How to remove TikTok strikes

TikTok is the best platform to grow your audience. But growth comes with responsibility.

To keep your TikTok Account safe, you need to understand TikTok’s Community Guidelines and how strikes work. A strike can restrict features or even lead to a permanent ban.

What TikTok Strikes Are

A TikTok strike is like a warning or penalty on your account. It happens when TikTok says you violate their Community Guidelines.

When you get a strike, TikTok may remove your video or stop you from using certain features, like posting or going live. If you keep getting strikes, TikTok can even ban your whole account.

In short, a strike is TikTok’s way of saying, “This content is not allowed—don’t do it again.”

Violations include:

• Explicit Content: pornographic content, nudity, or sexual acts.

• Child exploitation: any content that promotes or depicts abuse.

• Self-harm content: posts about suicide or encouraging self-harm.

• Dangerous actions: unsafe stunts, accidents, or violent scenes.

• Distorted content: spreading false or misleading posts that may cause public panic.

• Spam activities: spamming links, comments, or messages.

• Fake accounts: impersonation or accounts designed to trick users.

• Online attacks: bullying, harassment, or threats.

TikTok also gives strikes for copyright or trademark violations. Using music, clips, or images without permission may trigger a Community Guidelines Violation.

How to Check for Strikes

TikTok notifies you whenever content breaks the rules. You’ll see these notices in Inbox → System notifications → Account updates.

You can also check violations using the Account Check tool:

• 1. Go to your profile.

• 2. Tap the menu (☰).

• 3. Select Settings & privacy.

• 4. Open Support → Safety Center → Account Check.

Here you’ll see:

• If your account has restrictions,

• If the content was removed, or

• If your TikTok Account is close to a permanent ban.

Sometimes, content isn’t deleted but is made “Not eligible for recommendation.” Many call this a shadow ban.

It isn’t an official strike, but it limits growth and often causes a noticeable drop in audience engagement.

Do TikTok Strikes Go Away?

Yes. Strikes expire after 90 days of good behavior. Once they expire, they no longer count toward a permanent ban.

But severe violations such as child exploitation, violent sexual acts, or posts that promote real-world violence skip the strike system.

In these cases, TikTok issues an outright ban or a permanent ban immediately.

How Many Strikes Lead to a Ban?

TikTok doesn’t publish an official number, but many users report facing permanent bans after three to five strikes within a short period.

The exact threshold may vary depending on the type and severity of violations.

How to Remove TikTok Strikes

Deleting a post does not erase a strike. TikTok still counts the violation.

The only ways to remove strikes are by filing an appeal or waiting 90 days for them to expire.

A. Appeal Request in the App

When TikTok removes a post, you’ll see a notice. Open it and tap Submit an appeal.

You can also go to the removed post, tap the Community Guidelines violation message, and then tap Appeal request.

If TikTok agrees, the content is restored and the strike is removed.

B. Appeal via Email

If the in-app option is unavailable, send an Appeal via Email. TikTok provides email contacts for reference, including:

• [email protected]

• [email protected]

In your email, explain why the violation is incorrect and attach proof such as original files or licenses.

C. Copyright or Trademark Strikes

For intellectual property issues, you can ask the site owner to retract their report. If they do, TikTok removes the strike

You may also file a counter report in the app by tapping "Submit Report" in the notification.

How Long Appeals Take

TikTok typically reviews appeals within a few hours to a few days. Response times vary, so check your notifications and email frequently.

If Appeals Fail:

If TikTok denies your appeal, the strike will remain until it expires after 90 days.

In rare cases, you can escalate by contacting TikTok again at [email protected]. Otherwise, the violation must simply age out.

How to Write an Appeal

When you send an appeal, keep your message clear and professional. TikTok staff review thousands of cases daily, so you must make your case simple to understand.

Steps to write an appeal:

• 1. State the issue clearly: Mention the strike or removal notice and include the date.

• 2. Explain why it is a mistake: For example, if the video was educational, artistic, or used licensed content, make that clear.

• 3. Provide proof: Add screenshots, licenses, or any evidence that supports your claim.

• 4. Be polite: Avoid anger or insults. Respectful language increases the chance of approval.

• 5. Include contacts for reference: If you used copyrighted material with permission, share the site owner or email contacts that confirm your rights.

A simple structure is:

• Introduction: “I am appealing the strike on my video dated…”

• Explanation: “The video does not break TikTok’s Community Guidelines because…”

• Evidence: “Attached are licenses / screenshots…”

• Closing: “Thank you for reviewing my request.”

Types of TikTok Bans and Recovery

TikTok applies different bans depending on the violation and the type of restriction applied:

• Temporary bans: Usually last 24 to 48 hours. These happen after repeated rule breaks, such as violating TikTok livestream rules.

• Shadow ban: Content no longer appears in the For You feed, leading to a sudden drop in audience engagement.

• Outright ban: A severe rule break can block your account instantly. Examples include child exploitation or violent sexual acts.

• Permanent ban: This happens if your account reaches the strike threshold or commits major violations. You cannot use the account unless your appeal succeeds.

Regional Differences

TikTok rules can change according to regional laws and norms.

In the EU, if your appeal fails, you may use special dispute services under the Digital Services Act.

In the US, copyright strikes can be removed with a counter-notice under the DMCA.

In Germany, Turkey, and Indonesia, stricter local laws mean faster removals and less time to appeal.

How to Prevent Future Strikes

The best way to avoid strikes is to follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines. TikTok updates its content policies often, so review them regularly.

• Post only original or licensed content.

• Avoid risky categories: explicit content, child exploitation, self-harm content, dangerous actions, and distorted content that may cause public panic.

• Don’t engage in spam activities, run fake accounts, or launch online attacks.

• Keep your TikTok Account secure with TikTok’s security service. Turn on two-step verification and use other security solutions to protect your account from misuse.

Conclusion

TikTok strikes matter. They can restrict your account, limit visibility, or impose a permanent ban.

The safest way forward is to follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines and respect content policies. By doing so, you protect your TikTok Account and keep building safely within the TikTok community.