How to avoid racking up video violations.

🎯 TikTok’s account enforcement system is getting an upgrade

TikTok’s creating a more sophisticated hierarchy for offenses and process for tracking repeat offenders. They recently found that their restrictions disproportionately affected creators who were unknowingly violating the guidelines, while NOT deterring the repeat offenders.

So now, if you violate their Community Standards, you’ll be given a threshold of strikes that are determined by the severity of the violations. (They’re also going to give you access to see where your account stands). Strikes will expire off the account after 90 days.

What this means for you: We can’t say this enough, but as a creator, it’s important for you to re-read (or read for the first time) TikTok’s Community Guidelines. You’ll be surprised to see how often they’re updated. You must create content around these guidelines if you want to play in this sandbox. It’s no different than any other network having guidelines as to the types of content they stream.

Further- We often hear other social media gurus recommend stealing viral videos and reposting them to your account as a way to drive followers (it’s great content, so yeah, it works). However, this is a direct violation of all platforms T&C’s. So even if you’re obeying the rules around bullying, your account can (and will) be banned if you repeatedly violate what you think to be an innocuous way to hack profile growth.

So the big takeaway? Create your own content that can be seen by all-ages.

For creators who spend time learning and following TikTok’s Community Guidelines, this is great news. TikTok is going to be dropping a new feature that shares why videos are ineligible for the For You Page, why, and how you can appeal. We’re anticipating this new feature will allow rule-abiding content creators to win more of their violation appeals and build a stronger relationship of trust with the platform.

🎥 What's Trending

 
Proof that you don’t need an elaborate storyline to go viral, this video of a frozen Tesla in Texas is so cool, it’s lighting the internet on fire. With over 83 million views in under 6 days, here are the highlights.

The video opens on our TikToker distressed, banging on the side of his completely frozen car. There is no introduction or explanation- we're dropped straight into the action.

A couple unique things about this set up: he’s using his watch to try and crack the ice… on his Tesla, while dressed in a high-end suit. This fulfills the need for a pattern interrupt. Plus, the juxtaposition of someone literally out of their element trying to problem solve is entertaining. Will it work? Will his watch break? It keeps us watching, maximizing watch time.

This creator also leveraged the buzz and interest on social media about the severe Texas weather to gain additional traction.

Your takeaway: If you can make videos that speak to a current event, while staying in the integrity of your brand, you’re more likely to gain traction quickly. But regardless of the news cycle or the weather in your area, you can always use unique pairings to create pattern interrupts and grab your viewer’s attention.