​Dyno Growth​

Nov 15th

14 Reasons Behind TikTok Traffic Restrictions (2023)

↓
​

In the dynamic world of TikTok, maintaining visibility is as crucial as creating engaging content. However, sometimes our clients encounter traffic restrictions, also known as a "shadow ban", where their content does not reach its potential audience as expected. What's more, some of your videos may get millions of views while the next might only receive hundreds, leaving you feeling completely helpless.

Identifying and resolving these restrictions is key to sustaining an active and growing presence on the platform.

---

Spotting the Shadow Ban:

• TikTok sends you a clear message that you’ve overstepped. If that happens, it’s time to pull that content — fast.
• Ghost town on your view counter? If it’s stuck at zero and staying there, chances are you’re on TikTok’s quiet list.
• If your content is playing to a near-empty room (we’re talking under 100 views) and your analytics show the FYP (For You Page) traffic is less than 5%, you’re probably facing traffic restrictions.

But remember, if your FYP traffic’s still strong but views are low, it might just be a content quality issue.

---

Possible Causes of Traffic Restrictions:

​

1. Content Compliance: Steering Clear of Policy Violations

TikTok has rules to follow. Stray into the territory of violence, explicit material, or political messaging, and you’ll face a showdown with TikTok’s policy enforcers. Even a simple QR code could have you wanted for violations. Your best move? Get cozy with TikTok’s Community Guidelines to keep your content on the straight and narrow.

​

2. Account Multiplicity: The Rule of Three

TikTok’s okay with you playing multiple characters, but don’t cast an entire troupe. More than three accounts from a single phone and you’re veering into “it’s complicated” territory. To keep your reputation as the lead character, stick to a trio of accounts max.

​

3. IP Address Overcrowding: Avoiding the Crowd

Just like a crowded elevator, too many accounts from one IP can raise a red flag for spam. TikTok’s on the lookout for quality, not quantity. Keep your account circle exclusive to avoid unwanted scrutiny.

​

4. Data Center IPs: Stay Residential

If your IP address screams data center rather than a cozy home, TikTok’s alarms might go off. They’re scouting for genuine user vibes, not automated bot energy.

​

5. Proxies and VPNs: Keep It Real

Shielding your IP with proxies or VPNs? TikTok might mistake that for a disguise. If you’re masking your location, you could inadvertently be masquerading as a marketer, and that’s a no-go for genuine content circulation.

​

6. Originality Is Key: Authenticity Wins

The secret sauce to TikTok success? Originality. Serve up something fresh, not just reheated leftovers from other creators. TikTok’s palate is refined - they’ll know if you’re just dishing out someone else’s content.

​

7. Quality Control: Crisp and Clear Content

Blurry, low-res videos are like foggy glasses - no one can see the goodness. Keep your content sharp and high quality, and free from the branding of other platforms.

​

8. Branding and Trademarks: Respect the Signs

Flashing brand logos that aren’t yours is like crashing a private party. If you don’t have the invite (read: authorization), you’re better off not showing up in TikTok’s feed at all.

​

9. Human Touch: Act Like a Real Person

TikTok’s all about human connections. If your behavior is more robot than real talk - like spamming similar videos and ghosting on engagement - TikTok will notice. Show some life; it’s a party.

​

10. Content Consistency: Stick to Your Niche

Abruptly changing your content theme is like switching channels mid-movie. Viewers (and TikTok) might not stick around. Stay true to your niche category to keep your audience tuned in.

​

11. Marketing Moderation: Don’t Overdo the Promo

Hard-selling or herding your followers to other platforms? That’ll get you the cold shoulder from TikTok. They want to keep the party on their turf, so ease up on the cross-platform shoutouts.

​

12. Video Deletion: Don’t Mass-Drop Your Content

Suddenly dropping videos like hot potatoes? That’s a red alert for TikTok’s risk control. If you’re not feeling a video anymore, just switch it to private. No need for dramatic exits.

​

13. Publishing Pace: Don’t Rush the Stage

Uploading too many videos too quickly? Hit the brakes. Keep it cool with no more than 10 videos a day. It’s about quality beats, not just quantity.

​

14. Understanding Natural Throttling

If your follower count spiked and now you’re feeling the pinch, TikTok might just be nudging you towards better content. It’s not forever - just a creative intermission. Keep crafting quality, and you’ll be back in the spotlight soon enough.

---

Navigating Through Traffic Restrictions:

​

1. Trim the Excess: Remove Low-Performing Videos

If your TikTok’s FYP (For You Page) isn’t showing your content any love, it’s time for some spring cleaning. Videos that barely make a ripple in terms of FYP traffic can drag down your account’s overall performance. Weed out the underperformers to stop them from casting a shadow on your future posts.

​

2. Craft Content That Stands Out

The key to TikTok success? Original, quality content. Put time into creating videos that are authentic and engaging, and that resonate with your audience. Remember, what you post is the face of your brand on TikTok, so make it count.

​

3. Patience is a Virtue: Wait Out the Restrictions

So you've posted something fresh and still, crickets. Don't rush to conclusions or make hasty changes. TikTok might have your account in a holding pattern. Take a step back and give it a month. Sometimes, restrictions are like a temporary fog - they clear up on their own, revealing blue skies.

​

4. Assess and Adapt: Consider a Fresh Start

When a month has passed and your TikTok view count is still flatlining, it's a sign of a deeper issue - perhaps a permanent restriction. In this case, it might be time to charter a new course and create a new account. If you're seeing some views but they're not from the FYP, it could mean your account's ranking has taken a hit. A fresh start can sometimes be the best strategy to get back in the game.

---

Encountering traffic restrictions can be a daunting hurdle in your content commerce voyage. It is essential to undertake a thorough self-assessment using the guidelines provided in this article. If you're struggling to overcome these hurdles and rejuvenate your content's reach, we're here to extend a helping hand.

​

---