Protecting your business from potential TikTok bans is important to maintain a stable online presence and avoid disruptions to your marketing efforts. More importantly, to continue getting big sales for your TikTok Shop.
To keep your TikTok Shop thriving, understand TikTok’s community guidelines and terms of service thoroughly to make sure your content and actions comply with their rules.
Para tuluy-tuloy lang ang success ng TikTok Shop mo!
More tips for TikTok Shop success:
How to Start Selling and Be Successful on TikTok Shop
What NOT to Do as A TikTok Shop Seller
Top TikTok Shippers Share Their Tips for Success