TikTok Policy Library
Plain-English summaries of TikTok policies. What they mean, why accounts get flagged, and how to stay compliant.
Last reviewed: 2026-01-09 — TikTok policies change frequently. Always verify with official sources.
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Content Violations & Account Strikes
How TikTok enforces community guidelines through warnings, temporary restrictions, and permanent bans
TikTok uses a strike system for violations. Minor infractions may receive warnings, while severe or repeated violations can result in feature restrictions, shadow bans, or permanent account termination. Strikes typically expire after 90 days of good behavior.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Repeated violations of community guidelines
- Severe first-time violations (hate speech, dangerous acts)
- Bypassing previous restrictions
- Coordinated inauthentic behavior
Do This Instead
- Review content against guidelines before posting
- Address violation notices promptly
- Appeal if you believe the decision was incorrect
- Maintain a clean content history
TikTok Shop Prohibited Products
Products that cannot be sold on TikTok Shop under any circumstances
TikTok Shop maintains a strict list of products that cannot be sold. This includes weapons, drugs, tobacco, adult content, counterfeit goods, and many others. Listing prohibited products results in immediate removal and potential account termination.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Listing weapons, drugs, or tobacco products
- Selling counterfeit or replica items
- Offering adult content or services
- Listing live animals or human remains
Do This Instead
- Review the full prohibited list before listing products
- When in doubt, contact TikTok Seller Support
- Remove any borderline products proactively
- Focus on clearly permitted product categories
TikTok Shop Restricted Products
Products that require additional verification, documentation, or age-gating to sell
Some products can be sold but require extra steps. This includes items requiring FDA documentation, age-restricted products, and items needing safety certifications. Ensure you have all required documentation before listing.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Missing required certifications or approvals
- Selling age-restricted items without proper gating
- Lacking required safety documentation
- Making claims that reclassify products (cosmetic to drug)
Do This Instead
- Prepare all required documentation before listing
- Use TikTok's age-restriction features when required
- Keep certifications current and accessible
- Understand which category your product falls into
Misleading Claims Policy
False or deceptive claims about products, services, or results
TikTok removes content that contains false or misleading claims. This includes deceptive product demonstrations, unsubstantiated claims about results, and manipulative marketing tactics. Always be honest and use qualified language.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Guaranteeing specific outcomes or results
- Fake before/after demonstrations
- False price comparisons or 'best deal' claims
- Exaggerated product capabilities
Do This Instead
- Use qualified language ('may help', 'designed to')
- Show realistic product demonstrations
- Only make claims you can substantiate
- Include appropriate disclaimers
Medical & Health Claims
Health, medical, and therapeutic claims about products
Products making medical claims are regulated as drugs and require FDA approval. Cosmetics cannot claim to treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Focus on how products look and feel, not therapeutic outcomes.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Claiming products cure, treat, or prevent diseases
- Offering medical advice without credentials
- Making drug claims for cosmetic products
- Promoting unproven health remedies
Do This Instead
- Stick to cosmetic benefits (appearance, texture, feel)
- Add 'not medical advice' disclaimers
- Encourage viewers to consult healthcare providers
- Reference ingredients' known properties, not cures
Minor Safety & Protection
Protecting minors from inappropriate content and targeting
TikTok has strict policies protecting minors. Age-restricted products must use proper gating. Content featuring minors in commercial contexts requires guardian consent. Never market restricted products in ways appealing to young audiences.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Marketing age-restricted products with youth-appealing content
- Using minors in commercial content without proper consent
- Targeting minors for products inappropriate for their age
- Content that could endanger minor welfare
Do This Instead
- Use TikTok's age-restriction features appropriately
- Ensure content style doesn't appeal primarily to minors
- Get documented guardian consent for any minor appearances
- Follow COPPA and local child protection regulations
Spam & Traffic Manipulation
Artificial engagement, spam behavior, and platform manipulation
TikTok penalizes attempts to artificially boost engagement or manipulate the platform. This includes engagement bait, fake reviews, bot activity, and coordinated campaigns. Focus on authentic engagement and quality content.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Engagement bait ('like for part 2')
- Fake reviews or incentivized feedback without disclosure
- Bot usage or automated engagement
- Coordinated inauthentic campaigns
Do This Instead
- Create genuinely engaging content
- Earn engagement through quality, not manipulation
- Disclose any incentivized reviews or content
- Use only TikTok-approved tools and features
Off-Platform Redirects
Attempts to redirect TikTok traffic to external platforms
TikTok Shop sellers should keep transactions within the platform. Attempting to redirect buyers to external websites or contact methods violates seller policies and can result in algorithmic suppression or account penalties.
Why Accounts Get Flagged
- Directing users to external websites for purchases
- 'Link in bio' calls to action in commerce content
- Sharing external contact information for sales
- Bypassing TikTok Shop for transactions
Do This Instead
- Complete all transactions through TikTok Shop
- Use TikTok's native commerce features
- Build your TikTok Shop presence
- Keep the customer journey within TikTok
Strike System Overview
How Strikes Work
First minor violation - content removed, no penalty
First strike - limited features for 24-48 hours
Second strike - extended restrictions (up to 7 days)
Third strike - longer restrictions or permanent ban review
Severe violations may result in immediate permanent ban
Appeal Process
- 1
Review the violation notice carefully
- 2
Gather evidence supporting your case
- 3
Submit appeal through the TikTok app or Seller Center
- 4
Wait for review (typically 24-48 hours)
- 5
If denied, you may have one additional appeal
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