A subtle restriction of reach on the TikTok platform, sometimes referred to as ghost banning, limits the visibility of a user’s content without directly notifying them. Videos impacted by this alleged practice receive significantly fewer views, likes, and comments than usual, and may not appear on the “For You” page of other users, hindering organic growth and engagement. For example, a creator who typically receives thousands of views might suddenly see their videos plateau at a few hundred, leading to suspicion of reduced visibility.
The potential impact of this alleged algorithmic action is considerable for content creators who rely on the platform for income or brand building. Reduced visibility translates directly into fewer opportunities for monetization and audience growth. Historically, similar techniques have been used on other social media platforms as a method of content moderation or to address violations of community guidelines without resorting to outright account suspensions. This alleged method allows platforms to address content concerns while potentially avoiding the public relations fallout associated with more overt banning procedures.
