How to Avoid Getting Your Content Removed on TikTok

TikTok is the social media platform you need to reach a massive audience. There are more than 150 million users in the U.S. alone and more than 1 billion active users worldwide. Users post around 34 million videos daily, an incredible feat for the platform.

It is no wonder that TikTok is always increasing its scrutiny when it comes to content. If you do not follow TikTok’s policies, your content will be removed. When this happens, it can be frustrating and also highly damaging to your sustained presence on the platform.

If you want to keep your content visible on TikTok, the following guidelines and practices are a must-do.

Following TikTok’s Community Guidelines

TikTok’s Community Guidelines are the gold standard for creating content that will not be removed. These rules dictate what is allowed on the platform and what is not. TikTok moderates content by following a combination of removal, restriction, and ineligibility.

This means TikTok removes all content, posted publicly or privately, if it violates the platform’s rules. Violations include:

• Hate speech

  Any content promoting discrimination based on race, gender, or religion (among other things) is prohibited and will be removed.

• Violence

  Depictions of physical or psychological harm and verbal threats are not allowed.

• Adult content

  TikTok bans nudity, sexual content, and all types of suggestive material. Any other content suitable for adults is restricted, so only those 18 and older can view it.

• Illegal activities

  Any content involving drugs, fraud, or weapons will automatically be removed.

• Misinformation

  TikTok has a harsh stance or misinformation, especially false or misleading claims about health and safety. Content that violates its guidelines will be removed.

It is important to regularly review the Community Guidelines to stay on top of updates that may affect the content you post. Generally speaking, you should be able to find the latest information in the Transparency Center.

Do Not Use Copyrighted Content Without Permission

Intellectual property laws apply to TikTok. If you use copyrighted songs, videos, or images, your posts will be flagged and removed.

To prevent this, you can use the TikTok music library. TikTok offers a massive selection of licensed songs you can use without violating copyrights.

Always create original content. If you want to stay as far away from trouble as possible, use your own music, words, graphics, and animations.

If you simply must use another content creator’s material, ask for permission and give credit. This is the easiest way to avoid an expensive dispute.

Never Use Misleading Hashtags

You may not realize it immediately, but if you use hashtags the wrong way, your content can be removed. Hashtags are meant to improve TikTok visibility. But, if you use irrelevant tags just to get more eyes on your videos, TikTok will notice.

For instance, you may add #trending or #FYP when it has nothing to do with your content. If you keep doing this, your videos will trigger a violation.

When you use hashtags, only use tags that directly relate to your content. Do not overstuff your captions with hashtags, even if they are relevant. Use trending hashtags as they apply to your niche and combine them with branded hashtags.

Always Respect Age Restrictions

Like all major social media platforms, TikTok goes the extra mile to protect minors. Violations involving children are always taken seriously and will result in your account being banned.

There is no excuse for featuring children in exploitative or inappropriate contexts. Big fashion brands attempt this occasionally, resulting in severe backlash, not to mention that TikTok bans accounts that do this.

If your content involves themes like violence and swearing, you cannot target it at children aged under 13. You must always ensure that the participants and viewers of your videos are of the right age. Your content should be suitably restricted if it is meant for a mature audience.

Steer Clear of Controversial Topics

Considering the storm unleashed around the same time as the 2024 U.S. election, it is clear that staying away from controversial topics is best. TikTok prefers that you do not discuss politics or global health on its platform.

If you have something to say, you must fact-check your claims and use disclaimers when necessary. Always stay neutral on divisive issues. You can get your account banned if you start a backlash on TikTok.

Always Edit Real-Life Footage

There is a general fascination with uploading real-life gory or gruesome content on TikTok. This often includes footage of injuries, violence, and explicit images. It is important to remember that on TikTok, even fictional or comedic depictions of such themes violate community guidelines.

Ideally, you should review and edit all your content to catch unintended graphic content before uploading. If you cannot edit something out, blur it so it cannot be seen.

The best way to go about uploading content is to focus on themes that entertain without a shock value or footage that is offensive to people.

Monitor All Comments and Interactions

TikTok does not only moderate your videos but also the comments and interactions you get. If your videos attract hateful or inappropriate comments, your content may be removed by default.

You should enable comment moderation for each video to filter out offensive language. Some comments may slip through, so you must manually review and delete harmful comments.

If you notice people who constantly violate TikTok’s interaction policies, report them.

Invest in a Quality Content Creation Process

The easiest way to prevent your content from being removed is to stick to originality, creativity, and professionalism. Tell your own stories using your own images, footage, and words.

Do not copy trends without adding your own twist to them. The same rule applies to challenges. Use good tools and devices to create content that will inspire your audience. Also, engage with your followers to build a solid reputation on the platform.

Awareness Goes a Long Way on TikTok

You can only fix your content if you know what is wrong with it. This is why knowing all TikTok’s content policies and guidelines is crucial. These rules are not solely about restrictions but help create a safer experience for all users.

So, by aligning your content with TikTok’s principles, you can focus on creating memorable videos that everyone can enjoy.