Livestreaming on TikTok is one of the most effective ways to engage audiences, boost brand awareness and increase revenue. However, to ensure a safe and appropriate streaming environment, TikTok enforces a strict Tiktok livestream policy. To help you navigate TikTok’s evolving regulations, Ecomobi has compiled the latest livestream policies, common mistakes to avoid, and essential tips to maintain a successful channel.
TikTok Livestream eligibility requirements
To qualify for livestreaming on TikTok, users must meet the following requirements:
- Age requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to go live. Only users 18+ can receive virtual gifts.
- Follower count: Your account needs at least 1,000 followers to be eligible for live streaming. However, if you don’t have enough followers, you can still participate in livestreaming with 3 ways to go live on TikTok without 1000 followers.
- TikTok recommends that an account be active for at least 30 days before going live.
Note: If your account has previously violated TikTok’s Community Guidelines, it may be restricted or banned from livestreaming.
[Update] TikTok Livestream Policy: Avoiding Bans
TikTok enforces strict guidelines to ensure that livestream content remains safe and appropriate for viewers. To sustain a long-term presence on the platform, creators must adhere to these policies and avoid violations that could lead to bans.
TikTok permanently revokes livestreaming privileges for accounts that engage in the following activities:
- Sharing sensitive or explicit content: Wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing, performing suggestive actions, touching sensitive areas of the body during a livestream, or discussing adult content can result in a ban. Additionally, wearing clothing with logos from major brands such as Chanel, Gucci, or Louis Vuitton is discouraged, as TikTok Livestream Policy may interpret this as unauthorized product promotion.
- Displaying or encouraging violence: TikTok has a zero-tolerance policy for violent content. Any livestream featuring blood, dismembered animal parts (unless for culinary purposes), or animal cruelty will be immediately flagged and penalized.
- Using or promoting prohibited items: Content that includes drugs, weapons, or other harmful substances is strictly prohibited. Even playing songs with lyrics referencing these items can lead to a ban.
- Replaying livestream content: TikTok has implemented stringent copyright and brand protection policies. Any attempt to re-upload or replay previous livestreams – whether one’s own or another creator’s – poses a significant risk of account suspension. Additionally, accounts found guilty of such violations may lose their ability to withdraw TikTok’s affiliate commission.
- Using offensive or discriminatory language: Any speech that insults, demeans, or attacks individuals or organizations can lead to immediate action from TikTok livestream policy. The platform prioritizes community safety and will not tolerate any form of hate speech or harassment.
- Featuring underage individuals: TikTok’s child protection policies prohibit children under the age of 16 from appearing alone in livestreams. Content that violates this rule will be removed, and the account may face restrictions or bans.
Some violations of TikTok Livestream policy
Directing traffic outside the platform
TikTok strongly focuses on “user retention” – which is evident not only in the TikTok algorithm that constantly suggests videos matching user insights but also in how strictly the platform treats any behavior directing users outside the platform – meaning mentioning other platforms or communication channels. Specifically:
- Personal contact information such as phone numbers, addresses (including mentions of province names, cities, etc.).
- QR codes or website links.
- Links to other e-commerce platforms or social networks like Instagram, Viber, Shopee, Lazada,…
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Interaction requirements
To provide the best experience for users, TikTok prohibits static content (meaning just turning on a livestream without any interaction between the streamer and viewers). Initially, static livestreaming was used to extend livestream duration – one of the ways to get more views on TikTok livestreams. But now, TikTok has tightened regulations to ensure content quality.
Therefore, to avoid violating this TikTok livestream policy, streamers need to:
- Maintain regular interaction with viewers
- Appear live to introduce products/services
- Avoid using slideshows or static images for extended periods
- Not leave the screen in a static state with no activity.
Failing to maintain content consistency
Livestream content must:
- Focus on the declared topic, product, or service
- Ensure relevance between promotional content and actual products
- Avoid going off-topic or switching to promoting unrelated products
Example of violation: A livestream promoting women’s fashion that focuses instead on introducing electronic accessories.
