The moderation process on TikTok is designed to protect users, by removing and placing limitations on both harmful content and the accounts that post such content.
Moderators respond to user reports and complaints as well as their own searches, identifying videos that violate community guidelines and that are deemed unsuitable or unsafe.
The appeals process is available to users whose accounts or videos are penalised by these moderators, and who want to revoke the blocks set on their account. Typically, an appeal will be submitted by an account holder or user who feels their account has been unfairly blocked or penalised.
But how long does it take to hear back after an appeal has been submitted?
Understanding the Appeals Process
If a video has been flagged as harmful or unsuitable, it will be removed, and the account will accrue a strike. Strikes are removed after 90 days – however, the impact on the account during this period can vary from a complete block to a cap on activity and posting ability. In the most serious cases, accounts can be blocked completely or removed from the system.
The reason behind this report will be given to the user in their notifications.
If they don’t agree, they can appeal.
This can be easily done by tapping ‘Appeal’ in the top corner of the moderation notification – submitting your reasons why the removal of your video or penalisation of your account is unfair and unjust.
A member of the TikTok moderation team will then review the appeal and let you know of the outcome. A successful appeal will restore the content and remove any penalties on your account.
This process, from the submission of an appeal through to the result of the moderator review can take anywhere from one to three days to a couple of weeks. The timescale generally depends on the complexity of the situation and how many reports have been received relating to the video, as well as demand at the time.
We hope this helps a little! And while you’re waiting for the results of your appeal, our advice is to reduce your use of the platform and be sure that any video you create or comment that you leave falls firmly within the guidelines and rules laid out by TikTok. There is no point adding fuel to the fire!