Prohibited words when livestream on TikTok Shop
To avoid being flagged and banned by TikTok, you need to avoid using the following words:
- Words implying absolute guarantees: “permanent,” “100% effective”, “100% authentic”,…
- Provocative, violent, discriminatory words
- Misleading words
- Names of other platforms and brands: Avoid mentioning names of other social media platforms or e-commerce sites like Facebook, Zalo, Shopee, Lazada, Instagram, Amazon. Don’t mention names of major brands like Nike, Dior, Zara, Adidas, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc. (and must hide logos). Exception: unless you are an official distributor and have permission from them
- Sensitive words: “sexy,” “seductive,” “revealing,” “provocative”
- Finance-related words: “investment,” “loans,” “quick money-making”.
By following the TikTok livestream policy, creators can maximize their reach, maintain compliance, and foster a positive community experience.
TikTok Livestream penalties for policy violations
When TikTok detects a violation during a livestream, the platform applies different penalties depending on the severity of the infraction:
Warnings
If the violation is minor, TikTok may restrict the visibility of your livestream or temporarily disable the comment section. A sudden drop in viewership is often a sign that your stream is being limited. In this case, you should continue livestreaming while ensuring that you do not repeat the same mistakes to prevent further restrictions.
Temporary Livestream suspension
For more serious violations, TikTok may suspend your ability to livestream without prior notice. Depending on the severity, the ban can last between 24 – 48 hours or even extend to 7 – 30 days. However, if you believe the suspension was issued by mistake, you can submit an appeal following TikTok’s Community Guidelines Violation Removal Process to have the penalty reviewed.
Feature limitations
Repeated violations may result in TikTok restricting your account’s interactions, reducing the reach of your livestreams, and making it harder for viewers to find your content.
Permanent account deletion
For severe violations of TikTok livestream policy – such as highly sensitive content, fraudulent activities, or copyright infringement – or repeated infractions, the platform may permanently delete your account without warning.
TikTok’s new warning system is designed to handle cases of repeat offenses. Under the new mechanism, if a user posts content that violates TikTok’s Community Guidelines, the content will be removed, and the account will receive a warning. If an account accumulates a certain number of violations, the user may face a permanent ban.
How to Appeal a TikTok livestream ban
Depending on the severity of the violation, TikTok Shop enforces different levels of penalties:
- Temporary ban: 7 – 30 days
- Permanent ban: For serious cases (as mentioned above)
>>>> Creators can check if their account has received any warnings within the last 90 days. This information is available in the “Account Status” section within the app’s Safety Center.
Appealing a Violation via Mobile
- Step 1: Open TikTok and navigate to “Profile.”
- Step 2: Tap on “Shopping Cart” → “Enter” to access TikTok Shop Management.
- Step 3: Tap on the three-line menu at the top → Select “Account Reputation” → Choose the violation you wish to appeal from TikTok’s list.
- Step 4: Review the details of the violation and TikTok’s recommendations → Select “Appeal” to submit a request.
Appealing a TikTok Livestream Policy Violation via Desktop
- Go to shop.tiktok.com/streamer/welcome and navigate to “Account Reputation” to check detailed violation information, similar to the mobile platform. Then, submit your appeal request.
- Additionally, you can contact TikTok’s support team directly: Visit TikTok Support → Click “Report a Problem” and follow the platform’s guided steps to report your issue.
Important notes:
- Provide detailed reasons for your appeal and attach any supporting documents to help TikTok process your request faster.
- Processing time depends on the volume of requests and TikTok’s internal review procedures.
- To avoid account bans, users should strictly follow TikTok’s community guidelines
TikTok Livestream is a powerful tool for brand visibility and revenue generation. However, content creators must be cautious and comply with TikTok livestream policy to avoid penalties. Stay updated with the latest affiliate marketing insights by following Ecomobi Blog. Ecomobi is your trusted partner on the journey to increasing income through affiliate marketing!
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